Are you counting down the days to the National Conference? Get fresh RWA Melbourne 2015 kicks off this Friday.
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| Image: courtesy of romanceaustralia.wordpress.com |
It's a weekend of learning and sharing and mingling and cheering. An experience I'll relish. Why? I'll give you 10 reasons.
- Meet other writers. From sign-in to the last goodbye you'll be surrounded by hundreds of writers gathered together, including internationally acclaimed authors Anne Gracie and Jane Porter, USA Today best-selling author Patricia McLinn and New York Times best-selling author Mary Jo Putney. Say hello. Engage in conversation. Writers are very friendly and supportive of each other.
- Attend the Cocktail Party. A break-the-ice, fun-filled way to mingle with fellow writers and editors and agents.
Image: courtesy of cassandrasamuels.blogspot.com.au - Meet industry professionals. Not sure who to submit your manuscript to? Hear attending editors and literary agents talk about the genres their publishing houses and agencies seek and what they expect of authors.
Image: courtesy of www.caldreaminconf.org - Be informed about other sub-genres. Are you uncertain about the genre to write for? Perhaps you write historicals but fantasy interests you. A genre-specific workshop may help you decide.
Image: courtesy of darlagdenton.com - Learn more about the craft of writing. Character. Plot. Dialogue. Narrative. There are workshops aplenty focused on these aspects and others. If the workshop times clash, consult with friends and share notes, or split your attendance between each workshop.
Image: courtesy of parmitadubey.com - Learn about the practical aspects and new technology. You're not sure how to format your manuscript or query an agent or editor? You've had your first book published but are unaware of what you can claim as tax deductions? Which online course, writers' program or digital publishing house to choose? The information is there.
- Be energised and inspired. Hear how the speakers pushed through obstacles to reach their goal of publication and be encouraged to persevere with your author dream.
- Pitch your story to an editor or agent. Talking about your story in a 5-minute face-to-face interaction is nerve-racking but a conference pitch appointment is a great way of getting the attention of an editor or agent.
Image:courtesy of loveismurder.net - Attend the Australian Romance Readers Book-Signing Event. An opportunity to meet authors and leave with your arms filled with autographed books. An avid reader's dream.
Image: courtesy of australianromancereaders.wordpress.com
The epic book-signing event (Photo credit TM Clark) - Attend the Gala Awards Dinner. It's RWA Awards night. The moment RWA celebrates the competition wins of aspiring authors and the success of those published. Feel the nervous anticipation and excitement. Immerse yourself in the joy! Experience the finale acknowledging the year's feats by aspiring and published authors. An awesome event first introduced by Anne Gracie and now an awe-inspiring tradition not to be missed.
Are you attending this year's conference? What do you see as benefits?
I love to love - the camaraderie among conference attendees.
I love to laugh - at the Facebook personality quizzes and the answers I get.
I love to learn - about all things romance-writing related.
Good morning, everyone. I'm looking forward to this year's conference. So many choices in workshops. Great opportunities with the pitches. Simply, a terrific event.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy! Unfortunately, I can't get there this year (first time in 13 years!!!). :(
DeleteThat's quite a record, Kylie! And such a pity you can't make it this year. Melbourne is my 5th conference and I've always learned such a lot at each one (as well as enjoying the socialising :) ). Maybe next year?
DeleteHi Kylie. Sorry to hear you can't make this year's conference. Can I ask when your next book is out? It's on my wish list.
DeleteHi Kylie. Sorry to hear you can't make this year's conference. Can I ask when your next book is out? It's on my wish list.
DeleteHi Enisa. I'm super excited to be going to conference this year. I love the sense of family associated with RWAust. I love meeting up with my writer friends I only get to see at this time of year. I love to cheer on my fellow writers at the awards night. I guess I love everything about it. Good luck to all those who are pitching this year.
ReplyDeleteHi Cassandra. Family is the right word. The RWA confwrence is writer sisters and brothers getting together for one big yarn. I love it each time.
DeleteOops. Really should watch as I type.
DeleteHi Enisa! I love EVERYTHING about the RWAus conference! From experiencing the camaraderie between like-minded people to learning valuable info from the workshop sessions, from the excitement of the Awards dinner to the fun of the ARRA book-signing event. And who wouldn't want to pitch to one of the fab agents/editors with the possibility of being published as an end result? It's all wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the 'Fresh, Fun and Flirty' team will continue the excellence. Can't wait for Friday!
Hi Marilyn. You're spot on with what's to love about the conference. We will have a grwat time.
DeleteAnd again. Too quick typing fingers.
DeleteHi Enisa, I'm so excited to go to the conference (it's my first one). x
ReplyDeleteOh. In the midst of all thing romance writing you are going to have a terrific time. And newbies are always welcomed enthusiastically. I'll watch out for you.
DeleteYay - see you there!
DeleteI enjoy all of the above, but no-one's mentioned how lovely it is to enjoy a weekend of luxury while you conference... The hotel and the food is always to die for. (I know that's shallow but hey...) Besides that, I love getting together with friends - and yes, like Cassie I do consider them part of my extended family. BRING IT ON!
ReplyDeleteHi Malvina. Yes, the conference does let you experience that sense of luxury and decadence. Remember the Langham pillows? And the food is great. We are overindulged. :)
ReplyDeleteI wanted to steal those pillows!!! Wish I had bought one now.
DeleteMe too Kylie. It's not often the humble writer gets to stay in such luxury. Hope you can come to Adelaide next year Kylie.
DeleteMaybe we can convince the conference committee to hold the next Melbiurne conference at the Langham again. :)
DeleteMaybe we can convince the conference committee to hold the next Melbiurne conference at the Langham again. :)
DeleteHi Enisa, I think the best thing about RWA conferences is how friendly and supportive everyone is towards one another. You come away feeling affirmed and encouraged to continue to pursue your writing career.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Sharon! My bags are packed and I'm ready to fly out tomorrow for a weekend of learning and socialising with the many people I've met through RWA over the years.
DeleteHi Sharon. I'm in total agreement there. Writers are a friendly group. Especially romance writers. I love attending the conferences for both the learning part and catching up with everyone I know.
DeleteHi Sharon. I'm in total agreement there. Writers are a friendly group. Especially romance writers. I love attending the conferences for both the learning part and catching up with everyone I know.
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