5 Quotes from the RWA Get Fresh Conference 2015

with Marilyn Forsyth


It’s just over a month since the RWA ‘Get Fresh’ Conference, and would you believe it, I’m still digesting all the wonderful advice from so many fantastic speakers. I’m sure everyone who attended would have had their light bulb moments. Here are mine: five quotes (some paraphrased) that struck a chord with me.


‘Romance writers are makers of reader delight.’ C. S. Pacat.

Image courtesy of Giphy

What a lovely way to put it, C. S. (and great speech, by the way). The topic of ‘Love’ has been inspiring writers since…well, forever! And there’s a reason why Romance is the leading genre in fiction sales: its readers know the comfort and pure joy that a happy ending can bring. We owe it to our readers to write heart-warming, empowering stories with strong heroines whose self-worth is enriched by falling in love with the right man. Long live love!



‘Every secondary character thinks they’re the lead in their own story.’ Rachel Bailey.
 

Stereotypes are fine for cartoons but not for novels.

Thank you, Rachel, for such an important reminder. By ensuring all our characters are well-rounded, we create truly believable stories; stories readers will become invested in because they’re about ‘real’ people—people as genuine as their own friends and family, with the same motivations, the same flaws and the same desires. I have a tendency to let my secondary characters either fade into the background (usually because they’re not firmly fixed in my mind) or go on to steal a starring role (because they’re non-stereotypical and completely fascinating, dammit!). Achieving a balance with those secondary characters has just become my current aim in my wip.


‘If you must write, put writing first.’ Patricia McLinn.
 

My heatmap: Day one

Oh, Patricia, how right you are. So many distractions to stop us from writing! Day jobs, social media, family commitments, must-not-miss television series, the Internet, that spare room you’ve been meaning to declutter since Nanna disappeared in there last week, and on it goes. The thing is, all those distractions do need to be dealt with (especially finding Nan :)).

Once again I believe it’s a matter of balance. I have a family and an everyday life to be lived, but my writing time must also be sacrosanct. According to my Productivity Heatmap (see below for a link), I’m an afternoon person, so writing between 12 - 4 pm will leave my mornings free to do all the other real-world stuff. I’ll let you know how I go.







‘Find your true audience. Connect and engage through conversations, by asking questions, by contributing ideas, by sharing content i.e. provide entertainment and only promote occasionally.’ Angela Ackerman.

Angela went on to give some fabulous suggestions on how to find readers, which I will definitely be following up on. What I liked about this quote was the importance Angela placed on making a genuine connection with potential readers, rather than being just a ‘buy my book’ author. Great advice from a hugely successful author.


‘You’ll go home tomorrow and collapse like roadkill.’ Mary Jo Putney.

 
I’m including this because it made me laugh (and it was true). Love ya, Mary Jo!

 

So, what were your light bulb moments from the Conference? I’d love to hear what you learned.
 
Love to Love Sue Brockhoff, Annabel Blay and Kate James of Harlequin Mira for making me feel so welcome.

Love to Laugh at photos of animals caught by surprise. For more click on this link.








Love to Learn how to be more productive. Go to www.productiveflourishing.com click on ‘free planners’ and you’ll find a Productive Heatmap. Basically, over a week or so, you colour-code your productivity from hour to hour. Supposedly it helps you find your best time to write. (Hope it works!)

10 Reasons Why I Love the RWA Conference

with Enisa Haines


Are you counting down the days to the National Conference? Get fresh RWA Melbourne 2015 kicks off this Friday.

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.

You will:

1. 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.
2. 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

3. 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
4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.
7. 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.
   
   
8. 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
9. 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)
10. 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.