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.
