I just got back from the RWA Conference. This year was more social for me than anything else. I heard Linda Howard speak and…well, that was about it for workshops. I’m not saying I couldn’t benefit from a few workshops. We probably all could. But this was more about connecting with people and talking about careers.
I heard about agents and editors. I saw a bunch of new covers (love that!) and heard about new sales (love that even more!!). Hearing about other people selling fills me with glee. No idea why, but it does. I met new authors like Carrie Lofty who recently sold her first two books to the Zebra Debut program and Zoe Archer who just moved to Kensington and has a not-to-be-missed series coming out next year that has my editor so excited that I thought she might burst.
One of my favorite events is the Literacy Signing. Mostly I just love the look of the room, filled with authors. All that talent and excitement packed into one room is an amazing thing. Love seeing all of those stacks of books. Love being in the presence of all those great authors I read. I still can’t believe I get to be in the room. Here’s a photo of the room as the doors opened to let the crowds pour in:
Then there are the readers. They are just the best part of the Conference. Of everything, really. I love meeting readers, other authors and people I chat with online. Thanks to all who stopped by to say hello. That is a bigger thrill than you’ll ever know. 
Sounds like you had a great time, HelenKay
One day I hope to go 
I was so sorry not to meet you at Nationals. During the Lit signing I was volunteering for cash and it was non-stop (nothing like people throwing books and money at you – but hey we raised over $58k I think). I never got back into the room to get my own books. The the rest of conference was a blur.
looks like a lot of fun,
For me it would mostly be social as well. It’s not that I don’t think I could learn anything from workshops, it’s just that most of writing isn’t a mystical secret. There are scads of writing books and articles out there, as well as some really great websites and blogs offering tips. Unless the workshop was really amazing and given by someone so motivational it made me want to pee my pants, I’d rather spend my time with friends.
I want to attend one! I’m glad you had such a good time.
Sounds like a terrific time, HelenKay! I’m so disappointed to have missed the signing! Maybe next time!
I’ve heard so many great things about the conference. So jealous I missed the book signing – but I think I’d freak out with all the lines and people. [I'm also very impatient] lol.
Sounds like you had a great time.
I would love to attend the signing some day.
One of these years I am hoping to make it to the signing. It sounds like you had a blast!
Everything I’ve heard about the conference really makes me sad that I wasn’t there. It would have been awesome to be in that room with all those authors.
It was a really great time, and I loved the Literacy signing. It was so great seeing you again, HelenKay. I posted some pics at my blog from the event.