I’m posting late today because I’m still recovering from the Romance Writers of America conference in Orlando. (Frankly, I lost track of the days!) There was so much to enjoy about the conference, but it is always exhausting. What I like best is seeing old friends, some whom I don’t see except at the conference.
L to R, Me, Deb Marlowe, Amanda McCabe/Laurel McKee
Here I am with my anthology mates from The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor. Both Amanda and Deb were RITA finalists for their novellas in the anthology. Sadly neither one of them won but I had the pleasure of seeing our bookcover flashed twice on a huge screen. We’re in the Grand Floridian Hotel where our editors took the Harlequin Historical authors to tea.
Part of the conference experience is attending workshops. I didn’t attend very many because authors are often busy with business meetings (in my case a lovely lunch with my editor and agent) and receptions.
Chat with Nora Roberts – Every year Nora’s workshop is an informal chat, where attendees may ask whatever questions they wish. Nora freely discussed her writing process, from researching to writing to polishing, but after each comment she’d say, “But that’s my process. You do what works for you. There’s no wrong way.” I loved that!
Pantsers, Plotters, and Plotsers – this workshop talked about three differences in approaching writing a book. Claudia Dain was the “pantser,” a writer who gets an idea, thinks up some characters and just starts writing, letting the plot evolve. Sabrina Jeffries was the “plotter,” who outlines the plot and characters in detail before starting the actual writing. Deb Marlowe (my friend above) is in between, a “plotser,” like me. In fact, she quoted me, which gave me great incentive to attend the workshop.
Writing the Novel That Sells: Getting Started – This workshop promised to show tips and tricks to “get your butt in the chair” and start writing. I thought I might learn some organizational skills and tips on how to better structure my time, but what I learned is that we all struggle to sit down and write. What delighted me about this workshop were the presenters. I always love to see Jane Porter, one of the first Mills & Boon authors who made me feel welcome, but Liza Palmer and Megan Crane (who also writes for Harlequin Presents as Caitlin Crews) were a surprise, because we were all writing for Warner Books years ago and I had not seen them since.
Another highlight is the Harlequin party, held this year at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. The delight of the Harlequin Party is the sheer joy and celebration. A room full of women and a scattered few men dancing non-stop.
Front- Terri Brisbin and Deb Marlowe; Back- Michelle Styles and Michelle Willingham
And last of all is the Awards Ceremony. This year there was a banquet before the ceremony, which gave us even more time with friends. I sat with Washington Romance Writer friends and Michelle Monkou, RWA President and WRW member visited our table.
L to R, Lavinia Kent, Michelle Monkou, Kathryn Anderson, Candy Lyons
Nothing left to do but go home to kitty litter boxes and dishes, although I will say that my family held down the home front so well all I had to do was relax.
Here’s my question of the day (thinking of the Harlequin Party): When was the last time you danced?
(I’ve made the executive decision to extend my contest another week and I’ll announce the winner on Tuesday)
Diane, thank you for sharing today’s post. I’m glad you had a lovely time.
Hmmm, the last time my husband and I danced what at his cousin’s wedding 4 years ago. I used to dance with my daughter when she was a baby and toddler. But, ummmmm, sometimes, for fun, I dance on a table at school when the kids do well on a test or a hard assignment. Ha, the kids are more embarrassed than I am!
I love that you dance on the table for the kids, Deb. What a great example for them, that they should feel free enough to dance.
Oh it sounds like so much fun – all the getting together especially. And thanks for pics – it’s nice to put faces to the names.
The most memorable was at my daughter’s wedding two years ago. But we volunteer at our local American Legion and they put on holiday dances which we get out there and do a few and us women when the men won’t. St. Patrick’s Day must have been the most recent.
jeanne, it must be a special pleasure to dance at your daughter’s wedding. And I’m glad you have holiday dances to go to. What is it with men that they don’t dance?
It sounds like it was fabulous! Thanks for sharing. I only dance when no one is around, which was yesterday, in the living room.
Well, Judy, you will just have to sell to Harlequin one day and come to the party and dance with me!
Thank you for sharing your pics with us! Danced out in public… too many years ago…
Colleen,
life affords us so few opportunities to dance in public. But dancing in private is good, too!
Diane, it was so-so-so good to see you this year. Next time, we have to schedule in a breakfast or something so we have more time to catch up. On Sunday, I looked for you at Picabu but by the time I had to leave (8:15), I still hadn’t seen you.
This time, for the first time, I was brave and danced two dances at the soiree. It was so much fun!!!
One of my disappointments was not spending more time with you. We were at Picabu, but maybe not easy to see. NEXT YEAR we’ll plan ahead. A NY adventure of some sort!
It was great to see you, Diane! And you already know I danced at the Harlequin party!
I have a great photo of you dancing but I didn’t think it was fair to post it! We often don’t look our best…I’ll send it to you.
Great post and pictures!
I think the last time I danced (before the HQ party) was back in the day when my DH was performing in a band. Sadly, a long time ago.
One of the things I discovered, besides some wonderful new friends, is that I need more dance in my life!
Best wishes!
Elaine, it was such a pleasure to share the party with you. Next year you have to dance more!!!
It was so great to see you at the conference, O Divine One! But like Keira I didn’t get to spend enough time with you. The soiree was so much fun. While I didn’t dance that night I did see you and Keira dance and you were both very graceful! Perhaps I will dance next year.
I haven’t danced in public in a very long time. However, I do dance around the house when I clean because my dogs love it. The love for me to pick them up and dance with them.
Louisa,
ANOTHER regret. I barely had time to say hi to you.
The thing about any RWA function where there is dancing is that it doesn’t matter if you are good at it or not. I was a shambles at the Regency dancing!
The last time I danced in a public place? Don’t think I ever did that as an adult. I can’t really dance or am to self-conscious about it. Dancing in my living room alone is something I often do while dusting. Turn up the radio and shake my behind a bit is fun, safe & exercise (I like to believe).
Kirsten, the lovely thing about the Harlequin party is that it doesn’t matter if you can dance or not. Skill and grace are not required (or I could not be on the dance floor), just joy and abandon!
Last time I danced was last week. I had made plans to be in Nashville for the RWA conference and made reservations next door to Opryland Hotel. We all know what happened there. Unfortunately, my reservations were nonrefundable. I spent RWA in Nashville.
The resort where we stayed reopened the week prior to out reservations. They weren’t totally opened, but trying hard to please customers. The pool party was right under our balcony. My daughter, our grandson and a teen friend/babysitter were with me. We all had a great time dancing. My husband had gone back home mid-week. He wouldn’t have danced anyway.
Oh, I love that you danced in Nashville, librarypat! I really wish the conference could have been there.
I admit I have been known to burst into a spontaneous happy dance on occasion.
I dance with my little daughter, but it’s more bouncing around than actual dancing…