by Nick Conrad
Two weekends ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Heart of the West conference, hosted by the Utah chapter of the Romance Writers of America. The conference was held high in the Rocky Mountains, and it wasn't just the thin air that took my breath away.
The members of the Utah Chapter worked hard to put that conference together, and it really seemed to pay off. There were at least sixty attendees and a number of workshops—there were discussions about suspense, conflict, dialogue, the power of emotion, and more. I gave a presentation on e-books and e-publishing, and I got lots of excellent questions and lively discussion from the audience, who seemed excited and enthusiastic about e-publishing. The three keynote speakers were authors Julia Quinn and Lynn Kurland, as well as author and RWA president Sherry Lewis. I also sat on the editor/agent panel with editor Megan McKeever from Pocket Books and agent Cori Deyoe from 3 Seas Literary Agency. We had an open Q and A session that felt more like a friendly discussion—everyone seemed rather knowledgable on the subject matter and interested in what we had to say, and I thought the information we gave on the panel was very cohesive and thorough.
I also took a number of pitch appointments, and I have to say, these authors could have been textbook examples of how to pitch perfectly. They knew their material and were professional and thorough, all while managing to keep it within the allotted ten-minute slots.
Oh, and did I mention the chocolate? There was chocolate in delicious fondue form. Use caution with these Utah romance writers. Their chocolate will suck you right in and might never let you go.
This conference and others like it illustrate a very relevant point for authors or anyone even beginning to consider writing professionally. One of an aspiring author's most important tools is a solid writers' organization. I've attended multiple conferences hosted by different RWA chapters, and I have to say, I've never seen an RWA chapter who didn't pour their hearts into the work they did together. And that work isn't always romance-specific, as evidenced by the presentations at the Put Your Heart in a Book conference. So whether you write science fiction, erotic horror, inspirational romance, children's books, political psychothrillers, or traditional Regencies, check out your local writers' groups. You'll find support and solidarity there to help you build your career, and you'll find kinship with authors who line shelves around the world as well as authors who are just starting out.
Thanks again, Utah RWA! Special thanks to Lisa MacDonald/KyAnn Waters, who initially extended the invite, and to Lesli Muir Lytle (w/a Ainsley MacQueen) for all her hard work and generous hospitality. I had an excellent time, and we hope you keep us in mind for the future.
What happens in the Cave doesn't always stay there... Conversations and news from Ellora's Cave Publishing, an erotic romance publisher.
5 comments:
I envy your ability to have attended the Utah RWA conference, Nick. I recently was talking with a fledgling writer who wanted to know the benefit in becoming an RWA member if you don't write romance. I gave her three reasons -- the networking, the mentoring and the enthusiasm for the writing craft. Romance authors are the very best on all three counts and I am proud to number myself among them.
I absolutely agree with everything you said, Nick. The Utah RWA chapter did a great job with the conference.
I thoroughly enjoyed hearing your thoughts about the industry in general, and how things work at EC in particular. And yes, the chocolate was wicked!
A big thumbs up to your comments about the support of a good writing group. When I first started out (mumble-mumble) years ago, I got into a conversation with the owner of a used book store. I told her I wanted to write, and she put me in touch with the then-president of my local RWA chapter. I was thoroughly amazed at what I found there.
Since then, I've joined several different writing groups, including Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime, and Novelists, Inc. And, obviously, I've stayed loyal to RWA for all those years. I get something different from each group I belong to, but the one thing they all provide is the benefit of being able to discuss what I do with people who get what I do and why I do it. You just can't put a price tag on that.
The Utah RWA was very pleased to have had the pleasure of your company, Nick. You lent a great deal to our discussions and our jocularity. I am very proud of how serious our writers take opportunities to pitch to professionals like yourself. (Nearly as serious as they are about having a good time.) And it is gratifying to know you noticed. And for your readers, there is always next October...
Hi Nick! This is Marie (the one who hung out with Lisa / Kyann, and the one who drove you and Cori to the restaurant). I'm glad you liked our chapter conference. It was great meeting you and talking with you. I tell everyone how awesome you are. (no, I'm not sucking up, either. heehee)
~Phyllis~ (who is really Marie)
Nick,
I'm so glad you had such a wonderful experience. I know how hard it is to put together a conference. Lesli and the rest of the committee did an excellent job. There was something for everyone, and so much information to absorb.
It was such a pleasure to meet you and spend time with you. I hope you make it to Utah again someday.
Mary
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