Inspiration at the RWA Annual Conference
Last week, I attended my very first in-person writer’s conference—the Romance Writers of America Annual Conference.
When I initially heard about the conference, I imagined the event would be located in another state. I didn’t plan on going, but guess what? An author friend from New Jersey messaged me on Instagram asking if I was going to the RWA conference, since she knew I was from SoCal. I immediately logged into the RWA site and searched for event information. Discovering the conference was literally in my backyard—a quick fifteen-minute drive, I grabbed my credit card and purchased a ticket. This was my chance to meet other writers, learn, and get inspired!
I’ll be honest, I was apprehensive the first day. I exited the elevator with nausea creeping into my throat and walked down a corridor where sparkling, dancing teens cartwheeled, tumbled, and twirled in preparation for a dance competition, mimicking my nerves.
There I was, a new author, would I even belong?
When I checked-in, I was immediately greeted by wonderful author volunteers and given a name tag, then directed toward ribbons to help with networking and swag. Since my first published work is only available in e-book, I had three-dozen luscious, lemon-vanilla candles made to gift to fellow writers. Little did I know, they would be gone before the first speaker finished! (Note to self, bring more candles next time.)
During check in, I met an aspiring author who was midway through writing a YA fantasy-romance. We instantly began chatting about writing and what we were excited to learn at the conference. Then, we strolled into our very first workshop entitled, ‘Empowering Authors.’ The workshop kicked off the conference with an inspiring message: what we do is important. As romance authors, we tell stories about love, joy, connection, and acceptance, and we inspire readers. Yes, I heard my inner voice say. My goal as an author is to bring more love into the world, one book at a time.
At the conference, I met wonderful authors, including first timers, authors-yet-to-be-published, author duos, bestsellers, and even the coolest librarian. We workshopped about marketing, plot structure, pitching, contracts, and more. I was in writer heaven.
But being at the RWA conference was more than just meeting writers and workshopping. I realized that these were my people. I’ve never felt so welcomed and so at home with these women and men (yes, there were a few!).
I’m typically a bit shy, but I found myself talking and laughing, exchanging cards, and contact information, and joining writers for meals and get-togethers. We dined and discussed our current projects, if we preferred paper to digital books (paper), and our path to publishing. It was incredible talking to these women about my romcom, Falling for Lemon Snowballs, and upcoming novel, The Stars of Scotland, and getting to hear about their works in progress. There was excitement, exchange, and laughter. We were so enthralled in conversation that we missed the beginning of the last event that evening!
One of the biggest challenges as an author is that it is a solitary venture—you write alone (save for a few author duos). It’s an independent, solo journey with your carefully-crafted characters for company. I’m blessed with a few, close author friends and wonderful critique partners, but only two live locally. I craved connection.
What’s more, I did not want to leave.
But, I had to. My husband and young children were waiting for me at home. I left early the first night to put my kids to bed, and the second, my husband pushed through his own exhaustion and told me to stay and dine with author friends. Shout out to my hubby, Charles, for his support!
Still, my daughter came down with a mild cold on the third day, and I stayed home to care for her, only leaving to see the final speaker of the night once she was in bed and my husband and son were tucked in, watching cartoons.
I’m glad I attended the third night. Bangles cofounder, Susanna Hoffs, spoke about her debut novel, This Bird Has Flown. She talked about her writing journey, the path to publishing, and imposter syndrome writing her second book. It was amazing that even a famous singer, turned author, had imposter syndrome just like me and many others. After a fascinating Q&A, she asked the audience for advice. I tapped my fingers on my knees and glanced at a wonderful new author friend who smiled, eyes shining. I looked back at the speaker. It was now or never. I spoke up and suggested when she continue with book two, to be gentle with herself. “Give yourself grace,” I said. “Some days you’ll write a hundred words and other days, a thousand or five thousand words, but each word is progress.”
What I realized at this conference was that there wasn’t a rat race to be the best or most successful. Instead, there was community and a message that we can all succeed. And what’s more, we all have something to share. We can help each other grow and learn. All we have to do is listen.
I encourage you to find your people. Share your journey, struggles, accomplishments, questions, and keep going!
You ARE amazing.
