I arrived back from the RNA conference last night shattered, happy but most of all inspired to write.
My editor slot went well, the phrases "yes, this could work for Modern Heat" and "you have a strong voice" combining to make me a very happy bunny indeed.
I have my own personal holy grail (an editor's business card) tucked safely away in a secret compartment in my handbag and an invitation to attach it to my partial and submit direct to her :-)
I've learnt loads about craft from the seminars (Jessica Hart, the Mills and Boon one and Jodi Thomas in particular) and am positively itching to put what I've learnt into practice. I also picked up lots of gems while queuing for coffee! It was lovely to be able to talk writing all weekend without anyone's eyes glazing over and such a privilege to chat to so many experienced authors who were willing to talk to a newbie nobody.
Unfortunately the weekend has wiped me out health wise but it was so worth it. Scratching the itch might have to wait until I've recovered but my lovely new 'speech to text' software has just arrived so I'm hoping it's going to make the whole process much easier.
If you've never been to the RNA conference (and are a NWS member) I'd say it's worth selling your grandmother to get to it. Apparently next year will be quite big as it's an anniversary and it will be in London which means they're hoping to get a lot of editors and agents along on the Friday. It's going to be popular and there are going to be quite a few big name authors coming so the advice I was given was book early.
All I can say is be there or be a sad bunny.
P.S. if you didn't attend and would like detailed feedback on some of the seminars I found most useful (mostly specific to M&B targeting but some more general) leave your email address in the comments section and I'll send you something I've written up to try and consolidate it for myself.
14 comments:
Lorraine - thanks so much for sharing your experience with those of us who couldn't make it. I'd love to hear anything else you learned at the conference. My email address is romy @ sommer.co.za.
Next year's one sounds so exciting. I will definitely be there and I'm already counting the days until I can meet some of the wonderful people I've already gotten to know on-line (yourself included).
The thought of spending an entire week-end with people whose eyes don't glaze over is my idea of heaven!
I'd love feedback on the seminars.
ch_janet @ hotmail. com (without the spaces)
Hey Lorraine
So glad you had a blast and yay on the editor's card. I'm so sad to be missing this year's Aussie conf. One day I might even make it to the RNA one since my best friend and lots of family are in the UK, so I could swing it, maybe!!
Anyway... would LOVE your notes.. Pink.Ink077@gmail.com
Cheers :)
It was fabby to meet you and I'm so proud of you and your stellar business card! Hope you get fully rested soon. jx
Sounds great, Lorraine. SEriously jealous here. Ah well, the NZ one is coming up so I'm looking forward to that, even though I won't be pitching this time.
Romy, Janet (?) & Rach - I've just emailed them to you so if there's nothing in your inbox let me know! Hope to see some of you next year (will have to work on enticing Jackie back to England :-)
Judy - It was lovely to meet a blog friend in the real world for the first but hopefully not the last time :-)
Jackie - how lovely to be past the formal pitching bit! Now you can enjoy the conference without sitting in dark corners mumbling your story arc to yourself as practice ;-)
Hey Lorraine, great feedback from the editor! Good for you!
Maybe I will meet you there next year (on call all weekend for the day job this year- mutter mutter mutter)
Jane aka Mulberry
Congrats on the fabulous feedback I dub you Pitching Queen :) I'm sure you're protecting that card with your life :) I would love to have a sneaky peak at your notes my address: laceydevlin@hotmail.com
Can't wait to hear when you submit - so excited!
Hello Jane/Mulberry/Waiting for the Call ;-) Ooh yes, you must come next year. Just think of all those editor and agent slots waiting to be taken up!
Thanks Lacey, I don't think I deserve the title 'Pitching Queen' given I rattled through my story changes without pausing to breathe! I'll email over the notes :-)
Fab news about the feedback and the business card. What gold dust! Would love to have been at the conference. Next year definitely!
Good on ya Lorraine!
Yay you - fab news.
XX
Hi Lorraine
Great to hear your conference went well. A bit ashamed to admit I've yet to get to the RNA conference, so it's also good to know it'll be in London next year. So I will have absolutely no excuse.
See you there.
Thanks Heidi, your feedback really helped me to prepare for my slot.
And thanks Lucy, Sally & Suzanne.
I hope to see you ALL there next year :-)
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