Romance Writers of America Conference - San Francisco, Part III

Here's the final installment to the fabulous RWA conference.

Saturday

I was supposed to have dinner with a writer who won breakfast with me. Unfortunately a time wasn't set and I couldn't reach her in time after rousing myself much later than I planned (after the hellified Harlequin party).

Anyway, I still went down for breakfast, but instead, ate with Marcia King-Gamble, a fellow Kimani author. We caught up on our lives and careers. She's a great person and I'm hoping to entice her to volunteer on the national level in the published author network.

Then it was off to attend the Theft of Creative Property, a workshop panel with Nora Roberts. Plaigerism and copyright theft were the topics. It was very informative and Nora issued a challenge to our writing community and organization, as a whole, to make the environment uncomfortable for those who plaigerize and, in effect, create a deterrent for those who may think to do so.

At this point, I'd given up on ever seeing San Francisco beyond the few blocks of the hotel. I was incredibly busy every day and didn't plan to stay over to do sightseeing.

Instead I attended the Integrated Marketing, which talked about the ways to brand your name and style. This was informative, but I still think that it has to suit the style of the author. Otherwise, you could go broke or get overwhelmed by all the things you need to do to keep your name out there. And Shannon Aviles, a publicist, who was conducting the workshop is not for the beer-budget.

Now, I was in a panic because I didn't have anything to wear for the RITA awards (RWA's peer judged annual contest). I knew this before I arrived, but I figured that I'd have time to go shopping. HAH! So off I went to Macy's. I found two pieces that were my style. I originally wanted something glittery for the evening. But instead, I got this caftan-looking top that looked Asian Indian/Middle Eastern-ish and regular slacks. But I wore silver shoes and with the big jewelry that I borrowed from a friend, it sparked up the outfit for the evening. More importantly I was comfortable for the lengthy seated time.

After Macy's I raced back for the President's Tea, which is a small reception the RWA President hosts for special guests. I met several past presidents, including Shirley Hailstock - who was the one encouraging me to get on the board, initially. I also met Rita Gallagher who is the daughter of one of the co-founders of RWA. Rita Gallagher is also the inspiration for the name of the RITA award.

With no time to spare, I raced off to my room to change for the award show, but first, I had to attend Nora Robert's reception in her suite. This is an annual reception that she hosts for her friends and local chapter members. I get an invite because I'm on the outer circle of her friends - LOL and I was a local chapter member, and I'm currently on the board, so I get an automatic invite. Nice to shore up all avenues to make sure I'm on THE list - LOL.

Finally the last event for the night occurred where we celebrate the finalists and winners of the published and unpublished authors. Suzanne Brockmann did a a great job as mistress of ceremonies. We also celebrated the lifetime achievement award, which went to Vicki Lewis Thompson. Desserts followed the ceremony. I quite happily helped myself to mini-eclairs, tiny lemon meringue tarts, and fruit.

And with not much energy to spare, I finished saying my good-byes to the board and staff in the president's suite that night. Plus I still had to pack - Acck!

Sunday

After getting to bed around 1 a.m., I was up at 3:00 a.m. to catch the shuttle to Oakland airport. My flight was at 6 a.m. I was so happy to be home (arrived at 6 p.m. after a delay in Dallas). I had no more energy left for San Francisco. After a week, I wanted to be in my own bed. Luckily I sent the kids to Atlanta for two weeks, so I could recuperate more gently.

Next year - Washington, D.C.