by Kristin Daniels
Last Friday I posted from the RWA National Convention in Washington DC and promised an update on my experience for you this week.
All I can say is Wow! What a great time I had. As a first-timer, I think I walked around half the time in a daze. There was a lot of “Holy cow, was that JR Ward I just passed standing at the concierge desk?” or “Okay, wow! Cindy Gerard and Kylie Brant are over there just chilling on one of the lobby’s sofas!” Yep, I was pretty star struck.
After the morning session and crying at Janet Evanovich’s tearful recollection of her first sale, I jumped in with both feet. Workshops galore, then back to the banquet hall for a great lunch with keynote speaker Linda Howard. I’m not sure if you all remember, but in my first interview here with Nicole, I talked about how Linda Howard inspired me to start writing romance. To actually hear her speak (and to practically roll on the ground with laughter—she is one funny lady) was something I won’t soon forget.
Besides meeting up with some longtime online buddies, new fellow authors and even a couple Fierce Romancers, I think the highlight of the week was sitting in on a two hour chat with JR Ward (The Black Dagger Brotherhood series) and Jessica Andersen (The Nightkeeper Series). It was casual, and they were so friendly. They answered every question asked without hesitation and I really got a great insight into how they work. It was inspirational to say the least.
The RITA awards the last night was a lot of fun—I love getting dressed up! Some of my favorite authors were up for awards, and a few of them even won. Had me wondering if maybe, just maybe, someday my book and picture would be up on that screen as a nominee. Really, stranger things have happened!
PS—I received some great writing news yesterday. Once the deets are ironed out, I’ll post here and let you know about it!
