I had a great time at Romance Writers of America’s annual conference. This year it was held in Anaheim, California. So many women (and a few men) all gathered together to celebrate and learn the craft of writing romance. But like most conferences, it wasn’t without controversy and disagreements. Check out these blogs and discussions that get Tracey’s Seal of Approval:
Speeches, Events & Overheard at RWA: This is a great overview of some of RWA- Stephanie Laurens’ address at the convention, the change in the RITA categories and the bon mots heard in passing.
In Which RWA Is Breaking Up With Me: More discussion about the change in RITA categories, this time from New York Times Bestselling author Deanna Raybourn.
Series Saturday: At RWA Nationals: Interviews with series authors about their favorite “cute meet.”
I love reading good blogs. Which ones are you reading?
And stop by throughout the week to see more about my trip to RWA’s National Conference!
I found your blog from #MyWANA on twitter (and responded back to you there). I missed out on nationals since I just joined RWA a few months ago, but I’d like to go next year in Atlanta. I’m mixed on the RITA categories only because I write YA “with romantic elements” (which I think is more inherent in YA because of the identity issues and coming-of-age elements specifically known in YA) and I see chapters eventually following suit with elminating that.
Hey Steph-
It was my first nationals and it was a LOT to take in. I plan to go to Atlanta next year, so maybe I’ll see you there. The blogosphere is on fire with the RITA issue and I don’t think the debate will end anytime soon. Some chapter contests may follow suit, but some may see it as an opportunity to provide authors who write stories WRE an opportunity for feedback.
I learned a lot about the politics and business side of things during my trip to nationals. We spend so much time at home writing our story and concerning ourselves with getting an agent and getting published. But there is a whole other arena where decisions are being made that affect what we are trying to do.
Atlanta 2013! See you both there. I had so much fun hanging out with you, Tracey. I really had no idea there was hubbub about the RITA’s. Probably because I’m such a RWA newbie (just joined in June). I totally agree that RWA was a LOT to take in, but it was awesome and amazing on so many levels. It’s one conference I will go to every year.
I want to be there in 2013, but I got to say, I’m feeling a little bit like Steph. My current work is YA with romance elements. I recently started on something new and although the romance is getting introduced much quicker, I just don’t know. The definition of a romance piece is that the focus of the arc must be on the relationship, everything else being secondary. I don’t know that’s my style. I’m probably a better fit at SCBWI. I plan on finding out. What with RWA’s changes and all.
I’m hearing a lot of people saying the same thing you are. I hope RWA will address these concerns or at least explain why they feel these changes are necessary.