When I heard via my writing loops that Romance Writers of America’s national conference would be in Orlando this year, I was thrilled. With the conference hotel just a 45 minute drive from my home, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to network with fellow writers and editors and agents, attend workshops and in-depth publisher spotlights, and soak in the wonderful creative vibe that goes along with every writing conference I’ve ever attended.
Last week—July 28-31–I plunged into the hectic but exciting atmosphere of the conference, and came home with lots of great up-to-date information about the industry and fun memories, including breakfast with Goofy and Donald Duck! And, of course, there were lots and lots of free books.
Before I delve further into the delicious excitement of free books (what writer doesn’t love free books?), I have to say, one of the highlights of my conference was having dinner with the Jaunty Quills authors. I will never forget those yummy crab nachos from Todd English’s BlueZoo that Cindy Kirk and I shared! My one regret is that the JQ’s and I didn’t have more time to chat, because they’re all amazing, talented women and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the JQ community. I have resolved to add at least one book by my JQ friends to my current TBR pile. To start.
Which brings me back to books. In terms of my own novels, I discussed my current projects with my agent, Michelle Grajkowski of 3 Seas Literary Agency, and strategized where to focus my writing time. I took part in the 500-author book signing on Wednesday, July 28, that raised over $55,000 for literacy and was delighted that so many friends stopped by to say hello or bought my Knight’s Series books. I eagerly snatched up the free Nora Roberts books on
my chair at the Thursday luncheon, and the titles by Jayne Ann Krenz at Friday’s lunch. Added to the free books that came in my conference registration bag, I was already on my way to days of great reading.
I started a book box in my hotel room, to hold my growing stash of novels. By the time I left, it was full, plus I’d got hold of a second box of novels left by a conference attendee who couldn’t take them all home. I have yet to go through and pick out the ones that I will slip to the top of my to-be-read (TBR) pile, the ones I’ll reserve for later, and the ones I know my friends would love to get their hands on, and will thus set aside for them.
It’s tough, to decide what goes on the top of my TBR pile. Do I read a book by a New York Times best-selling author, who is obviously brilliant and still has a strong career ahead? Or do I read a novel by an author who is new to me, but whose writing is highly marketable right now, so much so, her publisher is actively promoting her work and helping to build her future career? What a difficult choice.
What’s on the top of your TBR pile? What makes you decide what book should go on the top of the pile? Lea
ve a comment, and one winner will receive a book from my backlist. Winner chooses the book!
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Speaking of books, my latest medieval, A Knight’s Persuasion, Book 4 of my Knight’s Series, is still available. If you’d like to read an excerpt from this novel, or learn more about my previous books in this series, please visit my website.