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RWA Nationals 2001

by Cybil Solyn

There's nothing like the Big Easy to make romance authors flock to RWA's National Conference. This year was a smaller venue than the last few years, and was sold out months in advance, and the hotel was full months before that!

Nils and I drove out to the conference this year, and after 32 hours on the road we were more then happy to see nirvana :) After picking up my registration packet I made my way to the goodie room. It was nothing like last year in D.C, but I still managed to get enough books to fill my cars trunk! The most exciting find was a new author to me – Josie Litton. Expect to see reviews of her books on Rakehell, because she is a genius.

I know I always say that the days meld into one another, but it's true. With a week of seminars, luncheons, meetings, events, activities, and parties it's hard to keep the days straight. The lunches were some of the worst meals I have ever had to suffer through, but the speakers more then made up for it!

Sue Grafton was by far my favorite key note. She had all of us busting a gut while describing her road to a successful career as a writer. Her average morning is spent staring at a blank screen while finding an obsessive need to organize the pens and pencils, neither of which she really uses, in her drawers. The rest of the day is spent watching her screensaver, or trying to find new ones online! She also spoke about future planning. All jokes aside she is a firm believer in creating a goal list and working to achieve those goals. She swears that's what got her where she is today.

Of course I have saved the best for last *drum roll* THE LITERACY signing!! There is nothing, and I mean NOTHING like a bunch of women running around like mad in a room full of signing authors. The most exciting moment for me was finally meeting Mary Jo Putney. I have been a huge fan for ages, and we have exchanged the odd email, but this was the first time I got to shake her hand.