This past weekend I immersed myself in the world of writing. All day long, from six in the morning until nine at night.
“How could you do that?” my husband asked. Easy, easy, easy. When you gather together a group of determined authors and head to Vancouver for the ‘Write On, Vancouver’ conference, hosted by the Greater Vancouver Chapter of the RWA - there are lots of opportunities to share opinions about books and the complexities of writing fiction.
A merry little group we were: Rachel Goldsworthy (Women’s Fiction) Reggi Allder (Romantic Suspense) Marjorie Lindsey (Romance) and myself (dancing in the YA world). On the way home, Alice Valdal (Historical Romance) joined our enthusiastic dinner. We were a very happy bunch, as we’d chosen to ‘upgrade’ to the buffet. Always a fine idea.
It was hard to notice the world class scenery outside the windows of the ferry, as we crossed from Vancouver Island to the mainland. Why? Because we are passionate about our work and this was an outstanding chance to share opinions and learn from each other.
Why bother with a conference? you may ask. And many folks do. However, in order to make an effort to understand even a small segment of the publishing business, one has to stay informed. Going to a conference enables me to share in the writing journey of others. I hope to learn from their tips and strategies.
In other professions, there is always a learning curve. One can’t expect to improve one’s writing without putting forth effort. Sometimes that means launching oneself into a writing conference.
Having the opportunity to speak with editors is always a bonus. They are the recipients of all of our hard work. It was a pleasure to speak with Johanna Raisanen, Editor Harlequin/Silhouette and Martin Biro, Acquiring Editorial Assistant, Kensington Publishing.
I enjoyed listening to Laura Resnick’s Keynote address, following her journey to publication, which was certainly a bumpy ride. I read her candid nonfiction book, Rejection, Romance, and Royalities: The Wacky World of a Working Writer the day after the conference . Her tale certainly made me appreciate how fortunate I was to be regularly paid in my previous career.
All in all – a fine day. It was delightful to share time with like-minded people. People who can spend the entire day listening to, talking about and exchanging ideas about writing. Thank you G.V.C.
How did the day unfold for you?
Jodie – great blog!
I, too, went to the conference and had a fun, fulfilling and learning experience. I guess that’s all we can ask for when we get together with a bunch of our peers who are extra-special like the GVC girls.
Already marked my calendar for next year’s “do”.
I enjoyed the trip and conference, both of which were ‘upgraded’ by the great company,(and the ferry buffet). It’s always an effort to get up at 4:30 am to get to Vancouver in time, but it’s always worth it. Looking forward to seeing Michael Hauge in 2011. Same time next year ladies?
So well put, Jodie! Had a fabulous time, and have been re-visiting my notes periodically ever since, and get the buzz once again. Fantastic day, and thank you for echo-ing (spelling? am I a writer or what?) how many of us likely felt.
Loved this!
Lisa
(ps. gotta love that buffet)
It sounds fabulous! I’m glad you all had such a wonderful time!
The ferry buffet might have been an upgrade over the cafeteria, but it was the company that really made the whole day an upgrade.
Hanging out with writers is always fun – there’s so much laughter – and it’s invariably intense, too. All that passion and intelligence focused over one dinner table or conference table or car console.
Same time next year.