by Kathryn Jane
Have you ever attended the RWA National Conference?
I’ve been twice, RWA2014, and RWA2016, but I won’t be there this year because, well, reality. Between airfare, accommodation, and conference registration it would cost this Canadian about three grand, and that’s almost three month’s rent!
But as we slip into July, and the buzz has begun, I find myself thinking about my “best” conference moments.
It’s an incredible feeling to be in the same room as the authors you’ve been reading for years. Authors who have moved you to tears, made your heart swell with happiness, or perhaps inspired you.
I am grateful:
For laughter with Sam, AJ, Beverly, Stephanie, and Debi.
For time spent with Loreth and Toni.
For finally meeting my Sisterhood of Suspense peeps in person.
For the first ever meeting of the Seasoned Romance group.
For the incredible fangirl moments when I nearly brushed elbows with Roxanne St Claire, Kristan Higgins, and Jill Shalvis.
For the privilege of sitting in a room jammed to the roof with fans listening to Nora Roberts speak candidly about writing–a gracious, and down to earth woman, with a voice I could listen to all day.
I absolutely love that she breaks the rules of writing, and does it so perfectly we don’t notice or care. I reread The Bride Quartet, and The Chesapeake Bay trilogy (plus one), at least once a year.
And I’m addicted to her JD Robb In Death series. It’s 45 books long now, and yep, I reread it at least once a year because I absolutely love Eve Dallas and Roarke, and all the other characters.
So what about you? What are you grateful for?
Are you going to Nationals?
Who are your favorite authors? Who would you like to meet? Listen to?
Do you reread books? Series? Which ones?
Award winning author, Kathryn Jane writes the popular Intrepid Women Series. Novels filled with mystery, suspense, adventure, psychic abilities, and romance. Think MacGyver, Criminal Minds, and James Bond…with a dash of I Love Lucy.
Kat loves crisp sunny days, the warm breath of a horse, cats with a sense of humor, the smell of the ocean, and her very own charming prince—in no particular order. http://kathrynjane.com
Soul destroying questions and equally 
stunning answers have Dusty digging deeper than she ever thought possible, and when she discovers her Self, in an entirely foreign landscape, she begins anew, more determined than ever to achieve her lifelong dream.
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Reblogged this on Mystery and Romance and commented:
Here’s my post over at the Sisterhood of Suspense Blog
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I loved all those moments, too, KJ! So sad you won’t make this year.
Hugs!
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Such a special time, isn’t it? I hope to make it next year though, so see you then!
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Well, you explained why I won’t be there this year although I wish I could. Loved having you as a roommate last year. Many great moments! – Sam
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It was great! I’m aiming for Denver2018… I’m guessing you might be at that one too!
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I wish all of you could be there this year. I do go every year and learn so much and meet many great writers. At last year’s conference, we all bonded and chatted every time we saw each other. I truly treasure that. And l got to hang with Stephanie!!!
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I loved meeting you last year! Now when we talk online, I not only see the profile picture of a friend, but also feel your positive energy!
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I’d love to have the experience of going to a conference-even if I am the queen of introverts! lol.
Authors I’d die to meet: Suzanne Brockmann, Iris Johansen, Karen Rose, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and of course, Nora Roberts!
One day I might win the lottery, you never know 🙂
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Oh, I remember going on an Iris Johansen binge when I lived in Princeton, and put in requests at the library for every single book… LOL They were part of the Okanogan Regional group so books were shipped in from far and wide!
My friend, if I win the lotto, you and I will both attend and do it in style, with lovely rooms to retreat to and replenish our introvert energy!
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lol, you’re on!
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Reblogged this on Jeannie Hall Suspense.
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Thanks, Jeannie 😀
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Hey, Kathryn. Love this post. I have been to two RWAs. The first in Dallas when I’d just joined RWA and didn’t even have a local chapter yet. Then to Orlando (the time before this most recent one.) Great experiences. I’ll have to think about Denver in 2018. Would love to see many of you I only know and love on-line. My will-remember-forever author experience was meeting Allison Brennan the first time, and being absolutely speechless. (Which I’m never.) LOL Thanks for making me remember that time. I’ve shared.
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Thanks, Marsha!
I had an Allison Brennan moment too! I was selling raffle tickets at the KOD Death by Chocolate event, and I was all cheery as she approached, and gave her the “would you like to buy…” spiel, and then it hit me who I was talking to …. not sure if I got any more words out until a squeaky “thank you!” when she bought a bunch! 😀
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