Rose City Romance Writers
Over the weekend I got the very fun opportunity to go up to Portland and attend the Rose City Romance Writers luncheon. It was the very first conference I have ever attended and it was awesome! I had never met any other Harlequin authors in person, and I definitely met my share at the luncheon.
I was fortunate enough to share a table with Lucy Monroe, who is absolutely one of the sweetest ladies you’ll ever meet. It was great to talk with her about some of the workings of the UK office and her take on multi book contracts and all kinds of blah blah blah! Plus, it was especially thrilling for me since her book The Rancher’s Rules was one of the books that really made me feel like *I* could write Presents. It’s a wonderful book and it’s set in Oregon, which really bolstered my confidence, feeling like a girl from this lovely state who hasn’t done very much (er…any) traveling could just might be able to write one of those glamorous, passionate books. (so thanks for that, Lucy!)
Jane Porter was the key note speaker and she’s beyond inspiring. She was walking about the importance of sharing our success with others, because that’s the only way it really means anything. I so agree with her, and it’s great to meet someone who’s been so successful and is still so accessible and humble and just easy to talk to. I can’t say enough good things about her.
Really though, everyone I met there was so sweet and willing to offer advice and I so greatly appreciated everyone really treating me like a friend.
Other wonderful authors who attended (and I’ve forgotten two people’s names who were there and were so nice and write for Super and Nocturne and I feel terrible about it…ugh. Bad with names…and sleep deprived. But please know I didn’t forget 
YOU and that I so appreciated my conversations with both of you!) were Lisa Hendrix, who is a friend of mine already and it was great to see her there, even if she was drooling all over my husband…and Delilah Marvelle who writes seriously sexy, racy Historicals, Courtney Milan who was a book and novella out with HQN and has been getting RAVE reviews around the net, Meljean Brook, who looks sweet but writes books with the word demon in the title *g*, and Jenna Bayley-Burke, who has been there for me via email, offering lots of advice and just good chatting since I got The Call.
Anyway, I had an absolute blast and thanks again to Lucy, Jane and everyone else who welcomed me so sweetly! I am so truly blessed to be a part of this industry.
Oh, and before anyone asks. I’m 5’7. I’m not THAT tall…other people are petite…and I am not. *vbg*
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You lucky girl! Sounds like a marvelous time with some fabulous authors.
I had so much fun! I’m really, really hoping I can finagle going to Nationals this year…
Looking gorgeous too, Maisey!
Oh that sounds fab. I am hoping a miracle will happen and I can get to the RNA in London this year. Basically, I need a huge financial windfall and I’m there, LOL.
You *so* should go to Nationals, it will be a blast. Also, for those of us that can’t go, you can be our on the spot reporter 🙂
Thanks, Sally! Brownie points to you! LOL.
Jo, I know. Financially it’s kinda crazy for me too. But my husband is really into it, and I’m going to apply for the scholarship and hope for the best!
Fabulous pictures! Fingers crossed for the scholarship!
Thanks! It would be really helpful.
Looks like you had a great time! I too love the purple coat. 🙂
Jackie, the purple coat is awesome, and goes with an awesome purple Guess purse my mom got on clearance for $30. The jacket is maternity. *g* bought it when I was preggo with Alani and it was freezing (literally) every day. And it still works.
LOL – I’m the same height – and constantly get told I’m tall. I’m like, urh no, you need to meet my sister who is like a freakin Amazon.
Good luck with the scholarship!
Ha! Thanks, Janette.
One of my CPs asked how tall I was (we’re online CPs) when she saw the pics and then I realized that I did look really tall, but there’s nor reference other than people who don’t quite reach 5’5. 😉
If you see me standing in a pic next to my hubby, who is over six feet, it makes all the difference.