2012

RWA 2012

I can’t believe we’re quickly approaching the date for the national Romance Writer’s of America conference. This year it’s held in Anaheim, California at the Anaheim Marriott and there will be approximated 3,000 romance writers. I’m not participating in the actual conference but I will be there to network and meet up with old friends, my agent, and editors. Call it a much needed vacation, if you will. I’ve attended almost every year since I’ve joined the RWA, but this time around I’m going to be writing while everyone is participating in workshops. I’m also there to represent Romance Divas and hopefully pick up useful info for our site since our new re-branding efforts earlier this year.

I can’t believe it’s been almost 4 years since I moved away from Los Angeles! It doesn’t feel like I’ve been gone that long and yet it has been. I’ve missed out on so much…I would love to return to the entertainment industry and hopefully in the near future I can. There’s amazing energy there and plenty of sites to see. My favorite would be the wide variety of cuisines and, believe me, I’m looking forward to visiting my favorite restaurants.

One of the reasons I love attending conferences is that there’s a feeling of camaraderie among writers, a bond so strong that it re-energizes you. I always leave more inspired and ready to push forward. There are so many beautiful and talented women there who are willing to share their stories, give advice and support, and are enthusiastic about forging friendships with you. These authors/writers pull you in and make you feel that you’re not alone…that this difficult journey is a path that is led by one hand holding another through the course of your career. I can honestly say every writer’s journey is different and the ones who achieve success truly work hard for it. Some have written for over a decade, some have written for a handful of years but it doesn’t mean they’ve had it easy.

I started my writing career in 2006 and although most of my works were picked up by small press and electronic publishers, I’m very proud of my accomplishments. It’s been a great learning experience and now that I’m in between releases, I’m spending that time to focus on stories of my heart. Ones that I can indie pub and feel good about. Have total control over. There’s a lot of wonderful women who have influenced me and have shown how powerful it is to be in control. Gemma Halliday has been a huge inspiration and her knowledge and insight really helped me see this direction as something wonderful. My friend Sylvia Day has also proven that hard work, perseverance, and confidence will get you the recognition you deserve. Gosh, I can name at least a dozen New York authors and friends who have fared extremely well in the indie/self pub market and yet they can still balance it with their NY publishing careers. That’s where I’d like to see myself some day.

I realize that interracial/multicultural romance is slowly creeping into the spotlight…but it’s just not there yet because the rejections are coming in hard and fast. Yet, because I feel strongly that there is a need for this kind of diversity in books, I’ll continue to write these stories. Stories that touch readers regardless of ethnicity. Well, if the editors aren’t ready for it…I will most definitely put it out on my own and test the waters. It will only force me to be more diligent about writing for myself and for the editors. Win-win, right?

Well, in a little over 24 hours I’ll be boarding the plane and I hope to be able to share my experience at this year’s event. Hope you tune in!

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