By
Linda Lovely
 |
| Danielle Dahl and me at Booksmith signing. |
How does an author who writes romantic suspense and
mysteries stay motivated? For me, writers’ conferences and other events that let
me spend time with and learn from fellow authors, publishers, agents, editors,
law enforcement experts and, yes, readers are a big factor. Today I’m taking an
enjoyable look back at the 2014 conferences and author events that kept me inspired
and were plain old fun. Some are annual
musts—Georgia RWA’s Moonlight & Magnolias conference in Atlanta, the Writers’
Police Academy (moving to a new Wisconsin home in 2015), and a book signing at
The Booksmith, my local independent bookstore in Seneca, SC.
I add other conferences/events as budget and geography
allow. For example, in 2015, I’ll attend my first Bouchercon. It’s in Raleigh,
NC, the first time this huge conference will be held in driving distance.
For authors making up their 2015 wish lists, here’s what I
enjoyed most about the 2014 conferences/events I attended.
February: Murder
in the Magic City & Murder on the Menu This is an Alabama double-header.
Authors spend one day in Birmingham, the next in Wetumpka. I drove down with several author friends and
we had a grand time. The hosts treat every author like he/she is a NYT
best-seller. It’s a great chance to meet and talk with readers as well as fellow
authors. I offered a character name as an auction item to raise money for the
library and I’ve had great fun getting to know the winner—Deborah Holt.
May: SC Book
Festival Here’s another opportunity to chat with readers about what characters/
plots/ writing styles they enjoy most and what would make them recommend a book
to others. Had lots of fun working the Lowcountry Romance Writers Association
booth with fellow romance author Synithia Williams.
June: Sisters in
Crime Des Moines I grew up in
Iowa and returned last June for a family celebration—my sister and brother-in-law’s
50th wedding anniversary. While in state, I was delighted to be
asked to speak at a local Sisters in Crime chapter in Des Moines. A very fun
and savvy group of writers.
August: Lowcountry
RWA In August, I spoke to this chapter about audiobooks. A fun
opportunity to spend time with some of my favorite regional authors in one of
the South’s premiere cities—Charleston, SC.
September: Writers
Police Academy This was my third year at WPA. And, yes, you could go
every single year and keep learning every visit. This year I served as
Volunteer Staff. As a result, I learned a lot of new skills, including how to
register some 250 people for two different events via Constant Contact. As
always, Lee Lofland, WPA founder, cajoled an amazing number of experts to help
writers separate myth from reality and have hands-on experience in a variety of
situations going through some of the same training as police officers. I also
met Jeannette Barouth, who was attending from Germany. We bonded over German
chocolate and she’s going to translate DEAR KILLER into German for me in 2015.
October: Moonlight
& Magnolias This is a great conference. Small enough that you’re not
overwhelmed, large enough to attract top-notch speakers and publishing
professionals. If you live in the South and write in any genre that includes a
dash of romance, this is my number one recommendation for a conference.
October: SCWW
Conference This year’s conference at Myrtle Beach, SC, gave me the
opportunity to get to know and pick the brains of two fellow audiobook panelists—Karen
White and Elliott Walsh, both talented narrators. Audiobooks are hot, and I’m
proud to say all four of my published novels are now available as audiobooks. K.C. Cowan has been my narrator for all of
them and what a joy she is to work with.
November: Booksmith Book Launch Let’s hear it
for independent bookstores! The Booksmith has
been kind enough to host each of
my book launches. They advertise, provide goodies, and hand sell my books. If
you’re an author, do yourself a favor and get to know your local bookstores and
their staff. But don’t just show up when you have a book to sell. Be a
customer!
Believe me I'm signing up for more inspiration in 2015. So what must conferences/events are on your schedule?
4 comments:
Linda, what a fun year! I love the name "Moonlight & Magnolias" but living in the Northwest, attending would be more of a budget issue.
My 'go to' conferences are Desert Dreams sponsored by the RWA Desert Rose #60 chapter held in April on even number years and the annual Emerald City Writers Conference sponsored by the RWA Greater Seattle chapter held in October.
Locally Willamette Writers hosts an annual conference in August. I've been twice. I've also attended Write on the River, a small conference held in Wenatchee, WA.
I've participated in four book signings this year. Of course my very first one was special for just that reason.
And, I totally agree about supporting local indie bookstores. We've several great ones here. And, because of the content of my books, I'm marketing to the metaphysical books stores that also sell books. I've no problem being a customer there!
I knew you'd had a busy year, but you were even busier than I thought! :)
Happy new year,
Judith--The West Coast conferences sound great. Maybe we can do a swap some year... Robin--You're busier than me. Don't know how you do it. Hope 2015 is a great year for authors--and readers.
I didn't realize how much you were traveling this year! I hope you enjoy your conferences in 2015 - see you at Bouchercon!
Post a Comment