Romance Slam Jam Convention - 2023

 

I am hyped about attending my first writer's conference in years. Even though this three-day event will be held virtually, I can barely wait for the party to start. 

Romance Slam Jam (RSJ) is a readers and writers event promoting diversity in romance books. The first conference was held in 1995, in response to publishing gatekeepers who used to claim, "People won't buy black romance." Over the years, RSJ has helped demolish many barriers in the Romance Book industry. The conference, and now convention, is designed to provide networking opportunities, education, and support for African American romance writers and readers. Black romance, interracial romance, and LGBTQ+ romance are all part of the convention's focus.

Attending RSJ in the past has always felt like going to a family reunion. Both published and aspiring authors, as well as those who are 100% readers participate. The convention especially welcomes bloggers and reviewers who love romance books and want to meet authors, get free books, and a chance to win book related prizes (including a kindle). All are welcome to join in disussions on discussions on diversity in books, regardless of race and/or role in the publishing industry.

Me with authors KD King and 
Beverly Jenkins at RSJ 2018

In the past, RSJ was held in a variety of cities, including Chicago, Illinois, Dallas, Texas, Los Angeles, California, New Orleans, Louisiana, St. Louis, Missouri, and Detroit, Michigan. Unfortunatly, Covid impacted this event as it did so many others. But now RSJ is back as a virtual event, and I am ready. Entertainment included city and museum tours, dances, and even a dinner - mystery theater night. I have to admit being at home will not match that. 

I am so looking forward to networking with passionate readers, and with other authors who write diverse books. I'm especially looking forward to the pajama party event. The night's schedule includes "cliffhangers," readings from stories that are designed to leave us on the edge of our virtual chairs.  My fingers are crossed that we will achieve some of the energy that the in-person events always produced. 

I have already marked the schedule with the sessions I want to attend and hope to learn from. There is always room for more information on marketing.  The other sessions I am hyped about include workshops on comedy writing, pitcing, deep POV, cultural diversity and LGBTQIA+ romance books. I'm even looking forward to one called "Novel Writing Basics."  It sounds like something for beginners, but every writing workshop I have ever attended has taught me something I could use to improve my own craft.  

There will also be meetings and discussions with publisher representatives from BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS and HARLEQUIN, along with scheduled pitch sessions with several agents and editors.

I admit, three days of Zoom sound a bit overwhelming. But the chance to talk and listen, to discover diverse authors new to me, and talk with readers from across the country, leave me eager to get started.

Bring it on!

PS - I get a box of books sent to me as part of the convention! 

Conventions, Yes or No?

I'd like to thank Judith and Sarah for asking me to guest post today about fan conventions . In recent years conventions have become popular due to the emergence of people wanting to spend time with others of like minds. Writers are great examples of these types of people. Writing is a solitary experience so we like to get together to chit-chat and share our experiences. Fans are much the same way wanting to share their stories. There are lots of great things about conventions and a few drawbacks.

The organization that the runs any convention is practically always the same, with committees who run everything, to the volunteers and presenters who bring in the attendees. It takes everyone to make a good convention. Each and every convention is filled with workshops galore on topics of interest to almost every fan or writer and activities from balls to concerts.

Writing conferences tend to have workshops on the craft of writing, the publishing industry and promotion. Fan convention workshops include classes on a wide variety of topics, from costume making to writing in that genre. We writers like to party and have fun just like everyone else with Karaoke, costume parties on weekends close to Halloween, and going out to dinner together. Fan conventions tend to put on concerts, balls and various other sorts of fun parties.

Now the question that burns in most peoples mind. Why do you go to a convention? I'm sure everyone will have a different answer, but for me, there are a number of reasons why I attend a convention. Number one on my list of qualities is the cost. All cons cost, but how much is key to anyone on a budget. Cons can be priced anywhere from forty dollars for the weekend up to over five hundred for a week.

The second thing I look at is the location of the con. GearCon is located locally for me here in Portland as was OryCon. SteamCon is located up in Seattle, WA. For SteamCon I'd have to figure in not only the cost of the convention itself, but travel, hotel, and meals, and the cost of anything I wanted to actually buy while there. These costs can add up quickly. The same could be said of writing conferences. Most writers choose specific cons depending on their budgets.

The third thing I consider is what topics are covered in the workshops and activities. Are there workshops I'd be willing to pay the price of the convention for and travel to go to? For instance, at OryCon there was a workshop on Medieval Tunic Making, which included not only the pattern but how to measure, cut and sew to create your own tunic. There was also a panel on writing a series, which is where I am headed. At GearCon there were costuming workshops, and even for a novice hand sewer they were informative and great place to ask questions.



Then I combine all of those criteria and ask myself if the convention would be worth my money and my time. Can I afford a whole week/weekend or just a day? If I choose a day, which has the most workshops and activities that I'm interested in? When I can tell myself that it is legitimately worth the time and money, I go ahead. I enjoy and return recharged and excited to continue on my fun-loving writing journey.



Are there any question I can answer about Conventions? Any extra thoughts?