Blogging National

NO Blogging National in 2010

2009-07-25T11:26:00.004-04:00

Over the three years of doing the blog (for about a month each year), the daily visit numbers declined from thousands per day to just a few hundred. I think that's a great sign of an increasingly tech-savvy RWA membership and also of a sharply decreased demand for this blog.Enjoy Nashville. :)

Thursday, July 23

2009-07-23T07:19:00.007-04:00

CC-licensed photo via Flickr.In the spirit of romance and celebrating love, here is an AWESOME video: JK Wedding Entrance DanceVictoria Janssen: RWA National Conference 2009 Report, Part ThreeAccessRomance: Post National GlowNights of Passion: RWA NationalsTessa Dare: RWA Conference Roundup, Part 2Trish Milburn & Tricia Mills : Back From NationalWriting Away on Cedar Key: Post Washington & RWA ~

Wednesday, 22 July

2009-07-22T19:35:00.007-04:00

CC-licensed photo via Flickr.Victoria Janssen: RWA National Conference 2009 Report, Part One | RWA National Conference 2009 Report, Part TwoAccessRomance: FanGirl in DC!Being Bonnie Vanak: What I learned at RWA 09Brianna's Mommy: Passionate Ink speechDeeCeeTalks: There's a Mouse in my HouseThe Goddess Blogs: So Not MeGossamer Obsessions: AnimeJune's Big-Ass RWA Post: Sunday - "Afterglow" |

Tuesday, 21 July

2009-07-21T19:45:00.006-04:00

CC-licensed photo via Flickr.Access Romance: Jackie Kessler's Top Five Convention TipsBoys.Books.Buzz: More From DC! | There's a new Buzz Girl!Casablanca Authors: There Will Be Tears | RWA 2009—Truly SerendipitousThe Goddess Blogs: Congratulations, RACHEL GIBSON!Dear Author: The State of Romance Post RWA Nationals 2009: It’s Rocky Out There | RWA 2009 Nationals SummarySmart Bitches, Trashy Books

Sunday, July 19

2009-07-19T07:47:00.009-04:00

CC-licensed photo via Flickr.Blaze Authors Blog: True Romance at RWACasablanca Authors: Reflections on my first RWA National ConferenceDeeCeeTalks: Friday and GoodbyeLust in Time: Post Nationals updateLusty Reader: Romantic Friday Evening at RWA09Mitzi Writes: The Best GH/RITA Ceremony Moment.. | Saturday Night | Long and Interesting Day at RWA | Too Hot to Handle!!NineteenTeen: Blogging from RWA

RITA and Golden Heart results

2009-07-18T18:26:00.059-04:00

RITAContemporary Series RomanceWINNER: A Mother's Wish by Karen TempletonContemporary Series Romance: Suspense/AdventureWINNER: Danger Signals by Kathleen CreightonYoung Adult RomanceWINNER: Hell Week by Rosemary Clement-MooreHistorical RomanceWINNER: The Edge of Impropriety by Pam RosenthalIt's her quote at the bottom of this page :)Regency Historical RomanceWINNER: My Lord and Spymaster by

Saturday, July 18

2009-07-17T19:28:00.014-04:00

CC-licensed photo via Flickr.Live, continuous updates via Twitter feeds(remember to refresh)RWA conference | PhotosRWA envyRomance Radio6 pm updateAlly Carter: The differences between writing for adults and teens RWA Workshop HandoutsNPR: A Love Affair With The Romance Novel | The Summer of LoveBeing Bonnie Vanak: Jennie Crusie, fire alarm..and thief?Happily Forever After: RWA 2009: Recap Friday

Favorite quotes tweeted by conference attendees

2009-07-17T09:45:00.020-04:00

CC-licensed photo via Flickr.Will be updating each day, add your favs in comments."Bad hair, sore feet, cheeseburger in paradise, happy heart. Can't wait to see what the rest of the night brings!"--Liane Gentry Skye"The biggest hits this conference? Wild stories about Sandra Lee and Yetis."--Heather Osborn"Shame can kill the imagination. It's hard to keep writing in the face of cultural derision.

Friday, July 17

2009-07-16T20:23:00.015-04:00

CC-licensed photo via Flickr.Live, continuous updates via Twitter feeds(remember to refresh)RWA conference | PhotosRWA envyRomance RadioNot a lot being posted. Hard to blog when you're burning the candle at both ends. :)7:30 pm update (final update for today)Romantic Times magazine: RT at RWA 2009: Kathe Robin's FansPub Rants: News From The FloorHeart to Heart: That's What She SaidStringing Beads

Thursday, July 16

2009-07-15T20:48:00.040-04:00

CC-licensed photo via Flickr.Live, continuous updates via Twitter feeds(remember to refresh)RWA conference | PhotosRWA envy"Cows are the Devil's handmaidens."Romance Radio8:45 pm update (final update for today)DeeCeeTalks: Anne Stuart is just...Happily Forever After: AHHHHHHH!!! Fangirl Moment!!! | The BloggersKaty Cooper: Bang For My BuckMitzi Writes: Meals...Nobody Asked Me: A Quick UpdateNose

Wednesday, 15 July

2009-07-15T10:06:00.023-04:00

CC-licensed photo via Flickr.8:30 pm update (final for today)Risky Regencies: Risky Radio! Plus the Riskies in Washington DCHeart to Heart: Tonight at Romance Writers of America!Anna DeStefano: Conference/Networking in a BottleAunty Cindy Explains It All: See Ya in DC!Avon Romance Blog: Authors On Air- Live From RWACaridad Pineiro: Tuesday Tip--NetworkingHelenKay Dimon: Booksigning

The Night Before

2009-07-14T20:18:00.032-04:00

CC-licensed photo via Flickr.Malle Vallik's Blog: Top 10 Tips for Enjoying RWAVicky Dreiling: RWA National Conference Here I Come!Authorial, agently and personal ramblings: The Sound of SilenceJoanne Rendell: Romancing the AcademyThe Plotmonkeys: RWA?Something Wicked: The plot thickensThe Bradford Bunch: Counting Down to RWA NationalSmart Bitches, Trashy Books: Smart Bitches Bootleg Booksigning -

Midway through updates

2009-07-12T17:19:00.026-04:00

CC-licensed photo via Flickr.Booksquare: Rogue Digital Conference at RWA ConferenceCasablanca Authors: First Conference Experience, Ever!Stringing Beads: RWA National, Here I Come!Pink Heart Society: Conference SeasonRomance Bandits: Pitch PerfectMTV Books: What A Difference Nine Years MakeTessa Dare: Tis the SeasonNineteenTeen: Meet for Breakfast During the ConferenceLusty Reader: The

Stay tuned

2009-07-10T09:07:00.003-04:00

CC-licensed photo via Flickr.Lots of updates to the blogroll this weekend.

Getting ready: 17 days to go

2009-06-27T20:21:00.027-04:00

CC-licensed photo via Flickr.Stringing Beads: Conference travel tipsRoses of Houston: Top Ten Things to Bring to the ConferenceRomance Bandits: Pre-Conference Panic ZoneAnne Stuart: General thoughts on the conferenceWriting Playground: Plans for conference weekWIPs and Chains: Want to meet up with Dungeon DwellersAuthor Talk: Scheduling interviews on Tuesday, 14 JulyBeth Williamson: Conference

Updating list of bloggers for this year's conference

2009-06-02T10:14:00.006-04:00

Please email or post a comment if you plan to blog about the conference before/during/after.For those of you attending the conference, you might consider subscribing to Groupon for DC to get some good deals.CC-licensed photo via Flickr.

See you next year!

2008-08-10T10:39:00.022-04:00

CC-licensed photo taken of the Golden Gate BridgeToday is the final day of updates to Blogging National until next July. Many bloggers will continue to post on the conference after this weekend, so remember to bookmark or subscribe to your favorites.FINAL UPDATE OF 2008Jessica Prater's Prattles: RWA ConferenceThe Naughty Lady from Shady Lane: RWA day 3, meetings and parties

Saturday

2008-08-08T22:03:00.055-04:00

CC-licensed photo taken of an F Market & Wharves line trolleyNalini SinghRWA Conference Photos Part IIIMore Conference PhotosRWA ConferenceJackie PowersRWA Conference AddendumRWA Conference #3: Trains and AllergiesRWA Conference #2: Books & More BooksRWA Conference #1:Trains & BusesRae Ann ParkerRWA Conference - Part TwoRWA 2008 - San FranciscoCrystal Jordan: Pre RWATerry's

Friday

2008-08-08T07:41:00.009-04:00

CC-licensed photo taken of the Cargill Salt Ponds in SF BayThe Naughty Lady from Shady Lane: RWA, day one. Our big adventure begins!Avery Beck's Blog: Pics!Muse Interrupted: 08-08-08 — And Conference PicturesCrystal Green: Adventures at RWAAlyssa's Book Blog: Came Home to Find . . .Kay StockhamMore picsHome again, home againLeeann Burke: Busy weekend!Murder She Writes: Post RWAOn

Thursday

2008-08-07T08:15:00.042-04:00

CC-licensed photo taken in SF8:41 pm EST updateMuse Interrupted: Penny’s First BooksigningNaughty and Spice Blog: Pics from San Francisco!A Slice of Orange: Things that make me go mmmruh!Books, Boys, Buzz...: Sometimes it doesn't hurt to loseClaire Baxter: RWA NationalsHeather Webber: Yes, I'm Alive!Hope Tarr's Semi-Blog: Puttin' on the RitzAnne Barton's Blog: Snippets from San

Wednesday

2008-08-06T06:50:00.004-04:00

CC-licensed photo taken Fisherman's WharfUnfortunately Blogger was not allowing saving/publishing until a few minutes ago, so I've missed my morning window for posting. Check back this evening (EST).8:15 pm: Bloglines is down now. I think today is jinxed. Lots of posts tomorrow morning.

Tuesday

2008-08-05T04:39:00.048-04:00

CC-licensed photo taken in Haight AshburyThree cheers to Melissa Blue who added 30 pictures and Ember Case who added 36 pictures to the RWA National 2008 group photo pool on Flickr.CTL-Refresh to see latest updates or set reader sub to show updates. Will begin winding down with fewer updates a day.8:17 pm EST updateDoublecheese: Back again, gone againNathan Bransford - Literary Agent: Me and

Monday

2008-08-04T06:31:00.046-04:00

CC-licensed photo taken of wild parrot in SFCTL-Refresh to see latest updates or set reader sub to show updates8:08 pm EST updateMission: Publication: Why I Loved This Year's RWA Conference, Part IIITeri Brown Writes!: RWA National HighlightsGillian Doyle: RWA ConferenceTracy Montoya: 20 Things I learned at the RWA National Conference in San Francisco you may need to scroll down to find

The Day After

2008-08-03T07:22:00.009-04:00

CC-licensed photo at The Ferry Building in SFCongratulations to all the winners of the RITA and Golden Heart.Paperback WriterCheck out Lynn's post today (part of her Left Behind & Loving It series of virtual workshops held concurrently with the RWA National Conference). There's enough reading material in her posts and all the wonderful authors who contributed to last til next year's

Day Four

2008-08-02T10:00:00.024-04:00

CC-licensed photo taken during filming of iconic Sony Bravia commerical in SFLive coverage of the RITA and Golden Heart award ceremony tonight starting at 8 pm PST (check the current local time in San Francisco).CTL-Refresh to see latest updates or set reader sub to show updates8:25 pm EST updateMegan FramptonLight at End of Fabulous TunnelOne Good ThingSan Francisco (”You Got Me”)Packing

Explorer connection issues: RESOLVED

2008-08-02T09:15:00.017-04:00

RESOLUTION: Thanks to Laura, I was able to implement a very simple solution to the Explorer error troubling some people this morning. By removing the Site Meter code from the template, the issue has been resolved. Three cheers for Laura!UPDATE: Explorer/Site Meter programmers appear to have resolved the issue at large, so sites with Site Meter code should now be viewable.

Day Three

2008-08-01T05:27:00.066-04:00

CC-licensed photo taken in SF's Farmer's MarketThe Today Show clip(thanks Taryn!)Definitely a mixed bag in terms of what they aired -- basic facts about romance's popularity side-by-side with some really tired stereotypes underlined in a way that does not give a balanced picture of the romance market, authors, and readers -- clinch covers! we read them for the sex scenes! *sigh*CTL-Refresh

Day Two!

2008-07-31T05:13:00.067-04:00

CC-licensed photo taken in SF's Luggage Store galleryCTL-Refresh to see latest updates or set reader sub to show updates7:45 pm EST updateSisterWriters: Cindy Nord, Golden Heart Finalist, Blogs from RWA in San FranciscoLeeann Burke: RWA Literacy eventRambling on Romance: Reporting from RWAJill Myles: Editor dateJocelynn Drake: RWA ConferenceDark Territory: Going to the RockAvon Romance

Day One

2008-07-30T05:14:00.021-04:00

CC-licensed photo taken in Golden Gate Park in SF8:30 pm EST updatesAlive & Knitting: The Conference CurseFirst Edition: Greetings from San Francisco!Nose in a Book: Wednesday. July 30The Pink Heart SocietyI'm Here!! RWA Report from BiddyWELCOME to the RWA CONFERENCE in SAN FRANCISCO!!!Wednesday Happenings in San FranciscoRamblings on RomanceRWA - Day 3Day 2 - a day laterRomance Vagabonds:

Tomorrow!

2008-07-29T05:25:00.022-04:00

CC-licensed photo of sea lions at Pier 39 in SFThe World According to Sandy JamesJuly 29July 28Crystal Green: On the Roadfor peaceful days and dreamy nights: Tuesday Pre-RWAKay Stockham: We have arrivedJackie Does Dish: Getting ExcitedLiving with CRS: Ready or Not, Here I GoMelissa's Diary: Countdown to ConferenceStringing Beads: San Francisco - July 28A Little Cheese with that Whine?: A

Two days to go

2008-07-28T08:33:00.011-04:00

CC-licensed photo of Sutro Tower in San FranJennifer's Random Musings: Off To San Francisco…and a contest for youMurder She Writes: Conference TipsMusings and Scribbles: Conference BloggingJocelynn Drake: Trip PreparationCraftie Ladies of Suspense : Greetings from San Francisco!Romance Reviews Today Blog: New Giveaway and off to the RWA Conference!Kwana Blogs: San Francisco Here I Come!

Internet access at the Marriott

2008-07-28T07:36:00.002-04:00

CC-licensed photoFrom the Marriott staff:When you purchase the internet access in your guest room, the use of the wireless access in the lobby would be at no additional charge. If you do not have internet access purchased for your guest room, the fee to access the WiFi in the lobby is $2.95 United States Dollars (USD) for the first fifteen minutes and twenty-five cents per fifteen minutes

Three days to go

2008-07-27T09:39:00.029-04:00

CC-licensed photo taken in San FranThe Writer Side of Life: Sunday Fun—Packing and UnpackingTanya Writes Romance: Tanya Writes About RWA Literacy Signing -- plus a cool contestThe World According to Sandy James: All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...Aphrodisia Authors : Cinderella should've worn flatsThe Little Pink Clubhouse: No conference workshop handouts: Thanks a lot, RWAPaperback

Four days to go

2008-07-26T09:35:00.048-04:00

CC-licensed photo taken in San FranI think I am all caught up now from my offline hiatus -- let me know if I am missing any posts or blogs.Live something during awards ceremony -- let's hope it is not just a video feed but also something lower tech/more stable.Avery Beck: Five hours on a planeSmart Bitches, Trashy Books: Informal Head Count Time: Bitches at the Bear!Dishing with the

14 days depending on your math

2008-07-16T08:15:00.009-04:00

The Writing Playground Losing Your VirginityYour heroine's baggage is nothing compared to mine... Pam Writes Romance: Prepping for Nationals: Food, drugs, and masksMelissa Blue: My National To-Do ListAvery Beck: Ramblings of a GH finalist approaching National in a state of utter calm (not)for peaceful days and dreamy nights: RWA CountdownNaughty & Spice: So

Two weeks and some change

2008-07-14T08:34:00.010-04:00

CC-licensed photo here.The Annual Cherry Gathering: detesRamblings on Romance, etc.: RWA Dress Concerns and an Announcement | Getting ReadyThe Writer Side of Life: A Whole Week of Conference Posts at Wet Noodle PosseWet Noodle Posse: Don't Be Shy: RWA Survival Skills for the Very Very Bashful by Diane GastonA Slice of Orange: Of Catching Up With FriendsCiara Stewart: Thirteen Workshops on

Twenty days to go

2008-07-10T12:06:00.022-04:00

CC-licensed photo here.RWA National: Authors attending the literacy signingPam Writes Romance: Prepping for Nationals: Location, location, location | Dressing for SuccessFrom the Heart ... Cheryl St. John: Tips from a Road Warrior By Blythe GiffordWet Noodle Posse: Networking at Conferences--Really, it's not scary!On My Mind Today: Thirteen Things I Need to Finish Before I Leave for

Blogging momentum

2008-07-07T09:43:00.006-04:00

Via Smart Bitches comes the news that the wonderful Jane of Dear Author is going to aggregate RWA feeds on a special site, Blog Nationals. Looks great so far -- every year there is a little more multimedia/Web 2.0/3.0 activity around National -- it's nice to see the conference slowly evolve into something more dynamic.Last year's peak for this blog was 158 blogs linked in righthand nav and 90 new

Is it July already?

2008-07-01T18:06:00.006-04:00

I had planned to be in San Fran this year, but, somewhere along the way, decided to go on a bigfoot research expedition instead, so I'll be following along from home again this year.Over the next week or two, I will begin adding in the links to people sharing their experiences via blogs, podcasts, and photos. Please pass the word to anyone who wants a link to their posts/contributions to leave a

Final day of updates

2007-07-17T20:26:00.000-04:00

FINAL update -- some folks are still posting, so be sure to bookmark their blogs or subscribe to their feeds. See you next July! :)Many, many thanks to all the authors, reviewers, bloggers, and readers who took the time, despite a crazy exhausting schedule, to share their experience in Dallas with all their colleagues, fans, friends, and family at homeMichelle RowenA Low ProfileThe adventures of

Post-conference posts, 17 July

2007-07-17T07:50:00.001-04:00

Updated 3x a day -- CTL-Refresh to override browser cachingLori Devoti's pics on FlickrCharmed LifePublisher's Weekly: Beyond the Book: 1 | 2Abriendo PuertasLove is an exploding cigarA Writer AfootBrant FlakesSmart Bitches Who Love Trashy NovelsCuppacafeWarriors of Poseiden: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7Sandra Marton: 1 | 2Randy Writes RomanceCosmos and ChatThe Misadventures of Super

Post-conference posts, 16 July

2007-07-16T05:15:00.000-04:00

RWA Official BlogRomancing the Blog: Booksellers grabbing multiple, unsigned copies of free books -- what do you think?Some of the posts below were linked in earlier days, but had revisions and/or pictures added.Life on the Bubble: 1 | 2Pub RantsBeing Bonnie Vanak: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5Sela CarsenAvon Fanlit, Nano, and the writing continuesMagical MusingsThe Passionate PenThe Sisterhood of the Jaunty

Departing Dallas

2007-07-15T03:51:00.001-04:00

Updated 3x a day -- CTL-Refresh to override browser cachingGolden Heart and RITA winners -- congratulations to everyone :) Huge props to Sarah and Candy of Smart Bitches and Jane of Dear Author who liveblogged the awards when the RWA server crashed repeatedly last night.The World According to Sandy JamesFangs, Fur, FeyThe Good, The Bad, and the UnreadOn Writing & Publishing by Robin D.

Day Four, the Climax

2007-07-14T06:20:00.000-04:00

Updated 3x a day -- CTL-Refresh to override browser cachingRWA Official BlogWinner of "What were they thinking?!"Posting mini-updates throughout daySmart Bitches Who Love Trashy NovelsDear Author (lots of posts today)Alison KentSalome's CornerRamblings on Romance: 1 | 2Leeann BurkeMusings From The Blonde Side: 1 | 2SisterWriters: 1 | 2Moods&Passions: 1 | 2Maddie JamesHelenKay DimonThe

Day Three, Friday the 13th

2007-07-13T07:48:00.000-04:00

Final update completed for the day -- CTL-Refresh to override browser cachingWinner of Add a New Blog to the Blogroll: Carol B.!Email me with your book choice and address please. :)RWA Official Blog (new posts up)Posting mini-updates throughout daySmart Bitches Who Love Trashy NovelsDear AuthorAlison KentThe Journey of Writer Danica FavoriteThe Mess in ProgressSalome's Corner: 1 | 2The adventures

Day Two, Bebes

2007-07-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

Updated 3x a day (at least)RWA Official Blog: they changed the link on me, doh! The Little Pink Clubhouse: PRO retreat, great speech by Lisa Kleypas, and moreLia's Ramblings: Thursday ThirteenMichelle Willingham: literacy fairMy Life in Black and White and Sometimes Gray: hobnobbing with the famousMoods&Passions: sightseeing and why volunteering is a good thingMusings from the Blonde Side: misc

OMG! It's Like Totally The FIRST DAY OF THE CONFERENCE!

2007-07-11T06:55:00.000-04:00

Last edit for today: 10 45 pm ESTRWA Official Blog: first posts up by Jill Limber, Suz Brockmann, Linda Howard, Carla Neggers.Cuppacafe: photos from the first dayMel-O-Drama: wine with Barbara SamuelLittle Pink Clubhouse: day oneDear Author: official decisions on publisher recognitionSonja Foust: Twitter entry at top of posts, plus photos and short posts via iPhone 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6Kara

Farewell to Kathleen Woodiwiss

2007-07-10T21:01:00.000-04:00

Updated frequentlyFarewell to Kathleen Woodiwiss whose novel Shanna was a revelation to me in seventh grade.At Home With Pamela ClareRomance By The BlogDear AuthorThe Goddess BlogsTerry StoneJC WilderLow ProfileYahoo 360Adele DuBoisTech Me TonightHeidi BettsAnn ChristopherRenaissance WomanSandy JamesElisa RolleCharlene YegliaSylvia DayElle FredrixSusan WiggsPublishers WeeklyWhat I Know So FarMary

Welcome to Dallas!

2007-07-10T02:28:00.000-04:00

Rosemary Clement-Moore: meet up with other YA authorsDebora Dennis Mills: first time at NationalMaureen Child: another approach to packingDeeCee Talks: who kills her husband in every book?The Pink Heart Society: time zones from around the world to plan when to check in at the RWA siteThe Little Pink Clubhouse: spotting friends and colleaguesMel-O-Drama: one night drinking, and this is what

Pre-conference posts 9 July

2007-07-09T08:27:00.001-04:00

Farrah Rochon: Farrah will have over sixty friends and family attend the Literacy Signing (wow!!)Beyond the Book: Barb's big adventureThe Scriber's Muse: packingDeep in the Mines: off to National!The Write Calling: off to National!BookEnds, LLC: survival tips for NationalBeing Bonnie Vanak: pitching your book on the runLife on the Bubble: one more day to get things doneThe Writing Playground:

Pre-conference posts 8 July

2007-07-08T05:04:00.000-04:00

No rules. Just write: gearing up for NationalMess in Progress: divide and conquerBeth Ciotta: networking in your comfort zone (links to rest of the excellent series here)Affairs of the Pen: National To Do listLife on the Bubble: tips on tipping Jenna Black's Blog Experiment: Jenna hates packingSandy's Chatterblog: blow-by-blow packing photosBeing Bonnie Vanak: how to handle the overstuffed

Pre-conference posts 7 July

2007-07-07T08:21:00.000-04:00

East DallasTwo of my favorite posts on NationalLittle Pink Clubhouse: hold me, I am going to my first National Affairs of the Pen: ten things to look forward toMost Unique Worry About Prep for NationalSandy's Chatterblog: how many black socks is enough?The Scriber's Muse: Do's and Don'ts for NationalDances with Segues: driving to National and looking forward to meeting friends from onlineJenna's

Pre-conference posts 6 July

2007-07-06T07:43:00.000-04:00

Thanks-Giving Square, DallasOfficial RWA Blogs: there's a page up with a schedule!spy scribbler: excited for NationalThe Scriber's Muse: panicking! :)Salome's Corner: pitching 1 | 2AccessRomance: conference jitters and jealousyHolly Greenfield: almost terrifiedJocelynn Drake: slightly less terrified and struggling with titles for her debut novelAffairs of the Pen: leaving on a jet planeRomance

Pre-conference posts 5 July

2007-07-05T07:15:00.000-04:00

The best footwear for NationalAlison KentThe Insider's GuideSmart Bitches Who Love Trashy Novels (and rock the Crocs)Conference suggestionsGennita Low (is she really 4'4"? :) )Packing and the checklists before NationalElisabeth NaughtonJill ShalvisSylvia DayCC-licensed photos: here (CC) and here (CC)

Web access in the Adam's Mark Hotel and environs

2007-07-04T12:08:00.000-04:00

Update from Rick Haines of the Adam's Mark:ALL ROOMSWIRELESS HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS$9.95 Noon-Noon -OR- $39.95 per weekComplimentary for rooms in Tower Royale. RESTAURANTSWIRELESS HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESSComplimentary LOBBYWIRELESS HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESSComplimentaryI used ILoveFreeWifi to search for access points near the hotel, but the results are a little grim. (The magenta blobs are

Pre-conference posts 4 July

2007-07-04T08:58:00.000-04:00

Life on the BubbleMust haves and dos for NationalIsn't It Romantic?Pitch Perfect (includes links to pitching info)Writing, Reading and More, Oh My!Books Trish is bringing TO the conferenceDiary of a Mad Romance AuthorPrep for the conference (scroll down past book trailer for post)Plotters & ManipulatorsCover for Sherry's ARCs for National: Oh how I lust for this book! Sherry will be signing 100

Back of the room!

2007-07-03T08:59:00.000-04:00

More and more tips are starting to include the suggestion that people with Alphasmarts/Neos sit in the back of the room for workshops as they seem oblivious to how maniacal, distracting, and loud their typing can be. I own an AS myself, and it is very hard to type quietly when using one. I blogged during workshops last year in Atlanta on my laptop and used the technique of slow, soft key pressure

Nice series on conferences and more tips

2007-07-03T08:03:00.000-04:00

Beth CiottaNetworking: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5Erica RidleyWriting conferencesPitching and promotionWorkshop extrasNetworkingBooks. Boys. Buzz.Meals included in RWA registration and related tipsPrioritizing workshopsPitchingWhat to packLinks to tipsNetworking (Hi Marley!)Any other classic conference posts out there? Share in the comments!CC-licensed photos from Flickr: here (CC) and here (CC)

Pre-conference posts 2 July

2007-07-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

House of Blues, DallasWhat to do at the conference?Magical Musings: hanging at the barA tiara for the awards ceremony?At Home with Pamela ClareTips for NationalKelly's PlaceNever go shoe shopping when drunkBeing Bonnie VanakOfficial RWA Live Blogger (one of many)Jenna's Romantic Notions: scroll down for RWA bitHippest Live BloggerSonja Faust: she will be blogging via her new iPhone. Most Glam

RWA 2.0

2007-07-02T08:32:00.001-04:00

Woohoo! I can stop sending my annual "You should do blogging and more virtual participation for National" email into the RWA cyberspace abyss. As published in the July RWR (p. 31), RWA will be facilitating live blogging during National (live blogging means blogging during an event as opposed to before/after). It looks like their roster of bloggers is fixed, but maybe they'll let some attendees do

Flickr group for photos

2007-06-25T14:25:00.001-04:00

I created a group on Flickr for people to post their photos. Romance Writers of America (RWA) National Conference Dallas 2007Flickr has a basic free account with monthly upload limits which anyone can get, plus a bargain-priced upgrade ($25/yr) with no upload limits.CC-licensed photo from Flickr: here

I will run this blog again for Dallas

2007-06-25T13:51:00.000-04:00

Dallas metroplexI do plan to aggregate the wonderful and entertaining blog posts that many authors do from National again this year. I won't be in Dallas(hope to attend San Fran though next year), so I will just be posting the links to all the various posts I know of.I will kick things off officially in the beginning of July by checking that the blogroll is accurate and researching who to add.

Sunday updates

2006-08-06T08:51:00.000-04:00

These are the last updates on other blogs that I will post -- some of the authors will probably post a little more, so bookmark those blogs that you like. Michelle Willingham, frex, will probably post more spotlight notes.Chris MerrillA Low ProfileBronwyn JamesonMichelle Willingham -- notes from Spotlight on Harlequin American and another just posted on Harlequin DesireSquawk Radio

Saturday updates

2006-08-05T09:41:00.000-04:00

*yawn* I think I am just beginning to catch up on sleep from National. Sometime this weekend I need to do my final posts as well.Chris Merrill: 1 | 2BuzzGirlA Low Profile -- another great photo looking up from the lobby. I could not get this shot, but luckily other people more adept at photography did.Abriendo PuertasBronwyn JamesonEcclesiastes 12:12Elisabeth NaughtonHelenKay DimonMichelle

Friday updates

2006-08-04T06:59:00.000-04:00

Teresa Medeiros talks about her process:I write a book, celebrate, then panic when I realize I have to write another one.UPDATES A Low ProfileBronwyn JamesonEccelsiastes 12:12Rhonda PolleroKristen Painter -- name that bosomLaura Marie AltomlovefurypassionenergyMargaret DaleyPatti O'SheaGena ShowalterThe Writers VibeThe Writing PlaygroundNot a conference update, but a fun pic of a manuscript with

Thursday updates

2006-08-03T07:06:00.000-04:00

I will post the rest of my notes and pics this weekend, and then this blog will go into hibernation til Dallas. Anyone (not me) want to do a "Blogging RT" version?A Low ProfileBronwyn JamesonCorrina LawThe BandwagonThe Crush of WritingCuppacafeJanice LynnKaty CooperKristi's Road to Romance (Writing): Avon spotlight | NAL spotlightLisa PulliamlovefurypassionenergyMeankitty SaysMegan Crane -- great

Wednesday updates

2006-08-02T08:15:00.000-04:00

The Bandwagon -- scroll down past quotes in huge fontEcclesiastes 12:12Elisabeth NaughtonGena ShowalterDiane Peterfreund -- multiple entries, so check out more than the latest postKristen PainterMichelle Willingham -- notes on Harlequin PresentsPatti O'SheaSasha WhiteWet Noodle PosseWrite MindedThe Writing Playground: 1 | 2Crystal Jordan

Tuesday evening updates

2006-08-01T19:03:00.000-04:00

Send your love and prayers to Jaci Burton.Corrina LawThe Bandwagon -- scroll down past large header and quote in large font to get to actual entryBebe ThomasBronwyn JamesonCJ Barry & Samanta GravesJennifer EcholsCrystal JordanEccelesiastes 12:12Ember CaseEscape into our FantasyJanice LynnJill MonroeJudie's JournalKaren's BlogKate Pearce's Blog -- go visit now, so her husband is proved wrong :)

Tuesday morning updates

2006-08-01T05:12:00.000-04:00

ERIN -- please email me your book choice and snail mail address.792 visitors yesterday. Hello! :)96 photos in my Flickr photostream -- will post more this week, but all are posted on this blog somewhere already (or will be). Except for maybe two. Because I am senile.Odious Woman -- great post.Jenna Petersen put up her day-by-day account here.Mel-O-DramaRemember the garden gnome from Amélie?

Monday evening updates

2006-07-31T19:36:00.000-04:00

Updated updates :)Check out the Cherry Forums where there are multiple boards on Writing Craft, Writing Life, Publishing, etc. And even a thread on the conference -- scroll down to the later posts to get to the actual conference stuff (so THAT'S where you guys have been gabbing!)Anna Louise: 1 | 2A Low Profile (updated from earlier)The Bandwagon (updated from earlier)Gena ShowalterTanya's

Lifetime Achievement Award

2006-07-31T19:25:00.000-04:00

Gayle began her introduction to the Lifetime Achievement Award with a slideshow of Susan Elizabeth Phillips in costume and narrated the slides as if they were the true story of Susan's life with great drama."Susan was raised in a convent by nuns ..... escaped and taken in by a kindly minister .... the minister conceived a lust for Susan and took cruel advantage .... she escaped to Paris where she

Presenters, winners, and more

2006-07-31T13:32:00.000-04:00

God knows who did the voiceover, but his voice had all the iconic bombast of the Oscars announcers. Great fun. UPDATE via Laura Hayden in the comments: The voiceovers at the awards ceremony (the intros and the "Peachtree Road" parody) were done by Steve Meredith of MeWe Productions. He was the gentleman in the production booth calling all the production cues. (Thanks Laura!)The mistress of

Awards ceremony

2006-07-31T11:07:00.000-04:00

Can you identify which Cherry sported a little rhinestone bling in an eyecatching place? The photos to be posted below will provide the answer to the careful eye.One of the most beautiful dresses I saw at the awards. She even had an adorable 1920s type hairstyle, but of course my photos are cr*p.Jennifer Evans in full splendor from the front.From the back (the upside-down V at the bottom was

Updates!

2006-07-31T07:56:00.000-04:00

Lots to post today. The photos from the awards, lots of gushing about Nora (what a class act), update names on photos based on emails and comments posted (thank you!), the giveaway winners from Saturday, links to updated blogs (now the second wave of blogging will happen as people return home), Eloisa's workshop (kick*ss), the Literary Agent Cartel, the publisher signings, and more. :)Winner of

Lani Diane Rich giveaway

2006-07-29T15:33:00.000-04:00

I dared a publisher book signing. . . more about that later, but Lani generously let me take three of her books for a giveaway to share the Lani joy (she has something like three RITA nominations and one RITA win so far) plus the latest Lani book which a cruel cruel world has intervened and prevented me from reading in the past two months since it has been out:The Comeback Kiss (I am half in love

Midday updates

2006-07-29T12:53:00.000-04:00

OK, I have an hour before the afternoon workshops. I may brave a publisher giveaway. Maybe not.Skipping the big 2000-person lunches is a big sanity saver for me. Marissa and I just cross to the food court in the mall and grab a light lunch.Spent two hours at the Literary Agent Cartel, let's see how many of the photos I can format and notes I can clean up and post in the next hour.But first some

Old publicity photos and RWA Idol

2006-07-29T08:18:00.000-04:00

Do you think publishers are the ones who decide to keep the decades out-of-date photos for authors? Or do the authors in their seventies choose to keep the glam shot from their forties on their books, etc.? Is it all just part of The Business?With that pressing question out of the way, onto the infamous RWA Idol session.Last year I was not at National, but heard about the inaugural session where

Saturday morning

2006-07-29T07:19:00.000-04:00

Hello! This blog is up to 530 visits per day. Yesterday's winners (to continue the Thursday two-fer tradition) were Robin LF and Bonnie Ferguson. List of books to select from is here.Saturday book giveaway: someone not in Atlanta leaving a comment on any Saturday post will be selected to choose from a list of books I have accumulated here at National.Bloglines is down, so I can't check which

Jayne Ann Krentz and Susan Elizabeth Phillips

2006-07-28T20:46:00.000-04:00

Otherwise known as JAK and SEP. Eat your heart out, Cher.In the audience were two founding Cherries, Cory and Jill, who made sure I knew about the Friday Cherry dinner (thank you!).SEP got to the room before JAK and with the no-nonsense demeanor of a field general about to embark on maneuvers, she began to assess the microphone situation.JAK comes in, and SEP fills her in on mission central's

It's All About The Pins

2006-07-28T20:24:00.000-04:00

RWA has been working diligently to keep conference costs low, and one of the ways they saved money this year was to not give out one of those superhandy conference badge holders that come with zippered pockets and stuff. So remember to BYOBH next year for Dallas, and if you want to be a player in the Pin Bowl, bring them all. It's like going to a military convention with some folks having one bar

Titles for Daily Book Giveaway

2006-07-28T20:14:00.000-04:00

Here is what I have (and this is without even going near the publisher giveaways which I hear are hell). Big thanks to Marissa Doyle who also gave me some titles to include. If you have already been selected as a winner, feel free to email me your mailing address and choice. Abe, Shana: The Last MermaidArmintrout, Jennifer: The TurningArmstrong, Kelley: Dime Store MagicArthur, Keri: Full Moon

Kiss of Death chapter party prep

2006-07-28T20:01:00.000-04:00

Right before the Annual General Meeting, I wandered next door to where the KOD folks were working hard in preparation for the KOD soiree. I bet everything looked beautiful when they were done.I am not in the KOD, so if anyone can help me with names and/or captions, I would appreciate it.

Annual General Meeting

2006-07-28T19:40:00.000-04:00

Uploading and hiding photos while Blogger is being cooperative. Will post notes later. Here are two pics of board members just to give you a feel. :)Stephanie FeaganNic Burnham

Thursday workshops

2006-07-28T17:00:00.000-04:00

Three Babes: Maria Kay and MelUploading and hiding photos while Blogger is feeling friendly. Will unhide photos and add notes later. But the above photo stands on its own merits. :)

Updates and what's coming up

2006-07-28T16:03:00.000-04:00

Friday book giveaway: someone not in Atlanta leaving a comment on any Friday post will be selected to choose from a list of books I have accumulated here at NationalWell, dangit, I just wrote this post and Blogger ate it.Still pending for posts are: finish the FF&P post, then post on Thursday workshops, the annual meeting, Friday workshops including Secrets of the Bestselling Sisterhood with JAK

The FF&P party: The Gathering

2006-07-28T13:22:00.000-04:00

This was Wednesday night, same night at the Cherry party, overlapping with the second half of the Literacy Bookfair.Around 7 pm the start time for the event, I began to wander around the three lobby levels looking for the correct room. I finally found it by following women in gowns going down an escalator.Lynne Simpson was a busy woman that night, I saw her first at the registration desk, then

Friday morning

2006-07-28T07:10:00.000-04:00

UPDATES: All pics are up for the Cherry party post.TWO Thursday winners: The papers stuck together when I was drawing names, so I figured it was fate: tjbrown and Cherry Red! Send me an email when you get a chance.Added more updated blog links below as well.I got catastrophically, mythically lost in Atlanta yesterday afternoon while on a "quick walk" -- from what I can figure, I walked five miles

Thursday midday updates

2006-07-27T13:08:00.000-04:00

Since Blogger won't let me upload photos, let me throw out some updates then from other folks.Mel-O-Drama (lotsa pics!)No rules. Just write. (audio post)Ember Case (perhaps NSFW photo at end of post)Rhonda's RealityBabes in BooklandOn Writing & Publishing

Literacy Bookfair

2006-07-27T12:59:00.000-04:00

OK, one hour til my volunteer shift begins for the Annual General Meeting. There will probably be only three people there besides the Board because everyone seems to have plans to go out touristing this afternoon to CocaCola, the Aquarium, CNN, the Segways.The big kickoff for the conference is the Literacy Bookfair where publishers donate books for authors to sign, and the sales go to funding

Thursday morning updates

2006-07-27T06:34:00.000-04:00

Wednesday book giveaway winner: Kathy Holmes! (Please send me an email so I can send you a list of books to choose from when I get home from National. My email is in the profile box in the lower right corner)Thursday book giveaway: Leave a comment on any post made today to be entered into a book giveaway.I will try to format and upload the pictures from the Bookfair, the FF&P chapter's The

Cherry party

2006-07-26T22:24:00.000-04:00

UPDATE: All photos are up (I think; I am sleep-deprived)Thanks to Robin and Kim for helping me fill in some missing names and the name order correct.TEMPORARILY HIDING SOME PHOTOS: The page template is broken, so I am trying to troubleshoot the issue because it originates with this post's photos.Sue Barb JillHeidiLisa Cory Val SharonBrooke Lani HollyChocolate FountainBrooke Eileen ArdathArdath

Wednesday evening updates

2006-07-26T22:09:00.000-04:00

Tons of pictures and a writeup due from tonight's events, but will I remain awake ....The Writing PlaygroundOn Writing & PublishingNo rules. Just write. Audio files: 1 | 2Michelle WillinghamMel-O-Drama (lots of pics!)Megan CranelovefurypassionenergyBronwyn JamesonBeing Bonnie VanakNot Here and Needing Hugs!Kate Rothwell

Lunch with some Cherries

2006-07-26T15:08:00.000-04:00

While updating the blog this morning, I got an email from Jill, Cherry Mash. Happily a group of Cherries was planning to go out to lunch, and I had but to wait til the ungodly hour of 12 noon to meet up and go with. Since I normally get up at 4:30 am, waiting til 12 noon is torture, but I was resigned to being stoic. At 11:55 am, I spent seven minutes trying to get an elevator one floor up. There

Wednesday morning updates

2006-07-26T10:10:00.000-04:00

OK, that's the updates for this morning. Off to check out the Goody Room and then maybe get some lunch.Starting today, I will be giving away a book a day for folks leaving a comment in the comment trail of any single day's post (that is, all the comments made to any post today will be entered into Wednesday's drawing). I won't have a final list of books for the winners to choose from until I get

Updates midday

2006-07-26T07:01:00.000-04:00

The hotel is like a scene from Blade Runner. You walk in through a normal-sized doorway, walk ten steps and then the ceiling opens up and rises 500 feet above. All the rooms are on the outer walls of the building, there is an elevator shaft in the middle of the open space where you ride glass elevators into the air. I do not consider myself afraid of heights, but my knees did go weak watching the

Atlanta bound!

2006-07-25T05:22:00.000-04:00

Lynne reports that the free wireless in the mall next to the Marriott works great even on her reception-impaired Clié.Seressia sent this info on the new fare system for MARTA.Quick updates because I have to figure out what to pack, wash it, run a million errands, and then get on a plane in a few hours.Abriendo PuertasBlogging with Lucy MonroeMeankitty SaysThe Muse & Monica BurnsThe Passionate

The Monday Before Liftoff

2006-07-24T06:10:00.000-04:00

Oh no! Jaci Burton's father-in-law has fallen quite ill, so she and her husband headed back home. Send them your good thoughts, prayers, and maybe a souvenir from the conference.Romance Worth Killing ForElisabeth reports that Atlanta is ten degrees COOLER than Hometown Oregon.Katy CooperThe best thing about National is catching up with all those too-far-away friends.Literary ChicksSoho Twins Do

Happy Sunday

2006-07-23T09:29:00.001-04:00

Literary ChicksAlesia is in Hotlanta at Suz Brockmann's Readers Weekend and shares some pics via her Alesia blog.Warner WomenDiane posts pics and memories about National.Stephanie's BlogStephanie promises some rollicking reports:As the week goes by, I’ll post every night and give a recap of the day. No dry, boring stuff - I’ll tell all the good scooby. Like who’s hangin’ and who’s dishin’ - with

Saturday updates

2006-07-22T09:54:00.000-04:00

Blogging with Lucy MonroeHuge list of giveaways for those participating in Lucy's blog party next week. Here is a list of authors participating in the blog party.Ember CaseEmber reminds everyone about the change this year re: tickets, talks about her latest great purchase, and posts an example of her colorcoded schedule for National.Kristen PainterKristen posts her To Do list. I like number 6.

Friday's updates

2006-07-21T07:32:00.000-04:00

Alison KentWhile Alison is on vacation and enjoying National next week, she will be picking names of her blog visitors to receive copies of her books and some Alison surprise as well.The Writing PlaygroundAlexandra talks about the Dreaded Question at National.Grosvenor SquareMelissa talks about marketing preparations for National.Elisabeth NaughtonElisabeth went to a talk by Shirley Karr, and