So, while I was at the get together I got to talking to a few other authors about conventions and events. Next year I want to be able to go to a couple of reader/author events, but I can't figure out which one. There are so many of these things, both large and small and I want to spend my money and time wisely.
First, there's the RT Con, which will be in Ohio next year. I've NEVER been before and this seems like a great chance for me to go and not have to pay airfare and lodging. Which makes the event way cheaper. But, after hearing that in many ways RT doesn't have as many readers as I'd first thought, I'm starting to reconsider. Also there are the parties, costumes, etc. I'm not into all that. I would want to go sell some books, meet readers and authors, have a good time...like Lori Foster's event.
Also, there's RWA, which I've never attended. This one would be expensive, considering I'd not only have to pay the high registeration fee, but also airfare and lodging. And what are the benefits really? I'm curious if authors feel all that money is well spent?
I DO plan to go to Lori Foster's event again next year. And the annual COFW conference is looking like something I'm going to want to do every year as well. But are there other events out there? What am I missing? Where have you been and was it worthe time and money?
Tell me, I NEED feedback! LOL
First, there's the RT Con, which will be in Ohio next year. I've NEVER been before and this seems like a great chance for me to go and not have to pay airfare and lodging. Which makes the event way cheaper. But, after hearing that in many ways RT doesn't have as many readers as I'd first thought, I'm starting to reconsider. Also there are the parties, costumes, etc. I'm not into all that. I would want to go sell some books, meet readers and authors, have a good time...like Lori Foster's event.
Also, there's RWA, which I've never attended. This one would be expensive, considering I'd not only have to pay the high registeration fee, but also airfare and lodging. And what are the benefits really? I'm curious if authors feel all that money is well spent?
I DO plan to go to Lori Foster's event again next year. And the annual COFW conference is looking like something I'm going to want to do every year as well. But are there other events out there? What am I missing? Where have you been and was it worthe time and money?
Tell me, I NEED feedback! LOL
9 comments:
I'm curious about this too. I'd like to make some cons next year.
Anne, the only Conference I've been to is RWA. I've gone three times, all at reasonably close locations - Reno, Dallas, and San Francisco (I'm in So Cal). If you haven't been to one, I'd highly recommend going when it's close to you. I'm not going to D.C. this summer because it's too far. I will go to Nashville in 2010. I won't be going to RT unless it's on the West Coast - someone mentioned RT was thinking about San Diego - I'd go there. My issue is that I'm not a full-time writer (yet). I still work a day job and getting away for conferences isn't easy. I'd rather user my vacation days for vacation time with the family.
Well let's see. I've been to both the RT convention (though it's been FOREVER) and the RWA one (9 so far). At RT I was a reader not yet writing. And oddly enough, it was a reader event that I was at. All the authors were there signing books and men in kilts were roaming the halls. Yum. I don't know about the writing part, but I've heard it's also good. The RWA cons are beneficial in ways beyond the workshops and the annual reader's literacy signing. They are THE best place for networking. Editors, agents, fellow writers, Nora, they are all just THERE. in the bar, in the elevator, in the lobby, at the table next to you. It's networking heaven. And the sightseeing isn't bad either. Cost is an issue for me, too, since I'm unemployed right now. I've been looking at regional conferences to attend that offer the same benefits, just on a smaller scale. I've gotten excellent feedback on Moonlight & Magnolias in Georgia and Dreamin' in Dallas. I'm still searching, though. My criteria is to find someplace that offers solid workshops, well-known keynote speakers, more than one day of workshops and usually editor/agent appointments. I am intrigued by Ellora Cave's upcoming RomnantiCon 09, coming up in Ohio. The proposed schedule of events is well laid out and seems tailor made for today's e-marketplace. However, whichever route you choose, I'm sure you'll find something perfect for you! Good luck!
Wow, I'm curious too. :)
I've only ever been to the New Jersey RWA Conference. But next year I'd like to try RT.
I have actually heard fantastic things about Moonlight and Magnolias too!!
For writers, I've heard the smaller conferences are really really good but if you are looking more for connection with readers, I've heard that RT is best. Hard to know.
I've done RWA and it's mainly writer interaction than anything else. And yes, there is huge publisher presence but seems to me it's more of a love fest with big name authors. If you are a mid-lister, they aren't all that interested.
Carol--when someone told me RWA was in Nashville next year my ears perked up. I could make a vacation out of that with the family and it IS close.
Jennifer--I'm thinking I could really get a lot out of the RWA con. The networking is what I need!
JK--There are a few people that are going to RT next year that I really want to meet. That's half the reason I want to go. But justifying that expensive reg. fee...ack.
Kelley--Moonlight and Magnolias...? I'll have to look into that. Never heard of it. It doesn't sound like something an erotic romance author would attend though or is it?
Regina--Thanks for the input about RWA. I'm just so undecided at this point. Ugh!
I'm really interested in doing more reader oriented events next year. Someday, my dream is to host a reader/author event to benefit literacy for persons with autism. :) So Lori Foster's event truly is my role model, and I wouldn't miss it for the world.
I probably will do RT Con. I've had an awful lot of luck networking there, and feel it's more worth my while than RWA. So if I had to choose one or the other, I'd do RT. For me, it's more epub friendly.
I'm dying to do Steam Con because that's where my heart is at in writing, but I'm forcing myself to sell a full length steampunk romance first. :)
Maybe my feelings on all this will change if I ever redirect my focus toward projects with more mainstream appeal.
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