Being a romance writer is a balancing act between creating a story with compelling characters, exciting plots and heart-wrenching romance. Nothing replaces taking the time to craft the stories readers love but long days and months staring at nothing but a computer screen can give writers a bad case of cabin fever. One of the ways to combat that isolation is attending conferences and conventions.
Who are the Sponsors?
For romance writers, an extensive schedule of conferences is sponsored by the Romance Writers of America, which is a national organization with over 10,000 members, and its numerous local and online chapters. You must be a member of RWA to join the individual chapters, but non-members may attend many of the conferences for a slightly higher fee. The other major sponsor is The Romantic Times Bookreviews magazine.
Two Types of Conferences
The two types of conferences are ones geared to writers and industry professionals like those sponsored by the RWA and its member chapters. These conferences focus on craft and industry issues in every subgenre of romance fiction. The RT Convention provides a mixture of writers, industry professionals and readers. The workshop schedule is probably less extensive but there will be scheduled interaction between writers and readers. “Writers go in a room by themselves and they work. Going to a conference is a chance to meet other writers, industry professionals and a great opportunity to network,” said aspiring writer Helen Jones from Buffalo, New York. “Besides, its fun!”
Not Just for Beginners
But conferences don’t just help aspiring writers. Seasoned professionals feel the same way. “Writing is such a solitary profession, and it’s easy for me to think I’m the only one experiencing certain difficulties when it comes to embracing writing as a viable career path,” said Lacey Savage, an award-winning author of erotic romance. “Attending conferences helps me remember that we all struggle with the same issues and that those issues are surmountable. There’s strength in numbers, right?”
Numbers Game
And numbers are there. The conference sponsored by Romantic Times regularly draws more than 1,000 people. RWA’s National Conference, which is held each July at different sites (2009 will be in Washington, D.C.), has a finite number of spots and usually sells out long before the conference starts. RWA’s Conference begins on Wednesday and goes through Sunday. The RT Booklover’s Convention has a limited schedule on Monday and Tuesday with the bulk of the workshops starting on Wednesday as well. They wrap up on Sunday night.
Shun Big Crowds?
Perhaps the RT Booklover’s Convention isn’t for you but RWA will probably have one more your size.
Finding the Best Conference
Start by using your favorite search engine to discover conferences near you then research what each conference offers. Look for workshops that appeal to you and whether there are editors and agents giving panels or taking appointments.
“I like attending workshops, but I also like having enough free time in my schedule to spend a few hours just chatting with friends,” said Savage, “so a conference that's too structured wouldn't work for me, but neither would one that's so relaxed there are no set times for anything.”
“Networking is the key for me,” said Jones. “Editors, agents and other writers. A national conference is crazy there are so many people and so much stimulation. Regional conferences are more manageable but I find myself just as excited when they end too.”
Final Step
The next step is all up to you. Many of the smaller conferences only last a day, which is a great way to get your feet wet. When you arrive be prepared to be motivated, stimulated and have a ball.
