Next week I’m flying the long journey to LA, with two major questions. One, can I fit everything in a carry on, and two, what sessions do I absolutely not want to miss?
I am really excited about RT this year because the conference has done some really smart programming things, like scheduling an entire day of YA authors. Last year at the book fair, there were teams of mothers and teenaged girls (and younger) roving in groups wearing matching fan t-shirts, eager to meet their favorite authors. This year, RT has set aside special sessions for those fans to come, get books signed, and meet with their favorite authors on Saturday. There’s the Teen Party, speed dating where registered attendees can meet authors in small groups, and sessions that are interactive as well. I think this is SO smart – and I bet it’s going to be crowded with many a hand-made tshirt. I’ll try to get pics of the best ones.
And if you’re not a teen but you’re interested in talking in person about all the ideas and changes we talk about online that have to do with publishing, consider coming to RT Book Camp on Tuesday 5 April beginning at 1:30pm.
The event is at the RT hotel, the Westin Bonaventure, because the RT conference organizers are generous and awesome, it’s totally free thanks to many sponsors (of which I am one, along with Dear Author), and because it’s an Unconference, attendees determine the agenda and the content. From the conference page: “Sessions at this unconference will be suggested by and led by attendees. Session topics can include brainstorming an idea, discussing a current issue in publishing, or teaching a skill.” You can register and find out more online at the Unconference eventbrite page.
I’ve been to a publishing unconference, Book Camp^2, and what I really like about the is that the conversations move across departments, across different roles in the publishing process, based on enthusiasm for books. This one should be very cool because a number of authors are coming, so the sessions should be excellent. It’s a casual, informal but highly thought-provoking few hours. And there’s cocktails afterward, so what could be wrong with that?
And at RT, I’m giving two panels, should you be so inclined to attend and heckle!
On Thursday, 7 April, I’m leading a reader’s group with Jane Litte titled “Can We Talk? Readers Get Together to Talk Books.” Jane and I facilitated a discussion like this one last year, and the conversation was awesome. We talked about authors and genres we liked, trends we were tired of, and even covers and marketing approaches that worked for readers.
On Friday, 8 April, I’ll be on the panel “The Skinny on Digital Devices,” talking about (obviously) the different digital reading devices with Angela James and Jane Litte at 10:00am.
So, are you going to RT? What sessions are you most interested in? I’ll be doing my usual round-ups (and my favorite game, Overheard at RT) but if you’re going I’d sure like to meet you.
Unfortunately, I’m not attending RT, but I really wish something similar (a gathering devoted to YA authors and readers) would be held at RWA National as well.
I’m really looking forward to hearing how this goes.
Although I can’t attend RT, I live in Los Angeles and I will definitely be at Book Camp.
WOOT! Jealous, but want you to get as much dirt as you can to share 😉 Will the contemporary wrestle away power from the paranormals? YES!
I’m in LA now! Flew over to San Francisco from the UK last week, and flew to LA yesterday. Have been to the Getty (totally and ridiculously awesome) and planning to do a few other things before I move to the convention hotel next Tuesday. Anyone else here yet?
I’m chairing a panel at RT on Writing the Multi Author series, but it’s not going to be technical, it’s about coming up with a central story, and how to get it going. Will be at various functions, including both signings.
Great idea to have the teen event. I write erotic paranormal romance and last year at the booksigning I had to tell a fair few teenagers that my books probably weren’t what they were looking for.
Me! Me! I’ll be there. Look for the short Aussie walking around looking stunned (of course, you’ll be able to tell I’m the Aussie because the moment I open my mouth and say something – quite possibly “fair dinkum, I haven’t got a bloody clue where I’m meant to be” – my accent will give me away. Oh, and I’ll also be carrying Tim Tams *grin*)
I”m going! Hope to see you there. In addition to being an RT virgin, this is also the first conference I’m going to as a signing author. So many firsts to consider. I already know I’m going to forget to pack something – Romance Trading Cards, TASTE ME temp tattoos, my netbook, underwear – SOMETHING.
I’m a listmaker, and right now, three days before departure, my list has exactly one thing on it: “Write list.” I guess the items I named above are a good start.