Bitchin' Blog Posts

Bags! Big Huge Romancey Bags!

by SB Sarah | July 20, 2009 | Monday at 11:33 am | 433 Comments

bagsThis year, the conference bags for RWA 2009 were provided by Harlequin, which was awesome for two reasons. First, they had vintage cover art. Second, they were BLOODY HUGE. I mean, there could not have been a bag better suited to the book signings and the massive influx of books provided at RWA. You could put a Yugo in there.

I don’t have the books that came with the bag because I gave them to a teacher from Omaha. The AFT was ending their conference the day I arrived, and one of the teachers shared an elevator with me. You should have seen her face when she realized that OUR conference bags came with ROMANCE NOVELS. She was not pleased that her conference bag was not so well equipped!

I know many people expressed drooling envy over the bags - which is understandable because they are Teh Coolness - so I’ve got two for you. Leave a comment and I’ll pick a random winner. If you were at RWA, what was your favorite part? What part did you get the most out of? And if not, are you coming next year to Nashville? You’ve got 24 hours - ready set go!

ETA: I have one more! Barb Ferrer is giving away her bag, so there’s three for grabs. Thanks, Barb!

ETA II: Electric Bugaloo - Edie asked, “I don’t suppose you would be willing to send one to Australia?? It was a bit too far for me to travel to go to the conference.” Unless otherwise specified, I will ship all prizes for any giveaway internationally. See the ads over there?—> Them’s most of my postage budget, baby, yeah. :)

ETA III: Jane from Dear Author is throwing hers in, so that’s four bags up for grabs. Woo hoo!

ETA IV: MORE! Julie James has offered her bag- so we got five!

ETA V: STILL MORE Katiebabs has offered hers, too.

ETA VI: What? Yes! Shiloh Walker has given hers to the party, too. SEVEN baby!

Filed: General Bitching, Go Ahead, Win Some Shit, RWA, RWA National - DC 2009

Tagged: rwa, romance, harlequin, art

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Susan D. said on 07.21.09 at 12:20 AM

Question for HQN: would you consider making the bags a gift w/ purchase? I’d buy a bunch of books from your web site (vs. from other retail sources) for the opportunity to have one of those totes.

spamword: feel55. Why yes, I do feel 55 today, even though I’m about 20 yrs shy of 55.

aggiedoone said on 07.21.09 at 12:22 AM

Yes, please :)

KB said on 07.21.09 at 12:24 AM

No chance I would go but sure do like the bag. Thanksfor the great prizes

Kristie said on 07.21.09 at 12:28 AM

leaving comment, crossing fingers

Heather said on 07.21.09 at 12:35 AM

I was born in Tennessee, so it seems like a chance to take a trip back home next year :)

rigmarole said on 07.21.09 at 12:37 AM

WANT.

Experiencing RWA vicariously via Twitter was great fun. Can’t wait for next year.

Danielle said on 07.21.09 at 12:40 AM

I would lvoe a chance to win one.

Bunnicula said on 07.21.09 at 12:41 AM

I want a bag!

MaryC said on 07.21.09 at 12:45 AM

This was the first conference I ever attended VIA Twitter and it was ultra cool. We got instant updates but alas, no goody bags. Now Smart Bitches comes through with Goody Bags too!  Thanks so much - for the conference tweets and the chance to win. Smart Bitches rock!

Carrie said on 07.21.09 at 12:46 AM

Those bags are awesome!  Toss my name in the ring, please.  ~  Carrie

Claire said on 07.21.09 at 12:48 AM

gimmie!

Maree Anderson said on 07.21.09 at 12:48 AM

Pick me, pick me!

I live on the other side of the freaking world (New Zealand) and I keep buying those lotto tickets, but alas, some other bugger—I mean, lucky winner bet me to it. I’m ever hopeful I’ll get to an RWA conference though. I’d so love to meet my editor and blog-mates in person—not to mention your most awesome selves! *waves her copy of Bosoms & wonders why someone hasn’t invented “virtual booksigning” yet.

And just to make you feel even more sorry for me, I have the flu. Again. (Bloody husband!)

Sniffle,

Maree

BreiaB said on 07.21.09 at 12:51 AM

I didn’t get to go but would love to one day. It probably won’t be next year but hopefully in a couple of years.

molly_rose said on 07.21.09 at 12:52 AM

love that style! hope I get one to flaunt around town.

Lizabeth S. Tucker said on 07.21.09 at 12:53 AM

I collect tote bags, particularly those with reading or book references.  I would kiss your feet for one.  Even after a marathon. (Okay, maybe I’d wear one of those mouth masks in that case.)

Will I come to RWA next year?  Probably not.  I have one big trip a year to pay for and that is the annual NCIS Fan Fest out in L.A.  There is no way I can give up the possible, although remote, chance of seeing Mark Harmon or Michael Weatherly, not even for a convention filled with book goodness.

How strange, my code is foot82.  And I didn’t even see that before writing the first paragraph.

Sue K. said on 07.21.09 at 12:53 AM

I would like to try to get one of those big cool bags….

Ann Rose said on 07.21.09 at 12:54 AM

I don’t think I’m even eligible to attend RWA, but whoo, boy howdy, I’d LOVE to win one of those awesomesauce bags. Plus, my husband gave me a copy of Beyond Heaving Bosoms this weekend—now I know he’s a keeper… ;)

Catchpa: given44. As in, could I be given 44 extra chances to win?

cate said on 07.21.09 at 12:55 AM

Well, what can I say,except truly, truly jealous .In the UK we get the geek fests (quite fun actually) But romance, ..Not so much as a hint of a torn corset, or the sniff of an Alpha’s armpit ! In fact the last conference I went to was all about anaesthetics…What a gas .!!!!!!!!
  Now, please send me one of those luscious bags, or I’ll send one of the barking anaesthatists, I spent 2 hours listening to over there.(And trust me….I’ll never get those 2 hours back again )

BreiaB said on 07.21.09 at 01:01 AM

This is one awesome contest, thanks bunches.

Janet B said on 07.21.09 at 01:03 AM

If you pick me, I’ll be very happy.

LizC said on 07.21.09 at 01:03 AM

Apparently I am not the only person who really wants one of these bags.

Kryianna said on 07.21.09 at 01:08 AM

Awesome bags!  I can’t wait to go to Nashville next year for my very first RWA conference.

wendy said on 07.21.09 at 01:17 AM

I might win a bag—the comments weren’t closed.

Laura D said on 07.21.09 at 01:18 AM

Teh bag, I must have one.  What would I be willing to do to get it?  I could send my 18-year-old daughter and 19-year-old son to get it for me—like I was forced to do to get mine own signed Beyond Heaving Bosoms.  Yes, I sent them to a hotel room filled with women and beer.  My daughter’s comment?  “Like a room full of YOU.”  Son’s comment?  “Ize about to toss back a couple of beers with the ladies, kay?”

Bag?  Plz?

Roarscribe said on 07.21.09 at 01:27 AM

Plotting my way to Nashville

Lisa said on 07.21.09 at 01:30 AM

Oh, oh, please count me in too. My birthday is in a couple of weeks - and it would be so lovely to get a cool prezzie like one of these bags. Thanks for offering them up.

Sonic said on 07.21.09 at 01:30 AM

Oh, hot dog those bags look delish!  would love to go to the conference, but it’s just not doable time-wise.  :-(

WendyK said on 07.21.09 at 01:31 AM

Ohh I loved that bag,sadly since I only went to the signing I did NOT get a bag, so please please please pick me!!!!

My favorite part? The whole freaking thing!!!

hugs,
WendyK

Jennifer said on 07.21.09 at 01:31 AM

I would love to have a bag like this.  I’m thinking about a visit to Nashville. . . .

Bonnie J said on 07.21.09 at 01:31 AM

Awesome bags-count me in!

Yet Another Jennifer said on 07.21.09 at 01:36 AM

I doubt I will ever make it to a conference unfortunatly.  Harlequin really needs to start selling their stuff.  If that bag and all the goodies were for sell, I would be first in line.

Katie Ann said on 07.21.09 at 01:38 AM

I won’t be able to go to Nashville, and am still kicking myself for missing out when it was in Dallas.  Grr.  In for one, please!

Teresa C said on 07.21.09 at 01:42 AM

Way cool! Yes, please.

Shannon S said on 07.21.09 at 01:51 AM

Unfortunately I didn’t make it this year and next year is looking unlikely too. :-(

I’d love a bag though because my romance obsession started with Vintage Harlequins.

Saam said on 07.21.09 at 01:52 AM

Yay! We Aussies need teh Romance too! Want. Plskthxbai

Saam said on 07.21.09 at 01:56 AM

...I think my 1st comment didn’t post, so here’s take 2:
Yay! We Aussies need Teh Romance here too! Want. plzkthxbai

Phoebe said on 07.21.09 at 02:04 AM

yes, please. I want one!

hannah i said on 07.21.09 at 02:08 AM

thanks, those are great bags!

Jessie said on 07.21.09 at 02:09 AM

Since I missed out on this year hopefully I can go next year

Lynn said on 07.21.09 at 02:12 AM

I would love one of the bags.  Wish I could have made it to the book signing.

Erin said on 07.21.09 at 02:13 AM

I didn’t make it this year, but if I can get ahold of some horse tranquilizers and a cocktail… or two to help get me on the plane (embarrassing fear of flying) I’d love to be there next year.
Thanks for the chance to win one of those fabulous bags!

jocelynnesimone said on 07.21.09 at 02:13 AM

Oh I am sorry I missed all the fun of RWA but these bags are a little bit of magic awesomeness and clearly full of win.  I’ll definitely throw my name in the hat.

plainjane said on 07.21.09 at 02:16 AM

OMG that bag is enough to make me squeeeeeeee!!!!  Gotta have one.  Pick me, pick me!! :)

Claire said on 07.21.09 at 02:17 AM

Another Aussie here putting her hand up high!  Those bags are gorgeous, and I’d love to know what was in em.  Love to make it to RWA one day, have to save up my pennies.  Or write a bestseller…

Kat said on 07.21.09 at 02:23 AM

Ooh, I’d love one, too!

Julie said on 07.21.09 at 02:23 AM

I didn’t go and see no chance of attending next year. But a bag would be a cool compensation for the RWA blues.

Julie said on 07.21.09 at 02:26 AM

Ok I will try this again as the first one didn’t post. I would love a bag as I didn’t go and dont’ see a way to go next year so a book bag would almost be as good.

Nana said on 07.21.09 at 02:27 AM

I would totally come to Nashville but it’s a bit hard to get there from Europe. STill would love a bag though!

SusiB said on 07.21.09 at 02:28 AM

I’d love to get one of those bags!

SusiB said on 07.21.09 at 02:31 AM

Sorry, I don’t mean to spam theses comments, but my first comment doesn’t seem to have been saved…anyway, I’d love to get one of the bags!

KimberlyD said on 07.21.09 at 02:32 AM

Please add me to the drawing (or random integer pick). Thanks!

Ned said on 07.21.09 at 02:36 AM

Reading everyone’s blog entries about it makes me wish I had gone. I would love to go next year, but I’m not sure that’s feasible. Who knows ....

Lynne said on 07.21.09 at 02:37 AM

That is so cool that others have thrown in their bags to offer your readers too.  Kudos!

skim said on 07.21.09 at 02:37 AM

i’m so there next year!

sarah said on 07.21.09 at 02:39 AM

do you have to work in the industry in order to attend or can anyone go? those bags are awesome!

sarah said on 07.21.09 at 02:43 AM

what’s the next big romance conference coming up?
count me in for the bag grab!

Celeste Fong said on 07.21.09 at 02:49 AM

I only get to go to Library conferences but never have attended an RWA conference. I’d love to have a bag.

Amanda said on 07.21.09 at 02:53 AM

I would love one of those bags. I am also looking into joining RWA and thinking about trying to go to the confrence next year. I also want to go to RT next year.

Kelly Bishop said on 07.21.09 at 02:59 AM

Couldn’t go this year because of finances. Not sure I’ll be able to afford it next year either but hope springs eternal!

SOMEDAY DAMN IT, I WILL GET THERE!!! (Grin)

I really appreciate all of the bloggers who gave us stay at homes updates, so we had some idea of what was going on.

And thanks for offering the bags, they do look cool.

Kelly B.

JessW said on 07.21.09 at 03:00 AM

I loved the reports from RWA and I hope to get to one of the conventions someday.  cool bags! thanks for the chance to have a little piece of romance.

Shelley DiTommaso said on 07.21.09 at 03:01 AM

Goody bag that has real goodies in it.  I am so on that!

Nico! said on 07.21.09 at 03:04 AM

That is a Bitchin’ Bag. The Desire for a Good Bag is overwhelming. I must Thrust My Comment into this contest. Oh yes.

militaryspouse said on 07.21.09 at 03:11 AM

I’m officially down on my knees begging.  Pick a lonely canuck.

I’m willing to go to Nashville next year if they have bags like this.

I’m going to Lora Leigh’s RAW in September (hope it’s a good loot bag), so if I can find West Virginia, I’m sure I could find Nashville.

It’s cold up here, winters are long, I need books….

miz_geek said on 07.21.09 at 03:13 AM

I’d love one!!

tanya said on 07.21.09 at 03:14 AM

Could not make it this year…hoping i can go to next years.

Diana said on 07.21.09 at 03:17 AM

Count me in!  The bags look great.  I don’t have plans to attend the conference next year, but I did attend the literacy signing last year in San Francisco, my hometown.  I had a great time.

Nancy Bristow said on 07.21.09 at 03:19 AM

Bitches…I’m all about winning one of the fabulous bags:)

I live in VA (near DC) but the thought of 500 authors in one place was more than I could cope with at one time;)

m3t said on 07.21.09 at 03:21 AM

followed the twitter, wished I couda been there

DeeCee said on 07.21.09 at 03:23 AM

I won’t be going to any conference in the near future. I can’t justify the costs, and nothing is even remotely close to my neck of the woods. 

I am however drooling over all the fantastic pictures….

Karen W. said on 07.21.09 at 03:24 AM

A big bag of books?  My wet dream! ;-)  Thanks for the contest!

Mallory J. said on 07.21.09 at 03:31 AM

I wasn’t able to go to RWA this year…finances :(

But if the academic calendar allows, I’d love to go next year!!!

Shaine said on 07.21.09 at 03:40 AM

I would LOVE to go someday but right now I have to get updates from you guys and others. I would love one of the bags and Harlequin should sell them. Please enter me =)

Cassie said on 07.21.09 at 03:40 AM

Those bags = WIN!

I wish I could go to a conference, but money’s not on my side.  Sigh.  Maybe next year.

Liz W said on 07.21.09 at 03:42 AM

I wish I had the money (and the transportation, hah) to get to conventions like this! Hundreds of authors, it sounds so magnificent. Those bags are excellent!

TrustMe_2_Forget said on 07.21.09 at 03:59 AM

I wish is was in the plans to go!  I would love the change to go to any of the romance conventions… but, probably not anytime soon.

Diane/Anonym2857 said on 07.21.09 at 04:09 AM

Please put my name in for the drawing too.

I wanted SO much to be at the signing this year, but alas I was financially embarrassed as usual. Sigh.

Diane :o)

Amy said on 07.21.09 at 04:12 AM

I would totally buy those bags if they were for sale. Count me in on the drawing.

As just a reader, I can’t really justify the cost to go to a conference, but I enjoy reading the recaps and twitter feeds. I do wish it would come to Boston so I could at least go to the signing. I was able to get to NYC for one a few years ago and it was the highlight of my NYC trip.

Sharon Buchbinder said on 07.21.09 at 04:16 AM

I was at RWA 2009 for the first time EVER. My favorite part was how NICE everyone was—from rock star level authors to newbies like me! It was amazing!! And YES I will be in Nashville, hell or high water! I’m still high on the amazing event!

My only regret: I didn’t get to see each and every person I wanted to meet in person, including you guys. :(

Amy S. said on 07.21.09 at 04:21 AM

I haven’t been to one of the conferences.  I would love to go one day.

Eve Savage said on 07.21.09 at 04:24 AM

ODE to RWA National by Eve Savage

Oh to head to Washington
For all the tricks and treats
For all the books and authors
For penis-shaped candy sweets

This year I wasn’t able to
My sorrow hardly lags
But I could be much happier
If I win one of the bags

Ahlison said on 07.21.09 at 04:28 AM

I am heartbroken after discovering today that the new workplace firewall bans the Bitches…  What’s with that?  A new bag would help with the sadness and the withdrawl symptoms.

Eve Savage said on 07.21.09 at 04:30 AM

Oh to go to Washinton
For all the tricks and treats
For tons of books and authors
For penis-shaped candy sweets
This year I could not go
My sorrow hardly lags
But I could be much happier
Were I to win one of the bags

Eve Savage said on 07.21.09 at 04:31 AM

So sorry for the double post.
Eve

Caffey said on 07.21.09 at 04:31 AM

It would be neat to have that bag! I’d love for you to count me in for any of your souvenirs Thanks for thinking of us who couldn’t go!

Moth said on 07.21.09 at 04:33 AM

I want one! I want one!

Sadly, I am a poor starving student and will probably not be able to afford to attend RWA conference for many years yet to come. :( But one of these nice totes would tide me over til that day. ;P *hopeful face*

BeckyBH said on 07.21.09 at 04:33 AM

Those bags are tres cool! I bet they carried some awesome books too. I would have loved to go. It must be fun to dress like tinkerbell or an elf.

Caffey said on 07.21.09 at 04:33 AM

It would be neat to have that bag! I’d love for you to count me in for any of your souvenirs Thanks for thinking of us who couldn’t go!

PS I’ve been trying to post for a while and it keeps saying ‘we are unable to take more posts at this time .. so maybe there a limit to posts here ? I’m giving it a try again :)

Marg said on 07.21.09 at 04:36 AM

I would love to be going to Nashville next year. Unfortunately it is a very long flight and very expensive from Oz!

I would love to go into the draw!

Ann said on 07.21.09 at 04:39 AM

My goodness this is a popular potential gift.  Please put me on the list as a possible happy person whose name might be drawn.
Thank you.

SaraC said on 07.21.09 at 04:45 AM

RWA looks like so much fun! Sadly, I did not go, but maybe next year….

Mariee said on 07.21.09 at 04:46 AM

Awesome! Count me in please.

RosettaStone said on 07.21.09 at 04:46 AM

Those bags look amazing *wipes away drool* Put my name in the hat!

I’d love to attend a conference (plus, I’ve never been to TN), but I can’t say for sure until closer to the date!

Ambot said on 07.21.09 at 04:51 AM

I really want to win!  I’m the best at being random!

Rebecca said on 07.21.09 at 04:59 AM

Maybe if I had one of those bags, I could stop sadly trolling Facebook and Twitter for conference pics… I was so bummed not to be there! Here’s hoping I can make Nashville next year!

Arianna Skye said on 07.21.09 at 05:00 AM

I have to admit, the bag was one of the best conference bags ever. I loved the Harlequin calendar, but the bag takes the cake. The title of the featured book always manages to give me the giggles. “You Never Know With Women” LMAO!

If I happen to win, the bag will be given to my sister. I caught her eying it yesterday when I was unloading all my swag.

Arianna

Ellen said on 07.21.09 at 05:04 AM

I’m not going to Nashville next year, but I really, really, really wish I could.  The bags look thrilling.

PattiF said on 07.21.09 at 05:04 AM

I have been hearing how awesome the bags were and I want one real bad!
Missed DC this year but hope to go to Nashville next year.

NancyB said on 07.21.09 at 05:09 AM

I have not yet made a RWA, but Nashville is looking good.

Cindy said on 07.21.09 at 05:12 AM

Man I’d love to go to something like that, but they never have them close to me and since I haven’t travel funds…*le sigh* Someday it’ll be near me.

Megs said on 07.21.09 at 05:17 AM

Those bags are truly fabulous. I wish I’d gone!

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