Romantic Times Convention

Forgive me if I ramble a bit today. I’m just back from the Romantic Times Convention and given I fly in from Australia for the convention, I’m pretty worn out by the time I arrive home again. I was going to do my normal thing and blog about it while I was over there, but I had computer issues and couldn’t access my blog. So the plan was that I write a blow-by-blow description of the highlights of RT. Like all good plans, it kind of got lost in the shuffle of unpacking and washing, getting caught up with my family. When I finally sat down at the computer, I realized my thoughts were more firmly focused on what I, as a writer, got out of going to RT.

I’ve had friends say to me, “Wow, you’ll have a ball. It’s like one big party.” Yes, I did have a ball. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. But it’s more than just a big party. It truly is a learning experience. For me, anyway. It’s greeting those friends I have made in the past. Meeting and making new friends. It’s catching up with my publishers and editors face to face. That one-on-one conversation means more than a year’s worth of internet contact. I adore fancy dress so the balls were a blast. Seeing all the imagination that went into the costumes. Marvelling at the courage it must have taken to wear some of them. Lol Sorry, I’m way more conservative. This body is not for public viewing, but I applaud the ones who can carry it off.

I always make a habit at the dinners to sit at a table that contains more readers than authors. I had a delightful lady sitting beside me at the Vampire ball. I introduced myself and she in turn did the same, starting off with “I’m just a reader.” Hey, hold on there! “Just a reader?” No way! That lady was one of the most important people at the convention. Without the readers, we, the authors, are nothing.

Now, don’t shoot me for that comment. This is my own personal view. I can pen as many words as I like, ship it off and get it published, but without readers, what have I gained? The pleasure of writing the story, yes. But if I can’t share it with the readers, some of the pleasure is lost for me. And that’s when I realized the most lasting thing I get from going to the Romantic Times Convention is the contact with the readers. It doesn’t matter at that point if they’ve read my stories or not, it’s the sheer joy and enthusiasm they exhibit at the idea of meeting and spending time with authors that touches my soul. It’s humbling. Those readers truly are the most important people at the conference.