Conference Hopping with Stefanie London

My Romance Writers of America badge

This year I'm attending more conferences than ever. As you're reading this, I would have just finished up at the Romance Writers of Australia conference in Brisbane. I also attended the Romance Writers of America Conference in Orlando, Florida back in July. Then I'm off to speak at both Fiction Fest in Connecticut and the Put Your Heart in a Book conference in New Jersey in September and October.

Phew! That's a lot of travel.

Conferences are a great part of being a writer, in my opinion. Yes, they're often expensive to attend and for introverts (including me) they can be challenging. But the pros far outweigh the cons.

So what are the best bits about attending a writers conference?

• Getting to spend time with my friends that live in other locations. Sometimes conference is the only time I get to see them face to face!
• Meeting readers. Many of the big conferences, like the Romance Writers of America one, have signings where I get to people who read my books. This is always a surreal moment.
• Free books. I try to restrain myself from not filling up my suitcase, but it's tough!
• Meeting editors/agents/publishers and other people whom I often communicate with via email. It's great to speak to the people who help make bring my stories to readers, and to build those relationships.
• Education. These days I don't always make it to a ton of sessions, so I choose wisely. There's so much information to be gleaned from conferences - both from the presentations and from chatting to other authors.
• Being around like-minded people. Being an author is a very unique experience, so chatting with other authors always makes me feel better about the ups and downs this career has to offer.

Me and the lovely Alison Stuart

If you're an aspiring author then I definitely recommend that you attend a conference at least once to see what it's like. If you're a reader, there are plenty of reader-focused events in the writing community such as the RT Booklovers Convention.

Attending a writers conference for the first time and not sure what to expect? Here are my tips:

• If the conference has an app, download it! This will make navigating the schedule so much easier.
• Leave some space in your luggage for books and other goodies that you will inevitably pick up.
• Find some cute and comfy shoes to wear, conference involves a lot more walking that you'd think. Especially if the hotel is big and the events are very spread out.
• Take the opportunity to talk to people. Even if you're shy (don't worry, I am too!) try to say hello to people next to you in the elevator/line/workshop. You're all there for the same reason, so you have inbuilt conversation.
• Keep all your receipts. In many places you can record such activities as deductions from your taxable income even if you are not yet published. For more information, speak to a tax expert in your area.

Have you ever attended a conference before, whether for writing or something else? What's your best tip for new conference goers? 

Romance Writers of America Conference Round Up

It's conference season again, so our posts are likely to be punctuated with pictures of slightly inebriated writers having lots of fun!

This year I was lucky enough to attend the Romance Writers America Conference in San Diego- a mere 16 hour journey that was well worth squishing into a small plane seat and watching hours and hours of films for.

It was my first visit to San Diego and hopefully it won't be my last. What a lovely place! The temperature was around 25C during the day with a lovely refreshing sea breeze that meant it never got too hot. As we arrived a few days before conference my roomie (Elizabeth King) and I spent some time sight seeing.

We had planned a trip over the border to Mexico, but that was cancelled, so Elizabeth and I took a trolley tour round the city, over to Coronado and into Old Town which is the original site of the first settlement there.

We tried 'swamp pop floats' (sarsaparilla and ice cream)- yum!

There were lots of opportunities to try authentic Mexican food... (YUM!!!!)

And Mexican drinks... (we weren't sure about these so we had to try a lot of them to make sure...)

We took a trip to San Diego zoo which is one of the best and most famous zoos in USA. We made some friends...

We were able to pick up our conference programme, badges and goody bags on Tuesday... one of the best things about conference...

Conference started for some people on Wednesday. My day was mostly meetings, but I was lucky to be a guest at the Beaumonde (Regency Historical) soiree where I learned three Regency dances and felt a little underdressed...

Thursday was a blur of workshops,  but I did get a chance for lunch with good friend and M&B Romance/Medical author Scarlet Wilson who had been nominated for not one, but two, RITAs... look who we met on our walk... (only in America, right?)

On Thursday evening I went to a very illuminating (and hilarious) workshop on cover shoots. A photographer and a model showed us the process they use to shoot different covers/poses in one day. Starting with clothes on (Amish style), to tops off... to kilts! And there was some audience participation...

After the Friday workshops (and a very interesting speaker who talked about Imposter Syndrome- which I may recap on here another time) there was the famous Harlequin Party where I bumped into another of our Lovecats, Kandy! Here we are tired and with aching feet from dancing, just about to head home to our hotel.

Saturday was another round of workshops (although none as hilarious as the cover shoot one, sadly). Then the glittery amazingness of the RITA/Golden Heart Awards Ceremony. I was lucky enough to be VIP guest to Elizabeth, who was up for TWO Golden Hearts in the historical category. We took the afternoon off and had our hair and make-up done, then headed to the event. I was in her shoes last year with my RITA nom, so I know how nervous she was; it's a very auspicious night, just like the Oscars! But she won!!! And made a lovely speech and we're all very proud of her! Here she is with her Golden Heart necklace.

It was late by the time we got to bed after all the celebrating. Heads were sore the next morning and we faced another long flight home. But I had the best time (as always), learnt a lot, laughed a lot and spent good times with my tribe. 

Are you looking forward to a conference/ work related fun? If so, what, where and when?  What's the best part for you?

The Best of Melbourne

This post might seem strange coming from the girl who put a whole hemisphere between her and her hometown, but I really do love Melbourne.

Koko Black - chocolate lover's heaven!

 Many Aussie romance authors will be heading there this week for the Romance Writers of Australia conference, and I am so very sad that I won’t be there this year. But, I thought this would be a good opportunity to highlight a few of my favourite things to do in Melbourne.

Tram Car Restaurant

I’ve done this twice now and it’s a real treat. You get ride all around Melbourne on a restored tram, taking in the sights and having a wonderful lunch or dinner. Personally, I love the night tour because of all the city lights – but be warned, the food is great so you might want to wear a stretchy skirt or dress!

Get a hot chocolate at Koko Black

I might be a coffee gal through and through, but Koko Black could totally tempt me to the dark chocolate side. They do amazing hot chocolates and it’s also the perfect place if you want a nice, small gift for a family member back home. My favourite drink is the cinnamon hot chocolate and why not treat yourself to a little desert while you’re there?

Walk along the Yarra river

Morning is the perfect time to catch the hot air balloons

A necessity after all the chocolate! The Yarra is a beautiful place to wander at any time of day. Keep an eye out for the enormous geese who often frequent the area, chill out on a park bench and just breathe in the peacefulness admist the city.

 

Get a coffee

Seriously, Melbourne has the most amazing coffee of any of the places I’ve been. Anywhere in the world. There are so many great cafes to try depending on what area of Melbourne you’re in. If you want to grab a bagel with your coffee try Manchester Press in Rankin Lane, Mr. Tulk is a personal favourite and is right next to the State Library of Victoria, or try Sensory Lab coffee which is the in the back of David Jones building accessible from Little Collins street so you can indulge in a little shopping as well.

See an exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria

Easily one of my favourite spots in Melbourne. The gallery is a great place to wander and soak in some culture, they change exhibitions frequently so check of their website to see what’s on before you go. As a bonus, it’s right near the botanical gardens so you can go for a lovely walk or have a picnic afterwards.

After writing this post I feel suitably homesick! Who’s heading to RWA in Melbourne this year and what else are you planning to do while you’re there? If you’re not going now, have you ever been to Melbourne before?

Count Down to Conference

By the time you see this post I’ll be in New York! That’s right, with the Romance Writers of America conference happening next week my husband and I decided to squeeze in a little sight-seeing.

This will be my second trip to New York but my first time attending the conference.

What am I most excited for?

The Harlequin Black and White Ball

This is a special event for all the Harlequin authors and it’s going to be held at the Waldorf Astoria!!! I love old school glamour, so this is right up my street. The idea of black and white events always appealed (Derby Day, anyone?) and of course I had to by a new dress. You know, it’s for work…right?

The “Readers for Life” Literacy Signing

This will be my first time signing books at an event! Seems like all those years practising my signature on my school books is about to pay off. The great thing about this event is that it’s raising money for three different literacy-based charities, so it

Exciting events mean a new dress!

’s for a good cause.

Meeting up with all my writer friends

When all the people you chat to day in and day out on Facebook are scattered across the globe, any event that brings them together is a good thing! I’m excited to catch up with my fellow LoveCats who’re making the trek over as well as meeting a ton of people who I only know online. For me, writing is never a lonely task as there’s always an email or message from a friend to respond to, and plenty of people willing to lend an ear or offer a kind word when things get rough.

Meeting my editor and agent

These people play such an important role in an author’s career and it’s easy to go years without ever meeting them in person. I’m taking advantage of everyone being in New York for the conference to put a face to the name (or should that be a face to the email address?)

Learning and growing

Conference is a hugely busy time. But I’m promising myself to make it to a few workshops on the topics I’m most interested in. I’m also playing the role of moderator in one session, which will be fun as it’s been a while since I’ve had my public speaking hat on.

Have you ever been to conference for work? Was it a good experience? I’d love to hear any funny stories of things that happened while you were there :)

Five Reasons Why August is Crazy

August is always a big month for me.  This year doubly so.  Five big things are happening in August which will make my life very, very busy.

New Billionaire Book Available

I’m thrilled to announce my new release – The Billionaire’s Passionate Revenge – will be available for pre-order in August.  Here’s the premise:

Heiress Lady Zara Ravensdale and Xavier Hunt, the gardener's son, were once inseparable. But before their romance had a chance to bloom it was crushed by scandal and betrayal.

Wealthy and attractive, Xavier is now an international celebrity while Zara is deep in debt, running Ravensdale Manor as an upmarket hotel to make ends meet. Unable to forget the past, Xavier returns to Ravensdale determined to have his revenge on the Ravensdales – once and for all.

Together again, passions reignite and the old chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. But Xavier and Zara are both keeping secrets, and holding on to their own version of events.  With so many questions that still need answering, will they be able to uncover the truth or will Xavier's need for revenge tear them apart forever? 

So, I’m going to be flat out doing marketing from now on.

Appearing at the Byron Bay Writers Festival – Sunday 9 August

For the second year running, the Byron Bay Writers Festival will feature a romance panel. Hooray! 

I will appear again this year with Honey Brown and Krissy Kneen. The panel is titled Romance:  Escapism or Relationship Hotline and will be chaired by Moya Sayer-Jones. Would love to see lots of romance lovers in the audience.

RWA Conference – attending, presenting and chairing

The Romance Writers Conference of Australia is an annual highlight.  This year I’m

presenting a session with romantic suspense author Helene Young and will be chairing a panel called Agents and Acquiring Editors.  I’m currently busy preparing for both.

Moving House

And, if that’s not enough, we are moving house! So far I’ve only tackled my daughter’s bedroom and I’ve already assembled enough “treasures” to hold a garage sale.  The house is covered in boxes and general craziness.

Our new house needs some maintenance and the exterior painted, so I’m also juggling tradies at the new place as well.

Deadline for the Dirty Draft

And, I’ve given myself to the end of this month to get the dirty draft done on my next book.  I’m thirty thousand words in, but want it done. Now!

So I have an action packed month coming up. I hope August is shaping up to be a great month for you!

I’d love your help! 

Before appearing at a Festival or doing an author event or media interview, I try to anticipate some of the questions I might be asked as part of my preparation. If you were attending the Byron Bay Writers Festival, what question might you ask me or one of my fellow romance writers?

The Lovecats Live!

A few weeks ago Lovecat Sue Mackay posted about getting ready for conference and the anticipation of catching up with old friends, filling the well and generally wallowing in the world of writing. Today I thought I'd show you some cold hard evidence of what it looks like when a litter of Lovecats get together!

Although some very special Lovecats couldn't make it this conference season, quite a few of us caught up in Sydney at both the Romance Writers of Australia national conference and the Australian Romance Readers book signing also in Sydney. A week later a few of us got together again at the Romance Writers of New Zealand national conference in Auckland.

The first night was the Harlequin dinner where I hear there was much merriment and the odd topless waiter..... Always ready to do their bit to help half nekkid men feel comfortable, these Lovecats had a great night.

Lovecats know how to party: L to R: Rachel Bailey, Helen Lacey, Sue Mackay, Louisa George, Annie West. Front (and always centre) Michelle Douglas.

The next night was the cocktail party with a leather and lace theme. Rumour has it that someone in this group wore her Year 12 formal dress!

L to R: Louisa George, Michelle Douglas, Sue Mackay, Lovecat fan Elizabeth King,  yours truly

Apparently the point of conference is to advance your industry and craft knowledge but the Lovecats make plenty of opportunities to drink tea, sip champagne and eat corn chips. Wouldn't you like to do that with this lovely group?

L to R: Michelle Douglas, Rachel Bailey, Jennifer St George, Annie West

Saturday afternoon was the wonderful Australian Romance Readers book signing event at the Pullman Hotel and all of us were enormously grateful to be participating in this fabulous event. We met wonderful readers and I really enjoyed myself.

At the awards dinner on Saturday night we all had our fingers firmly crossed for Amy Andrews and Yvonne Lindsay who were nominated for Romantic Book of the Year. Although they didn't win we all had a wonderful time celebrating their achievements.

L to R: Louisa George and Sue Mackay at the awards dinner

It was only a week later a few of us met up in New Zealand and this time Louisa George took out the Koru award for Short Sexy Romance of the year and I was lucky enough to get the nod for Short Sweet Romance of the year.

 

I can't tell you how much I enjoy getting together with my writing friends. From my fabulous roomie, Rachel Bailey, to the Lovecats panel we participated in during the conference, I'll have wonderful memories of conference season 2014.

The Cat Came Back.

So you probably all know from me banging on about it on my FB page and here, I’ve been away. Took the train from Sydney to Perth. Did some touring round southern Western Australia. Went to the RWAustralia conference in Freemantle. Then did a writer’s retreat on Rottness Island for a four days.

And I’m totally exhausted!

But I promised you pics and it’s a lazy way to blog :-) so....

The Train

The Saloon car

Our platinum cabin by day

The Nullarbor Plain - means treeless in Aboriginal language.

So much great food on the train of no diet!

Brekky - yum!

WA Scenery  

Lots of rainbows in rainy WA! In Albany at old Whaling Station

 

Vewy Vewy windy at this lighthouse

Walking amongst the treetops, Valley of the Giants

WE saw a lot of lighthouses and jetties!

Where 2 great oceans meet!

 RWAustralia conference Fremantle 2013

The lovely Fiona dressed up as one of my book covers for the Cocktail party - best fan moment yet!

We all got a sneak peek at Tina M Clark's book cover - My Brother But One out soon!

Anne Gracie and Fiona McArthur always get into the spirit of things!

The always grinning Paula Roe!

3 medical authors and their lovely London editorial director! All on our best behaviour - not!

Love me a good pirate! At the Destiny party.

Gorgeous lighting & desserts at the awards gala

Emily Forbes still ecstatic after her Ruby win!

The lovely Rachael Bailey and I.

Joel from Momentum and the lovely Shannon Curtis. 

The lounge was a popular area. Anne Gracie, Fiona McArthur, Bron Jameson and Keziah Hill keeping me company!

Rottness Writer's Retreat

Sun setting in the west

Lovecats! Bron Rach and I.

View from the deck

A posing pelican

See, I did do some work!

Simply paradise!

Our accommodation

Now I've loaded all these pics I hope the site doesn't crash but I just couldn't resist! 

My mind's definitely made up, I'll be heading back west again for sure particularly to Rottness Island which was just divine! But for now - I'm going to sleep!

Where's been the best place you've ever holidayed?