Adventures At RWA Day 5

It's the fifth and final day here at RWA! It's been a whirlwind week. I've hung out with my RChat friends. Met some of the authors I've enjoyed following and got to see them live and in person.

This final day was exciting because I was one of the winners of the lunch with the Carina Press editors. We got to sit, talk, and simply hang out. No pitching of work, instead getting to know them and the other writers at the luncheon. A wonderful experience since sometimes the editors are sorta seen as the 'untouchables' in a way. Like you know they are real people, but they are also the gatekeepers as it were for those in query land, and getting a chance to sit with them in that sort of an environment took the pressure off. The entire experience is one I will hold dear from this trip.

Today was also my volunteer day. RWA hosts a literary signing that is open to the public. The books sold at this event are used to give back to a literacy charity. The room is expansive and so many authors, big names and small, fill the space.

This picture does not give just to the overwhelming expanse of it all.  You had USA today best selling authors next to smaller known authors and everyone was nice and smiling and genuinely supportive of each other. Romance authors often get looked down upon for being a romance author. To see so many together, and to see so many fans going around talking to authors, getting pictures. It's heartwarming.

My three hours of volunteer duty was rewarded with...you guessed it more books. LOL

A smaller haul compared to the other days, but since these books were for charity we couldn't have a free for all, which isn't a bad thing. I have so many books my carry-on is full, I couldn't really take more. Fingers crossed when I get to the airport tomorrow I won't be over the 50lbs limit.

I will miss Denver, but home is calling. I am already looking forward to the conference in New York next year! Thanks for going along for the ride of my first conference. When I get home I'll do a final post with all my books and swag laid out. That should be fun.

Until next time
~Meka