I’m writing this on the back side of the annual reader/author get together hosted by Lori Foster and Dianne Castell in the Cincinnati area. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend this event every year. I clearly remember that first year, when there were about 90 of us. We squeezed into a small side room at the West Chester Marriott on Friday evening, munching on snacks that we signed up to bring. We had breakfast, lunch, and a book signing on Saturday and the event was over. I had so much fun finally meeting and spending time with the women I’d met and grown to know (and love!) online that I truly don’t think I cared that it was only one night. I was practically floating all the way home. Over the years the event has continued to grow and this past weekend there were approximately 300 in attendance (about 100 were authors). Given the change in size and other factors (such as sponsors) that are necessary to accommodate that kind of growth, several of us agreed that the dynamics of the event have changed considerably. With the number of e-pubs increasing significantly every year, the authors in attendance represent a wide and varied assortment of sub-genres, which means, of course, that readers attending are more varied as well.
Realizing that this event is still small in comparison to the numbers drawn by the RWA and RT conventions, I’m curious about whether attendees have a preference. Of course, there’s expense to keep in mind also. Large events call for large fees and given the financial pinch that so many are feeling these days, I wonder what changes attendees have had to make. Do you make budget cuts elsewhere so you can still go to the “big show” or have you had to forego attending this year?
I’ve never attended any of the “big” conventions or any other reader/author gatherings, except for book signings. Conversations with readers who have experienced RT indicate that with the exception of some events, workshops and the book signing, the week has a real party feel with celebrations and ogling of male models being the norm. I attended the RT book signing in Pittsburgh last year and while the authors in attendance were courteous and dignified, it is my understanding that grown women behaving badly isn’t unusual or largely frowned upon during this week. I understand that the RT convention will be in Columbus, Ohio next year, practically in my own backyard, so I’ll no doubt meet reader friends and go to the book signing but I seriously don’t see myself attending any of the other events.
I’ve always been under the impression that RWA is a tad more serious and professional, with bigger names and larger, more well-known publishers, more for the benefit of authors and those in the bookselling business than for readers. I had assumed that other than the book signing, there really isn’t that much for a reader to do, except for hanging out, waiting to ambush the next unsuspecting author who comes by. Am I mistaken? Is there much there for readers? My friends Beth and Stacy attended RWA in San Francisco last year and turned the experience into an exciting mix of sightseeing and RWA events. Their photos and colorful stories were enough to make several of us incredibly envious!
An observation from Beth: RWA is more representative of the “business” of romance and smaller events such as Lori and Dianne’s gathering are more for the “community” of romance readers and authors. That sounds pretty accurate to me.
I’d like to know everyone’s thoughts on these reader/author events. Do you love them? Hate them? If you’re a fan, what is the attraction for you? Is bigger always better?
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Hi Laurie,
I think it always helps to go knowing what you want to get out of the weekend. I wanted books (and boy, did I get them!) I wanted to meet certain authors (especially those I link up with on facebook and twitter)–and I met them! I wanted to learn more about the industry–and thanks to the workshops w/Samhain especially, and conversations with Karen Solem and others, I did. And I wanted to have fun (if you visit my blog, you’ll be able to tell from the photos).
So, to me, big or small, the key is planning. You may plan to sit in the lobby and chat with anyone who walks by. That’s a great plan!
I’m going to both of the biggies next year b/c they are so close, and I’ll spend a lot of time with the schedule before I get there.
(The only thing I DIDN’T get to do was go swimming! But the pool was full. Sigh.)
BTW–my husband’s annual conference has 30,000 people!
I wish we had ANY of the sort of thing in the UK.
The UK Romantic Novelists’ Association has their annual conference every summer, in a different place in England (it’s Penrith, in the Lakes, next month). It’s a wonderful opportunity for writers, though there aren’t any events just for readers. It’s much, much smaller than the RWA conference, so it’s more intimate and very friendly, and I actually prefer it, especially as I write for the UK market.
Well as a reader, the Cincy event is just perfect: price-wise, author/reader-wise, fun-wise. And location. Great hotel.
I’ve been to RWA and it’s not necessarily for the reader, although the one in Atlanta in ‘06 was at a hotel that made it easier for readers to mingle with authors. Planning and location will have a lot to do with it. I won’t pay $500 or whatever it is to attend the conference because I’m not a writer, and it’s not worth the price just to be included in a few interesting workshops or even some of the rooms with book giveaways.
I do plan to attend RWA in Nashville because I’ve never been and it sounds fun. But Lori’s event is a must every year.
Smaller is better for us readers. It allows for a more personal atmosphere with a variety of authors that RWA will not provide you unless you’re congregating with a group during the whole process such as the Lori Foster Bookjunkys. And the price of that forum is getting outrageous for any reader to attend on a regular basis, which doesn’t include airfare or discounts unless you’re a registered member of RWA. That’s why I quit attending RWA five years ago. This year with it being in D.C., I’m only planning to attend the booksigning and maybe a breakfast or lunch with friends/authors attending since I’m only an hour’s drive away. Lori and Dianne’s gathering has provided something for everyone that the larger conventions don’t. So in essence, bigger is not better for readers! LOL
Erastes, maybe you should plan one!
I went to RWA SF last year and it was BIG. And I have to say, while planned well, not very well. The size of the rooms verses the number of people in each workshop left much to be desired. In addition, the workshops said one thing but were really about another.
I prefer smaller gatherings, even local chapter conferences. I think they’re more interesting and have more of a chance to talk with others. But that’s just my very unhumble opinion.
I’d love to go to Lori’s event, I’ve heard such fantastic things about it!
Hi Laurie! From an author standpoint, I love Lori’s event. Not only does it give me a chance to see author and reader friends I know from online, it also gives me a chance to meet new people, too, and to sell a few books while I’m at it. ; ) From a practical standpoint, I like that Lori’s event has grown – because I get to see and meet more people ; ) That said, there are many people who I know were there this weekend but who never even saw, so in that way, size makes it tricky. Personally, I would love if there was some way to accomodate that, a booksigning where the authors sit in alphabetical order, or maybe just introductions and short hellos over the microphone of some of the big name authors in attendance. Those are just passing thoughts, though, and I’m happy to leave all the planning in Lori and Dianne’s hands since they’ve always put on such a great event : )
I will admit I’m always a little suprised that so many readers attend RWA, because it *is* primarily a professional event where I go to see my editors and agent, and to talk business and network. But as Stacy and Keri said, there ARE plenty of opportunities to see authors there. And if you do pay the conference fee, you can leave with literally hundreds of free books from all the major publishers. I don’t bring home that many books these days due to time issues, but in my early RWA days, I felt the books I brought home more than offset the conference fee.
As for RT, I’ve only been once and your impressions of it equal what I saw ; ) I plan to go next year because it IS so very close to home for me, and I’m curious to see if my impressions are altered by a second experience. : )
Even though Lori and Dianne’s event is much bigger there is still a feeling of casualness that seems to prevail. The staff at the Mariott is wonderful and the food is always good.
As stated above the hardest part is that with so many people is was difficult to spread myself out and spent time with so many online friends that I never get to see in person. But I had a grea time and I’m looking forward to next year.
I will be at RT and RWA next year since both are withing driving distance.
I guess I would have to say I like it both ways..
I have been to RT in Saint Louis and that was great to see so many talented people in one place. However I have listen to many authors speak at public library functions and that makes it seem more personal too.
I think that RT and RWA do address two different groups. One for readers and one more for authors. Not to say that both don’t have some events for the non targeted group.
I’ve been to the RWA signing, but never been near a RT event. From what I hear the outlandish behavior considered to be the norm at RT doesn’t sound like my thing…but who knows?
I like the smaller more personal events where one gets to feel like they are allowed to get to know the author on a more personal friend level.
Having attended functions like these, I have to admit, I prefer smaller gatherings where you get to speak to the guests on a person to person level, and there’s a more “family” feel to it all – rather than sell, sell, sell – this is BUSINESS, which seems to dominate the feel of the big events. I suppose, as has been said already, it depends on your reasons for being there, and what you take away from it for your own personal pleasure…. because ultimately, the event is only as good or bad as your enjoyment of it and your personal expectations – whether they are met or not.
Nice topic, as always, Laurie!!!
Hugs ~~ Denyse
I love the Lori Foster event. I’ve attended for the past three years and been totally impressed with it. I love the casual atmosphere and the chance to talk one on one with the authors and meet new authors each and every year. It’s the highlight of my year.
I’ve attended one big conference and that was RWA in 2006 in Atlanta. I attended as a bookseller and enjoyed it tremendously but it is definitely an event for the authors. To say I was a bit overwhelmed would be an understatement. lol
It was a dream come true to be in the company of so many big named authors and I brought home tons of great books so do think that helped cost wise but do really wish the registration wasn’t so high. Makes it very prohibitive for everyone to attend. Guess if you make the big bucks or can write it off as a business expense but when you have to foot the bill yourself, it’s hard to deal with.
I can truthfully say I enjoyed both events but I believe the smaller Lori Foster event is far better from a readers point of view.
Lori and Dianne’s weekend is the only conference I’ve ever attended and conference is really not the right word. I attend as a reader only and while I enjoy meeting the authors in attendance and talking with those I’ve already met I really look forward to visiting with online friends, discussing what books we’ve read and what we’re looking forward to in the future.
I believe this event if super affordable and the Mariott does an excellent job at customer service. The food is delicious and in abundance for the very reasonable price of $50!
With the growth of this event I have noticed it’s harder to find the authors you want to meet. I know Lorie O’Clare was there but I never found her at a table.
As with all things, growth is inevitable and we just have to remember that it takes all kinds to make this world go round!
I’ve been to both, and they each serve their purpose. I think that the smaller events let authors really get in touch with their readers, and that readers can spend lots of time up close and personal with authors and friends with whom the have a relationship, and form new friendships much more easily. Plus, it’s certainly more affordable. Lori & Dianne are to be commended for that, even as the event has grown. Another that’s similar in spirit is Celebrate Romance, which I’ve also attended and enjoyed for the same reasons.
I love RT. As an author I get to hang with my peers, talking to booksellers, readers, and my editors and agent.
Two points about RT…the outlandish behavior? I’ve been to 3 in a row and have yet to see any. And I’m an outlandish behavior magnet.
And big name publishers like Bantam, Kensington, Harlequin, Grand Central, St Martins do attend and give panels on the state of the industry and usually sit on other panels as well. And some big name agents attend as well…Ethan Ellenberg, Miriam Kriss, my own awesome agent Laura Bradford were there this past April.
It is a convention for readers mostly, with tons of social gatherings to meet the authors and get tons of free books, but there are also events for writers, workshops and panels.
RWA is totally for business, unless you count the outlandish behavior at the Harlequin party.
I have never been to a ‘large’ event. But I love the GTG. I have been to all five of them. Yes it is getting bigger every year. But I still feel like I’m spending a girl’s weekend with 300 girlfriends.
One thing is that the big room is pretty much open from Friday at 4pm til Saturday night til 10?. So flow is very fluid. It not like 4pm break till 5 pm. and all 300 people are not trying to get to their rooms on 2 elevators. Readers (I’m one) do get to meet authors and I usually find an seat next to the author I like to meet.
And the Marriott is great. In 5 years I can not find one complaint. In fact I don’t think I have seen 1 employee without a warm smile and an offer to help.
And of course the hostesses Lori, Dianne and Linda are the greatest. And this year with sponsors the GTG went to the next level.
I will be there next year.
I have not attended any of these gatherings yet, but I hope too one day!
It is really great to see the comments and get the feel for what readers like to see and what works for authors.
Thanks, Laurie!
C~
Laurie – It was great to see you this past weekend! I’ve been to all 5 Lori Foster events, and it is definitely my favorite “writing related” conference. The hotel is fab, and I love the casual feel of the get-together.
I have been to three RT’s over the years, and I attend RWA about every third year, depending on finances and location. This year I was in New York for a mini conference in March and saw my editor and agent, so I will not go to either RT or RWA in ‘09.
RWA is more of a professional conference, and when I was learning the writing business, it was invaluable.
Anytime I get to meet readers and other authors, I love it…
Laurie I love attending this event and have been very luck to go every year. I save all year long so that I may support the event and buy many raffle tickets. Not only do I get to see my online best friends but meet some new people to. I enjoy meeting new Authors as well and I love seeing those that are on my auto buy list. I have never been to RWA or RT and that is okay, for I think this is all I can handle.
It was great to see you and I look forward to next year.
Big, small, I would go every freakin’ romance conference around if I had the time/money. I love immersing myself in the vibe of fellow readers and writers.
To be surrounded by people who “get it” is a thrill. No explaining why I’m lugging around two huge suitcases of books I could have bought at home; no justifying my love of clinch covers; just a bunch of friends who will happily debate the relative merits of Mr. Darcy and Phury all night long.
Happy sigh.
I have only attended Lori/Dianne’s get together. For me its just perfect, I still get that feel of connecting with authors and friends alike.
I might attend RT/RWA next year just for the booksigning since both are so close.
Laurie Very interesting post and responses.
I have been to Lori and Dianne’s get together all five years and it is probably my favorite simply because it is a mix of readers and writers.
The thing I liked about RT when I went was that some of the authors who live farther away came to it vs the smaller events. I went to RT in 2005 in St Louis. Some of the authors I met were Susan Kearney, Karen Kelly, Lucy Monroe (1st time), Julie Kenner, Susan Grant to name a few. The cost is a bit prohibitive and when I went I cheated a bit. I stayed at the conferance hotel and paid the group rate price but I wasn’t “officially” registered for the event. This one was close enough for me to drive and what I did was arrange drinks, breakfast, dinner etc with some of the authors I had known on line for years. These were authors that I had interviewed,and or reviewed their booksover the years and they were kind enough to fit me into their schedule. I also attened some of the parties for RT since some of the authors didn’t and gave me their tickets to go. Overall my RT experience was a pleasent one and since my goal was to meet these people and talk one on one with them about their writing and the romance industry this worked out well. I am thinking about attending RT in Columbus OH next year again because it is so close to my home. If finances permit I would like to “officially go” but would be satisfied with the other route of attending as well.
As for RWA I have always felt that this is more of a writer/agent/publisher type event and I would love to attend this one unofficially just to hang out and see who I would run into. Would love to go to DC this year as it would be a great place to sight see during the day and author stalk at night. Finances don’t permit DC this year but I am hoping to maybe get to Nashville next year. In all honesty the main reason I want to go to RWA is to meet Nora Roberts. This is the only conference she attends every year and she is one that I have never met that I would love to meet. Would no doubt be “star struck” but maybe I could manage to ask her to sign the interview I did with her.
Overall my conferance experience to date has been positive no matter big or small. Like some of the others said I just appreciate being able to talk books and not have someone look at me strangely.
Hi, Laurie! I’ve yet to attend any of these, but I would probably tend towards slightly smaller events simply because I tend to be overwhelmed by crowds and would have a harder time relaxing and enjoying hanging out with everyone. It would be exciting to have a chance to be with fellow readers and to meet some favorite authors in any context though!
Heya Laurie!!!
Personally, I prefer the smaller ones, just because it’s not ‘hit the ground running and don’t stop until three days after you return home’.
That’s the pace of RT.
Haven’t done RWA Nationals yet-first time is this year.
But I love the smaller events.