Seattle romance authors were out in force last weekend at the Emerald City Writers Conference. Aspiring authors, published authors and avid readers converged on the Bellevue Hilton for three days of motivational speeches, writing workshops and more cake than any sane person could eat. Editor and Agent pitches, overflowing raffle baskets and career milestone recognitions rounded out the fun-filled frenzy. I met amazing women who speak my language. It was thrilling.
Highlight 1: In which Susan Mallery launches us on a glorious quest
Susan Mallery gave the best speech of the weekend, sharing her path to publication and urging us to “show up.” She has written over one hundred books, and finally hit the best seller list after 18 years. At one point she received over fifty rejections within twenty months. She has two secrets to success: 1) Set Goals, and 2) Show up and do the work. The goal to “get published” is different from the goal to “have a career as an author.” The former is the wrong goal; it is not the same as making a living as a writer. (Donald Maass shares the same advice in his landmark book The Career Novelist, as well as advice on how to build the latter.)
After Ms. Mallery achieved her first goal, getting published, it took her twelve years to set another one. She urged the audience not to repeat her mistakes. “Make sure your goal is clear,” she said. “Know the path to get there. Most importantly, write it down.”
She encouraged us not to sell ourself short, but to reach for the stars. “Put your goal in the universe and it will happen,” she said. “You must set an impossible goal and show up to do the work.” In my head I began to hum “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha: This is my quest / To follow that star / No matter how hopeless / No matter how far.
Publishing may not be hopeless, but it is quite daunting. Ms. Mallery shared numbers: one in one-thousand will sell her novel. Less than fifty-percent of those will sell a second time. “You must believe in yourself,” she said. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back.
She provided note cards to the audience so that we could write down our goals. I wrote two I have control over, and then, with Don Quixote singing in my head, wrote two that feel terrifyingly far away. Wish me luck.
Highlight 2: In which I am attacked by a boa
This fabulous thing snuck up behind me and wrapped its soft, molting length around my exposed neck. My eyes rolled up in my head as it sank its long fangs into my jugular and released its Diva energy directly into my blood…
My confirmation to RWA PRO membership came just in time for me to be honored with a fabulous feather boa during the Key Note luncheon. I have joined, according to the RWA, the ranks of the “almost published.”
PRO focuses on the business side of writing rather than craft and offers many benefits to its members. To be eligible to join PRO, RWA members must either provide proof that they have completed a romance manuscript and that they have submitted the manuscript to a publisher or literary agent.
Here I am with my fellow fashionistas.
Highlight 3: In which Julia Quinn makes copious lists (and I take copious notes)
The Key Note Address was given by delightful regency author Julia Quinn, whose latest book, Mr. Cavendish I Presume, recently hit #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list. We raised a glass in her honor. Julia’s lists:
Top Four Things I Learned Before Getting Published
- When setting up work space, make sure you cannot reach the refrigerator without getting up from the chair.
- There is no substitute for knowing your market. (Ms. Quinn didn’t join RWA until after publishing her first book. She used a Joanna Lindsay novel to count how many words should be in a manuscript.)
- The only way to finish a book is to write. Writing has to be a priority. Just do it. (swoosh!)
- Rejection is part of the journey.
What I Learned After Publishing – The Practical
- Hit save on your computer every time you pause to think and back it up every night.
- People on the cover of your book will never look like your characters do in your mind. Authors are notoriously bad judges of what looks good on a cover, because they overanalyze. A good cover makes an impression in under thirty seconds.
- Marketing departments know a lot more than authors think they do. Give them consideration before you freak out.
- Word of mouth is a one-way street. A book can sell based on buzz, but buzz can rarely sink it.
What I Learned After Publishing – The Inspirational
- Make friends with other writers: they are people with common interests whose eyes will not glaze over when you talk covers and marketing.
- You Must have a life outside of writing: it will force you to remember there are people who don’t notice Point Of View switches every time they read a book.
- You will never hurt your career by helping another author.
- Learn the importance and art of setting goals. Set short and medium-term goals alongside long ones. Make them achievable. Celebrate every milestone and every small victory.
Top Four Things to Never Forget
- Everyone needs an editor. When you find a good one cherish her; throw yourself around her ankles and never let go.
- Your writing will determine how far you get, but luck will determine how fast you get there.
- We do important work: romance novels make people happy. Don’t ever forget to be proud of what you do.
- Have fun!
Highlight 4: In which I attack authors with my fabulous boa and flip cam
The Book Fair was well attended by local, and not so local, romance and urban fantasy authors, and raised money for DAWN. I took a few Desert Island Interviews, before the batteries died, and bought more books than I had cash for. Proud member of Book Whores Anonymous. Star-struck, I only remembered to take a handful of photos. (clockwise from top: GSRWA President Shelli Stevens, Christine Feehan and Katie MacAlister, Allison Brennan, Mark Henry, Richelle Mead and Christine Warren.)
Highlight 5: In which Cherry Adair kicks butt and challenges us to a duel Write the Damn Book!
Every year at ECWC, Cherry Adair motivates aspiring authors to finish their book by offering prizes to participants who can write the book they pledge to write in one year. Full conference fees for ECWC and RWA Nationals, including airfare and hotel, National RWA dues and first chapter critiques were some of the extremely generous gifts she handed out at this years ceremony.
I signed up for this years challenge, pledging to write a 90,000 word dark paranormal romance tentatively entitled The Gates of Hell by October 1, 2009. I honestly hope to finish it by Christmas (NaNo’s coming), but hey, who’s counting? If I’m really good I’ll have the trilogy completed by the deadline.
Cherry Adair
Heather Davis
Cindy Kirk
Debra Mullins
Alexis Morgan
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The Deadline for Clarion West applications is March 1:
