Heading to Vegas…

on March 23, 2016

Hi All!  It has been a while since I blogged, and deadlines have been pretty crazy but fun.  Keep an eye out for WICKED BURN, which releases in June and includes a Dark Protector novella called TALEN.  Right now just the ebook is available for preorder, but the print book should be up for preorder sometime in April.

Conference and signing season kicks off next month with the Romantic Times Booklover’s Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.  I like Vegas, and I’m exited to go back.

If you’re not attending the conference, there’s a Giant Book Fair on Saturday, April 16th from 10:30 to 2:00 at the Rio, Pavilion Ballroom.  I think it might be $10 to get in, but there will be 650 authors selling books and giving away goodies.  So make sure to stop by and say hi.  They put us in alphabetical order, so look for the Z’s, and I’m there.  🙂

If you are attending the conference, here’s my schedule:

Alpha Males & Bad Ass Feminists: Why It Works!

Wednesday, April 13, 11:00am-12:00pm, Tropical D

Whether he’s a vampire, biker, Viking, soldier, Highlander, cowboy, cop, or a billionaire who likes to tie you up the alpha male is still the rage. Join three authors for a frank discussion about how Alphas appeal to independent, intelligent, and strong women. What works, what doesn’t, and is there even a line? In a humorous, fun, and informative way, we’ll explore those stubborn, wounded men, the appeal of the Alpha fantasy, and why being a feminist who reads romance is not an oxymoron.

Moderator:  Asa Maria Bradley

Panelist(s):  Rebecca Zanetti, Christine Feehan, Sarah Castille

Ride The Storm: A Rising Storm Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday, April 13, 1:30pm-2:30pm, Amazon L

Come mix with the authors of the Rising Storm series and go to a goodie-loaded scavenger hunt throughout Storm, Texas! Visit the Storm Oak, Murphy’s Pub, Cuppa Joe, and other locations in Storm as you mingle with authors, learn about Storm’s places and characters, and play for a chance to win one of the 100 swag bags to be awarded to those who complete the hunt! Come join the fun!

Host(s):  J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner), Lexi Blake (aka Sophie Oak), Dee Davis, Larissa Ione, Lisa Mondello, Jennifer Probst, Christopher Rice, Rebecca Zanetti, R.K. Lilley

Attacking Weight and Stress in a Sedentary Job

Wednesday, April 13, 2:45pm-3:45pm, Tropical A

As careers expand, unfortunately, so do waistlines, stress levels, and butts. Join these authors and industry professional in a frank discussion of how they’ve collectively lost more than 150 pounds while taking charge of their health and maintaining successful careers. Our writing journeys are all unique, as are our health issues and ways to lose weight, so pop in for some tangible, doable tips and tricks. We’ll have tips, books, and goodies to give away!

Moderator:  Rebecca Zanetti

Panelist(s):  Sara Humphreys, Alexandra Nicolajsen (Kensington, Marketing Director)

Churn it Out: Write Fast and Publish Frequently

Thursday, April 14, 10:00am-11:00am, Tropical A

The panelists from last year’s standing-room only “Writing Fast” are back with more advice on getting high word counts and dealing with deadlines, time management, expectations, and meltdowns. It is possible to write a book in a month — and the need can arise for authors pursuing a serious career in today’s fast-paced publishing world. Join three multipublished authors in a frank discussion where they’ll share practical tips for writing fast, meeting deadlines, and keeping sane.

Moderator:  Laura Kaye

Panelist(s):  Jennifer L. Armentrout (aka J. Lynn), Rebecca Zanetti

Rock Your World: Building a Dynamic Sexy Romance

Thursday, April 14, 1:30pm-2:30pm, Tropical D

Do you have a rich fantasy life? Have you dreamed of making that world a reality? Join this panel of NYT and USA Today National Bestselling authors as they discuss the in’s and out’s of building a unique and dynamic romance world. During this interactive discussion, they’ll share the secrets to getting ideas onto the page and how to avoid common pitfalls when creating a brand new universe or even fitting inside the universe we already live in.

Moderator:  Carrie Ann Ryan

Panelist(s):  Donna Grant, Sara Humphreys, J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner), Rebecca Zanetti

Tattoos and ‘Tinis 

If you love body art and want to add a temporary tattoo from your favorite series, join New York Times Bestselling authors for a party to remember. We’ll have temporary logo and series tattoos, drinks, prizes, books, and giveaways in this body inking Vegas event!

Thursday, April 14, 4:00pm-5:00pm, Amazon S

Host(s): Rebecca Zanetti, Jay Crownover, Laura Kaye, Carrie Ann Ryan, Donna Grant, Kristen Ashley, Lora Leigh, Helena Hunting

Kensington’s Chapel of Love

Thursday, April 14, 5:15pm-6:45pm, Amazon A

What’s Las Vegas without a wedding? Come get hitched with your favorite authors from Kensington! Mingle with our “Brides to Be,” who will be signing copies of some of their latest releases while you indulge in wedding-themed treats. We’ll be giving away plenty of goodies and books for all of our RT “Maidens of Honor” (and “Best Men,” too!), but be sure to come early so you can get your first picks!

Host(s):  Sonali Dev, Amanda Bonilla (aka Mandy Baxter), Rebecca Zanetti, Michele Grant, Sarah Title, Pintip Dunn, Desiree Holt, Mary Jo Putney, Lutishia Lovely (aka Zuri Day), Kate McMurray, Jeffe Kennedy, Ella Quinn, Sarah Hegger, Cat Johnson, Sally MacKenzie, Jill Shalvis

1001 Dark Nights Sparkler

Friday, April 15, 12:20pm-1:20pm, Brasilia 7

1,001 Dark Nights is setting off fireworks! Come join us for a toast, some nibbles and fab swag. Mix and mingle with the brightest lights in the contemporary and paranormal genres while you learn their secrets and win prizes at this starstudded event — hosted by the 1,001 Dark Nights co-creators, M.J. Rose and Liz Berry.

Host(s):

Liz Berry (1001 Dark Nights, Co-Creator)
M.J. Rose (1001 Dark Nights, Co-Creator)

Guest(s): , Jennifer L. Armentrout (aka J. Lynn), Shayla Black, Lexi Blake (aka Sophie Oak), Heather Graham, Donna Grant, Larissa Ione, Laura Kaye, J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner), Laurelin Paige, Jennifer Probst, Kristen Proby, Christopher Rice, Carrie Ann Ryan, Rebecca Zanetti

I’m also a featured author signing at the Saturday FAN-tastic Day Party from 6:00-6:45.  So if you get the Saturday day pass, or if you’re attending the conference, definitely find me during the party because I will have books to give away!  🙂

 

 

Countdown to the RWA Conference – Part II – How to Schedule and What to Bring

on June 14, 2011

This is part two in the Countdown to Conference blog series.  In the last blog we talked about what to wear to the conference.  This entry is about how to schedule your time and what else you should bring, besides clothes.

Try to have a game plan before you arrive.  I go through the conference schedule, read about all the workshops, note when the spotlights and signings are and then create a FLEXIBLE schedule for each day.  Then I schedule a meeting/lunch/coffee/dinner whatever with agent/editor/pr person/pals, etc… so I can see how my days have filled out.  Then, taking note of publisher and agent parties, I look to see when the chapter parties are and if I have time to hit a couple.

    • Spotlights:  Most of the publishers will have a spotlight.  (See conference schedule).  During this time, the editors will usually talk about what’s hot, what they’re looking for, and how to submit to them.  It’s very handy.  They’ll also sometimes highlight what releases they have coming up…so you can see what’s hot.  They take questions…and I’ve seen people line up to do a quick pitch when the presentation is finished.  Also…look around the room.  AGENTS attend these spotlights.  The one you want to pitch to might be sitting next to you.
    •  Book signings:  Besides the literacy signing the night before the conference actually starts, the individual publishers also have signings.  Translation:  FREE signed books.  (Though you end up with tons of free books even if you don’t make it to the signings.)  NOW…I will be participating in Kensington’s book signing on Friday from 12:00-1:30, so I hope to see you there!
    • Workshops:  I love workshops.  Just love them.  So I create a schedule with my first choice, second, and so on…and often end up going to my third choice because it may be about craft, and the ones I’d attended already were about PR. 
    • PRO Retreat:  If you’re a member of PRO – definitely go to some this.  They have cool workshops.  (See guidelines for PRO).
    • PAN Retreat/workshops:  There’s a list up now of the workshops for PAN members – looks awesome!  (See guidelines for PAN).
    • Goody Room:  Don’t forget to check out the goody room for pens, books, notebooks, candy…
    • Free Time:  Give yourself some.  Trust me.

So, there’s a breakdown of the conference and how to schedule your time.  Now…what should you bring besides clothes? I always bring:

  • Granola bars.   You will be unexpectedly hungry and running from workshop to workshop…and who wants their stomach to growl in the middle of the presentation?
  • Emergen-C .   Some people bring that Airborne instead.  You’re in a place with a lot of people, maybe not eating right, and probably not getting enough sleep.  I drink one of these every day of the conference and haven’t come down with that ‘conference cold’ so many people go home with.
  • Comfortable shoes.  By day three, your feet are freakin sore.  Yeah, bring the pretty shoes for night and even the first day.  By day three, you won’t care how your feet look.  You’ll wear the flip flops.  Trust me.
  • Safety pins.  You’ll be a hero.  There are always wardrobe malfunctions…and safety pins are necessary.
  • Sunglasses.  You may end up venturing outside with Cynthia Eden because she wants to check out the ducks in the middle of a pond.  You don’t want to go blind.
  • Pen and notebook.  You’ll be surprised how many notes you’ll take at the workshops…you can even blog about them later.  And you’ll be getting email addresses for new friends.
  • Laptop…if you want.  I bring mine.  Many people will tell you they don’t write while attending conferences.  I do.  I’m usually inspired by something and will need to type something…but you could always just write it in your notebook.  J
  • Prepaid USPS (or Fed Ex) labels.  You’re going to get a lot of stuff.  Books, postcards, pens…so many!  They’ll have boxes and labels at the conference, but if you have your own, you can pack the boxes in your room and drop them at the mailing place WITHOUT waiting forever in line.
  • Ones.  If you’re going to the cocktail parties, you’ll want to tip the bartenders.  Bring ones—you can usually fit those with your cell phone in your conference badge so you don’t have to carry a purse.
  • Your book on a flashdrive.  If you’re pitching (see later posts), bring this.  Don’t bring a hard copy. We’ve all heard the urban legend of the author who pitched and the editor asked for a digital copy to read on her kindle during the plane ride home—loved it and bought it.  Have the flashdrive…just in case.

Okay, that list is by no means exhaustive.  But it’ll get you started.  Next time (on Friday) I’ll blog about pitching…

Countdown to the RWA Conference – Part I – What to Wear

on June 9, 2011

The RWA National Conference is early this year…June 28-July 1st. This year will be my third year attending the conference, so I thought I’d throw out some tips. Of course, if you’re like me, the first question you have is…WHAT DO I BRING TO WEAR?

Yeah. There are tons of pitching and networking opportunities (see later posts), but hey, if you’re naked, you probably won’t want to pitch. Or network.

RWA has FAQ’s on its website and states that “business casual” is the norm. I think this is a good start—but what exactly is business casual? I’ve worked in a large law firm, a small law firm, and a local college. Business casual is slightly different in all three.

First and foremost, be comfortable. Based on the last two years, for the first couple days, you will see:

  • 40% Dress slacks and pretty blouses
  • 40% Skirts-long and knee length – lots of flowing flowers
  • 15% Nice Capri’s with pretty shirts
  • 2.5% Full suits
  • 2.5% Jeans

Then, as the week moves forward, you’ll see more Capri’s and jeans during the day. I’m one of the Capri and jean gals. By the last day, unless I have meetings, I wear jeans. (But I’m definitely in the minority). Last year I had meetings…so I wore a skirt on Saturday. Also, if you’re pitching, you dress up more that day. Skirts or nice pants are fine. To be honest, when I pitched, I wore very nice Capri’s with a pretty blouse, and I felt fine.

[For men:  Slacks and nice shirts during the days]

At night there are publisher parties (you need an invite), chapter parties (FF&P’s is a good one, as is KOD’s Death by Chocolate party and of course the Chicklit party rocks)—and I wear a cocktail dress. There will be some people in nice pant suits, but most will be wearing simple cocktail dresses.

[For men:  Slacks, nice shirt, and sports jacket.]

Then, on the last night there’s the 2011 RITA & Golden Heart Awards Ceremony. This is the fanciest night of the conference. You’ll see short cocktail dresses, long cocktail dresses, even formal dresses with boas. Wear what works for you. If you want to go all out—go for it! You won’t be the only one.

[For men:  Suits, slacks w/sports jacket, or even a tux.]

Keep in mind that hotel conference sites often splurge on the AC. Have a sweater or cardigan with you at all times…just in case. I froze my butt off at the Washington DC conference—even though it was JULY in DC. But in Orlando, I was fine. So, like a Boy Scout or vampire hunter, be prepared.

In the next post on Tuesday, I’ll cover what to bring besides clothing as well as how to prepare for those awesome workshops beforehand. See you then. 🙂