I’ve been a romance reader for three years now, and in August will celebrate my second blogging anniversary. I used to hide my romance reading in every way possible. I would have hidden it from myself if that were a metaphysical possibility.
But over time I’ve become much more open about reading romance, from actually browsing the romance section in my local bookstores (I used to call first to see if they had what I wanted and have them hold it for me at the check out), to leaving my books out when company comes over (provided the cover is not too explicit, of course), to putting a romance novel in my ethics and fiction syllabus and telling my colleagues in the philosophy department about this blog.
However, when I decided to attend a fan conference, RomCon, I hadn’t realized that I was entering a whole new level of fandom, which would stimulate a new form of incredulity among my friends, and require a whole new round of explanations. Here’s the typical conversation lately:
Friend: Can you guys come to the bar mitzvah/party/game/dinner on the 10th?
Me: Um, maybe Stephen and the boys can. But I will be away.
Friend: Really? Where are you going?
Me [Somberly, hoping my tone puts an end to this line of questioning]: To Denver, for a conference.
Friend: Really? Are you giving a paper? What kind of conference is it?
Me: [Shit shit shit!] Um. A romance novel fan conference?
Friend [Stunned silence. Then, slowly repeating my words, as if making sure she has them right] A romance novel fan conference. What do you do there?
Me: Well, you meet authors, and meet other romance readers (there is no way I am telling this person about “Strip the Heroine” or “Build a Hero”).
Friend: Do you know any of these people?
Me: Um. Not technically. But I feel like I know them, because we’ve been talking online about romance for a couple of years now. Like my friend Carolyn, she is an urban fantasy novelist. We are sharing a room and I can’t wait to meet her! [bright smile]
Friend [Skeptical, but fascinated. Great. I have officially become a curiosity]: You are sharing a room with someone you have never met?
Me: Yes! My friend Kristie says that’s one of the best things about a romance conference. You can talk all night about the books you love.
Friend: And you’ve met this ‘Kristie’… ?
Me [sheepish]: Um, not exactly. But I can tell you all about her. Like, her son just moved back home, and he has these cats, but she has Destructo Cat, see, and she’s keeping this totally hysterical tally of his fights with her cat… [trailing off as I can see this is not helping.]
Friend: Uh huh.
Me: And actually, it’s not a totally random bunch of people. I mean, we’re having the Cucumber Club’s inaugural meeting!
Friend: The cucumber club? Do they garden?
Me: Erm. No. Actually [think, Jessica, think think!] … We are unusually perceptive when it comes to vegetable references in our reading material.
Friend: Vegetable references? You don’t mean the man’s-
Me: [cutting in quickly] No, no. [fake laughter] Of course not. I mean, you know, like in a Regency romance when they eat those cucumber sandwiches. Layers and layers of literary allusion right there, let me tell you! I think I may write a paper on it. [cough cough] Yeah, a paper.
Friend [furrowing her brow]: Ah ha. I see.
Me: [clears throat] Anyway, sorry I’ll miss the bar mitzvah/party/game.
Friend: [backing away slowly, shaking head as if to try to clear cobwebs] Um, yeah. Hey, have a great time. Sounds like fun.
Me: [smiling] Yeah, it does.
So here’s the schedule, which I cut and pasted from the Rom con site (with a few of my notes in italics):
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday Events (Friday July 9-Sunday, July11):
9 AM Early Bird Breakfast with Cindy Gerard & Tara Janzen: Arriving at RomCon Thursday night? Sign-up via our event lottery to win an intimate breakfast on Friday morning with romantic suspense authors Cindy Gerard and Tara Janzen…and get free books!
10 AM – 12 PM Weapons Gallery: In a powerful pre-event show, weapons experts will have an amazing array of weapons on display! Come see what the heroes we love to read about take into battle!
11 AM Volunteer Meeting
12:30 PM – 3:30 PM Pamela Clare’s Reality Tour: Join Pamela Clare for a tour of locations that inspired or are included in her popular I-Team series. Learn the stories behind the novels straight from the author while she takes you to places you’ve read about in her books. Bring the novels so you can read pages where these places are mentioned. Included in the tour are: downtown Denver (and the site of the Denver Independent); Colfax Avenue out to Aurora; Boulder Mountain Parks; Valmont Butte; and a visit to breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park to see the real Rocky Mountains. Some walking may be required. A half-day event. Limited to 10 participants. Food and drinks not included. Submit a lottery request form for your chance to participate!
[I entered the lottery for this one.]
1 PM Anti-Heroes You Hate to Love: Do you love the Dark, Desirable and Deadly heroes? Join us for a lively chat with authors who have mastered this archetype. Chat with a room full of authors and friends who understand your obsession! Participating authors include Jo Beverley and more! Authors participating: Anna Campbell, Carolyn Crane, Carolyn Jewel, Cathy Maxwell, Cindy Gerard, Elizabeth Hoyt, Hana Samek Norton, Jeaniene Frost, Jessa Slade, Jo Beverley, Keena Kincaid, Lori Wilde, Meagan Hatfield, Nalini Singh, Terri Brisbin, Terri Garey.
1 PM Question & Answer Chat with Futuristic, Fantasy & Paranormal Authors, including Cathy Clamp, Erin Kellison, Gabi Stevens, Judi Fennell, Shannon K. Butcher
1 PM Intimate Chat with Christine Feehan
1 PM Intimate Chat with Tara Janzen
1 PM Question & Answer Chat with Category Authors, including Jodi Thomas, Leanne Banks, Lori Wilde, Mary Sullivan
1 PM CSI Fact or Fiction
2 PM Question & Answer Chat with Futuristic, Fantasy & Paranormal Authors, including Christine Feehan, CL Wilson, Jessa Slade, Meagan Hatfield, Nalini Singh
2 PM Intimate Chat with Susan Mallery
2 PM Author Fairy Godmothers to the Rescue! Have you ever wondered how you, the reader, can help your favorite authors? You indicate your support for an author by purchasing her books, but is there more that you can do? Join us as a panel of authors and publishers give you the tools you need to help ensure your favorite authors keep producing the magical stories you’ve become addicted to! Authors & editors participating: Autumn Piper, Carly Phillips, Cathy Clamp, Cindy Hwang, Deb Werksman, Deeanne Gist, Elizabeth Boyle, Jeanne C. Stein, Lori Wilde, Veronica Wolff.
[I confess, I have never, ever wondered this.]
2 PM Question & Answer Chat with Urban Fantasy Authors, including Christine Feehan, CL Wilson, Jessa Slade, Meagan Hatfield, Nalini Singh
[This seems really interesting.]
2 PM Strip the Heroine: The history of female attire revealed–layer-by-layer. This session will be oh-so-delicately handled by leading historical authors who know exactly what women wore . . . or didn’t! Participating authors include, Jo Beverley and more! Participating authors: Amanda McCabe, Anna Campbell, Catherine Anderson, Deeanne Gist, Jo Beverley, Pamela Nowak, Terri Brisbin.
3 PM Contemporary Spotlight Authors Host A Tea: Join Susan Mallery, Brenda Novak and Carly Phillips as they host 150 special attendees with tea and traditional tea fare! Attendees must register for this free event and will be selected via a lottery in May.
3 PM Build a Hero: What makes a hero PERFECT? In this fun session, participants will construct the perfect fiction hero working in teams. At the end of the session, each table will vote on the assembled selection of heroes–the group with the most votes wins. Authors participating: Anna Campbell, Autumn Piper, Delinda Jasper, Elizabeth Boyle, Elizabeth Hoyt, Jami Alden, Jessa Slade, Jo Beverley, Jodi Thomas, Karen Jones, Mary Burton, Mary Sullivan, Meagan Hatfield, Monica McCarty, Pamela Clare, Pamela Nowak, Susan Donovan.
3 PM Intimate Chat with Cindy Gerard
3 PM Intimate Chat with Hannah Howell
4 PM Book Reviewer Panel: Ever want to add your opinion of a book you just read to the reviews accepted by online bookstores? How much do you tell about the story? What types of criticisms can readers offer? Why do reader reviews matter? How do you move up to the next level? When do you move up to the next level of book reviewing? How do you get publishers and authors to submit books to you for review? Come visit with a panel of authors and expert reviewers to learn the tricks the of the reviewer trade–get the inside scoop on how to move your reviews to the big time! Authors participating include Catherine Anderson, Cathy Maxwell, Courtney Milan, Deb Werksman, Melissa Mayhue.
[Am wondering who the expert reviewers will be on this panel.]
4 PM Intimate Chat with Nalini Singh
5:30 PM Cocktail Hour
5:30 PM Susan Mallery’s Book Launch: Come celebrate with bestselling author Susan Mallery the release of her latest book, Almost Perfect, the second book of her popular series of Fool’s Gold romances. Fool’s Gold is the Land of Happy Endings!
6:30 PM Dinner (meal ticket required – cost $35)
7 PM Keynote Speech — Lori Foster
7:15 PM Readers’ Crown Awards
8 PM Costume Ball: Are you a friend of hot fanged friends? Ever want to dance with other shapeshifters? Are you the belle of the ball? Join us for a wild adventure at our costume ball Friday night, July 9, 2010. Any costume, any time period goes. If costumes aren’t your thing, just come and hang out with your crazy friends. And remember, 5 of the people with the craziest costumes will be rewarded with a general admission ticket to RomCon® 2011!
[Wow, those awards must be handed out at lightning speed. I am attending, but not in costume. I was told that's allowed.]
8 PM Mini-Mystic Fair–Step out into the realm of other worldly realities to have your palm read or to take a peek at your tarot cards at our mini-mystic fair. There might even be a crystal ball or two! (Note: there is a small fee of a $1/minute charged by the mystics for this service.)
8:30 PM Melissa Mayhue & Friends Blogger/Reviewer Party (Invitational)
[I plan to attend this.]
8:30 PM Mix and Mingle with Erotic Romance Authors
Saturday Events:
7 AM Breakfast Buffet (meal ticket required – cost $20)
9 AM A Bridal Gown, A Photo Shoot, A Cover Model: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Making of a Book Cover — Did you know book covers are often made before the author has even finished writing the novel? That the author doesn’t know what her cover will look like until it’s all ready finished? The publisher of bestselling, award winning author Deeanne Gist discovered that Gist’s daughter was a model in Houston, so they invited the daughter to be on the cover of her mom’s bestselling novel, A Bride in the Bargain. Take an up-close-and-personal look at the process from a germ of an idea to a photo shoot to a full blown cover. Video clips from the publisher’s Art Director, the Graphic Designer and the Cover Model (Gist’s daughter) supplement this entertaining and fascinating look at how book covers are made.
[This one sounds neat.]
9 AM Bestill My Heart: Does your favorite Hero’s heart beat? Join Christine Feehan and Jeaniene Frost, authors of Vampire fiction for a foray into vampire lore, legend, & their individual story mythologies. Find out if you know the difference between the “Good Guys” & the “Bad Guys” in vampire romance.
[While book cover event sounds good, but I may have to go with the vamps. If I'm awake, that is.]
9 AM Romance Reader Roundtables: Come visit with editors, book buyers, bloggers, reviewers, and other readers–let them know what you love, what you’re over, what you’d strangle the friendly neighborhood bookseller to get your hands on!
[This also sounds good, depending on who is on the panel. 9:00am is a tough-to-choose slot!]
9 AM Intimate Chat with Carly Phillips
9 AM Intimate Chat with Jo Beverley
[Gah. I entered a lottery for the JoBev chat. We'll see...]
9 AM Speed Date a New Author–Session 1: Have a flash visit with your favorite authors or new-to-you authors and decide for yourself if you’d like to check out their books! Some of the authors participating are Amanda McCabe, Brenda Novak, Bronwyn Scott, Erin Nicholas, Jami Alden, Jeanne C. Stein, Lila DiPasqua, Monica McCarty, Nicole Peeler, and Susan Donovan!
10 AM Monsters & More Semi-Charades: You don’t have to know charades, or have a good knowledge of Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance, to have fun playing Monsters & more! Players draw slips with the names of monsters, heroes, heroines, etc. and try to get their team to quick say the name though descriptions, hints, and pantomimes (anything but names/book titles) – in this thrilling, silly, super-interactive event! Authors participating: Carolyn Crane, Carolyn Jewel, Cathy Clamp, Jessa Slade, Meljean Brook, Nalini Singh, Nicole Peeler, Terri Garey.
[I would never in a million years consider something like this, normally, but look at that lineup!]
10 AM Intimate Chat with Julia Quinn
10 AM Intimate Chat with Melissa Mayhue
10 AM Question & Answer Chat with Romantic Suspense Authors, including Cindy Gerard, Jami Alden, Mary Burton, Pamela Clare, Susan Crandall, Tara Janzen.
10 AM Shock the Queen: Think you have a handle on social etiquette in Victorian England . . . or would your manners Shock the Queen? Your favorite historical authors (Jo Beverley and others!) will put you through your paces in a friendly competition to see if you can make it through a day in London without “Shocking the Queen” and earning a “cut direct”. Ouch. Author participants: Anna Campbell, Bronwyn Scott, Courtney Milan, Deeanne Gist, Delilah Marvelle, Elizabeth Hoyt, Hannah Howell, Jo Beverley, Pamela Nowak, Terri Brisbin.
10 AM Speed Date a New Author–Session 2! Have a flash visit with your favorite authors or new-to-you authors and decide for yourself if you’d like to check out their books! Some of the authors participating are Autumn Piper, Blythe Gifford, Catherine Anderson, Christine Feehan, CL Wilson, Elizabeth Boyle, Gabi Stevens, Hana Samek Norton, Jodi Thomas, Keena Kincaid, Lynda Hilburn, Mary Sullivan, and Veronica Wolff!
12 PM Book Fair–Open to the Public! Meet Jo Beverley, Christine Feehan, Julia Quinn, Lori Foster, Meljean Brook, Nalini Singh, Carly Phillips, Susan Mallery, Melissa Mayhue, Catherine Anderson, Jodi Thomas and dozens of other fabulous authors at our multi-author booksigning sponsored by Borders. Bring up to 3 books from your own library for your favorite author to sign!
[My first book fair! Long lines! Aching feet! And ... how can I get them to sign my Kindle editions?]
12 PM Publisher Meet & Greet Scavenger Hunt at the Booksigning: Make your way through the labyrinth of clues in our Publisher Maze to win great prizes and find some great new authors!
[Me and mazes = trouble. If I attend this, it will be the last event for me, because I will be stuck there until Sunday, when Carolyn comes looking for me to pay my half of the room bill.]
2:30 PM Were-Squares: Can you tell the big hairy bluff from the unvarnished truth? Two reader teams go head-to-head attempting to detect which werewolf & shape-shifter authors are telling the truth and which are lying through their canines. Authors participating: Carrie Vaughn, Cathy Clamp, CL Wilson, Meagan Hatfield, Nalini Singh.
2:30 PM Susan Mallery–En Route to the Bookstore: Have you ever wondered why your favorite authors’ covers don’t match their books? Why aren’t reissues marked so you don’t keep buying the same book in a new format? And hey–what about audio books? Why do some authors offer them and others don’t? What happens on the way to the bookstore explains who does what in publishing, what authors control and what publishers decide. An honest and entertaining look inside the world of publishing. All questions will be answered!
[This one sounds pretty interesting.]
2:30 PM Intimate Chat with Anna Campbell
2:30 PM Intimate Chat with Jeaniene Frost
2:30 PM Murder, Darling, Murder! RomCon® hosts a murder investigation with leading authors of romantic suspense. Step through the crime scene, gather clues, and use your newly acquired C.S.I. skills to solve the murder! Authors participating: Brenda Novak, Carolyn Crane, Cindy Gerard, Deeanne Gist, Keena Kincaid, Mary Burton, Pamela Clare, Tom Adair, Samuel Soloman, Susan Crandall.
2:30 PM Mix and Mingle with Contemporary Romance Authors, including Autumn Piper, Catherine Anderson, Cathy Maxwell, Deb Werksman, Elizabeth Hoyt, Jeanne C. Stein, Jodi Thomas, Julie James, Lori Wilde, Meg Benjamin, Susan Crandall, Susan Donovan
3:30 PM The Perfect Heroine: What makes a heroine a woman you can identify with? Do they prefer them to be perfect, slender, gorgeous, and supremely self-confident? Or do they prefer them to have some flaws and feel self-conscious in some situations. Sexually active or more discerning? Financially successful or struggling in an ordinary job to make ends meet? Sexy underwear or plain? What types of heroines appeal to you? Come share your thoughts with Catherine Anderson, Cathy Maxwell, J L Wilson, Julie James, Sally MacKenzie, Susan Donovan.
["Sexually active or more discerning?" What does THAT imply?]
3:30 PM Intimate Chat with Lori Foster
3:30 PM Betwixt and Between–Paranormal Authors Tea, including Cathy Clamp, Christine Feehan, CL Wilson, Erin Kellison, Gabi Stevens, Jeaniene Frost, Jeanne C. Stein, Keena Kincaid, Lynda Hilburn, Melissa Mayhue, Meljean Brook, Nalini Singh, Nicole Peeler, Shannon K. Butcher, Terri Garey,
Veronica Wolff.
3:30 PM Historical Spotlight Authors Tea: Join our historical spotlight authors, Hannah Howell, Anna Campbell, Elizabeth Hoyt, Jo Beverley, Melissa Mayhue, and Julia Quinn, as they host 75 special attendees with afternoon refreshments including tea, coffee and cake! Attendees must register for this free event and will be selected via a lottery. Lottery winners will be announced in July.
[I think I entered the lottery for this one.]
4:30 PM Blog, Oh Blogger! Visit with the Borders’ True Romance team, Dear Author’s Jane, Smart Bitches’ Sarah, and other bloggers for a chat about all things blogosphere. Bring your questions and ideas to share and leave with some fabulous new ideas about the direction your own blogs might take!
4:30 PM We Put the “Special” in Special Ops with Cindy Gerard and Tara Janzen
5:30 PM Cocktail Hour
5:30 PM HCI Line Launch for Vows!
6:30 PM Dinner (meal ticket required – cost $35)
7 PM Keynote Speech — Jo Beverley
[Looking forward to this one.]
7:15 PM Borders’ Romance Bestsellers Awards
8 PM Black & White Masquerade: Wear black, wear white, wear black and white…but don’t forget your masque at this elegant extravaganza Saturday, July 10, 2010. Come dance the night away with your favorite authors and all your friends!
[This sounds fun. But I don't dance. Except in the privacy of my house, and even then ... the kids make retching noises and avert their eyes. I make Elaine from Seinfeld look like Tony Manero.]
8 PM Mini-Mystic Fair–Step out into the realm of other worldly realities to have your palm read or to take a peek at your tarot cards at our mini-mystic fair. There might even be a crystal ball or two! (Note: there is a small fee of a $1/minute charged by the mystics for this service.)
[Er. You would have to pay *me* to get me to let you read my palm. But I am sure others will love it.]
9 PM Midnight Sexcapades: Join erotic romance publishers & authors in a naughty, late-night romp through erotic romance fiction with games, chats, and more. Authors participating: Autumn Piper, Bridget Midway, Delilah Marvelle, Delinda Jasper, Karen Jones, Melissa Schroeder, Monica Kaye, Nadia Aidan, Wendi Darlin & Harlequin.
[Rwarrrrrr!!!]
Sunday Events:
9 AM Librarian Love-In!! Come chat about romance with librarians, authors and fellow readers! Join a discussion led by New York Times bestselling authors Julian Quinn and Elizabeth Boyle. Learn about the exciting new programs offered by your local library. Discuss how libraries support your romance addiction! Participating authors: Anna Campbell, Carolyn Jewel, Cathy Clamp, Cathy Maxwell, Christine Feehan, Courtney Milan, Deb Werksman, Elaine Levine, Elizabeth Boyle, Gabi Stevens, Hana Samek Norton, Jo Beverley, Jodi Thomas, Judi Fennell, Julia Quinn, Leanne Banks, Lori Wilde, Mary Burton, Meg Benjamin, Nalini Singh, Terri Brisbin, Veronica Wolff
[Until this minute, I had no idea the Elaine Levine I have been emailing about RomCon registration is a romance author. Neat!]
9 AM Speed Date a New Author–Session 3! Have a flash visit with your favorite authors or new-to-you authors and decide for yourself if you’d like to check out their books! Some of the authors participating are Amanda McCabe, Cindi Myers, Deeanne Gist, Jeaniene Frost, Julie James, Karen Jones, Lavinia Kent, Lori Foster, Meagan Hatfield, Melissa Mayhue, Sally MacKenzie, Tara Janzen, and Terri Garey!
9 AM Intimate Chat with Brenda Novak
9 AM Intimate Chat with Elizabeth Hoyt
9 AM Where Did She Get That Crazy Idea: A fun romp through the chaotic machinations of an author’s mind. Led by Lorie O’Clare with Pamela Nowak, Catherine Anderson, and Cindy Gerard.
10 AM Brunch (meal ticket required – cost $35)
10:30 AM Keynote Speech – Carly Phillips
10:45 AM $2,500 Trivia Challenge: Think you know romance? Questions will be pulled from bestselling authors’ public websites, with a listing announced in May. Care to play? (This challenge is only open to reader/general admission advance ticket holders. Must be present at the Sunday Brunch awards ceremony to win!)
[I haven't the slightest chance with so many romance veterans in attendance, but it might be fun to try!]
11 AM Mix and Mingle with Historical Romance Authors, including Anna Campbell, Catherine Anderson, Cathy Maxwell, Celeste Bradley, Deb Werksman, Deeanne Gist, Elizabeth Boyle, Elizabeth Hoyt, Hana Samek Norton, Hannah Howell, Jo Beverley, Jodi Thomas, Julia Quinn, Keena Kincaid, Lavinia Kent, Melissa Mayhue, Monica McCarty, Pamela Clare, Pamela Nowak, Sally MacKenzie, Veronica Wolff.
11 AM Harlequin Open House with authors: Amanda McCabe, Blythe Gifford, Brenda Novak, Bronwyn Scott, Carly Phillips, Cindi Myers, Courtney Milan, Delilah Marvelle, Geralyn Dawson, Lori Foster, Meagan Hatfield, Terri Brisbin
11 AM Speed Date a New Author–Session 4! Have a flash visit with your favorite authors or new-to-you authors and decide for yourself if you’d like to check out their books! Some of the authors participating are Carolyn Jewel, Cathy Clamp, Cindy Gerard, J L Wilson, Jessa Slade, Judi Fennell, Leanne Banks, Mary Burton, Meg Benjamin, Nalini Singh, Shannon K. Butcher, Susan Crandall!
Happening throughout the weekend:
Author Avenue: Meet your favorite authors in a casual setting. Authors will change every hour, so stop by often to see who’s waiting to meet you!
Memory Lane: Need a photo keepsake of your best friend dressed up as a Regency Duchess, or would you just like to stand next to your favorite author and smile like a giddy teenager? You can do both, at Memory Lane. Authors will rotate through every hour!
Related posts:
You’re more self actualized [or something] than I am. Or, I’m a better liar. I definitely don’t tell people who don’t read romances I’m going to/have gone to a romance convention. I’m very vague about it, and then deflect. [Would make snide comment about the ego of who I generally interact with, but feel like taking jabs at your profession is like a sibling thing. ie only I can make fun of my sister and nobody else.]
I got a little confused- but yes, all the “intimate chats” are “raffle” events. I have to admit, the helping authors AND “how to review” didn’t interest me. Probably because I hate being told what to do. I’ve been bumbling along on my “own” for however long and I mean to continue that way.
As for the cucumber club… reaction: lol wut? You all have fun… O_o [I mean I know it exists, but you guys are... meeting? O_O]
“Side” note -my sister has finally accepted, ish, that reading romances is *not* like leprosy or a debilitating disease. But she’s morphed it so basically “it’s a law school thing” – all those mean professors and dry texts drive us to it. Or, that’s what another reader in denial she’s friends who recently finished her 3L year told her. Wonderful.
And…. now I’m done over sharing. *bows* You’re welcome.
It’s been very entertaining explaining this to friends & family in the UK! I love the reactions I get.
Oh, that conversation is hilarious. I love this post. I was just LOLing. I sometimes have that too. It’s so interesting in a way!
I’m so glad we’re rooming together at Romcon! Even though we have never met. I hope you are not too surprised that all those Carolyn Crane photos are fakes! I’m actually a 72-year-old man with copious facial tattoos that make me look like I’m weeping (just tell yourself it’s for Wellsie, okay? I’m weeping for Wellsie) And also, I feel confident that you won’t hold it against me that I’ve done time for (well, let’s just say It wasn’t my fault! None of the five times!), and I know that you will be surprised and impressed with the way I’m planning on decorating our hotel room. So psyched for Romcon!
Jessica, you will have a blast rooming with CJ! She’s even more fun in person than online.
Heh.
I hadn’t planned to tell anyone, but because my coworkers are nosy as hell and keep asking why I’m taking a week off, several of them now know that I’m attending RWA this July.
First they go, “a writer’s conference?” which prompts the “I’m going as a fan, with no ambition/inclination/dreams to write, ever” answer. Then it’s “romance writers?” (with both derision and incredulity), which receives a “yes, so?” rather cold answer.
That tends to end the exchange
ROFLMAO
I know how you feel! I think I’ve arrived at that point in my life where I don’t care if people I invite into my life know I read and write romance. I grin and stare em down if they start to, you know, snicker or rolle their eyes.
Work, however, is a different story. I work in construction (which means male-centric – I’m frequently the only woman in meetings, con calls, etc). I’ve finally attained a certain, shall we say, level of professional acceptance that I don’t want this part if my life to distract from. So, I’m merely going ‘on vacation’ so far as they’re concerned.
What I’m looking forward to the most is meeting all of you wonderful Internet friends in person!
This sounds more like them being weirded out by your internet relationships than by your reading romance. I’ve had that experience as well.
I’ll just walk around until someone points me in the right direction.
Talking about romance conferences and how much I love reading doesn’t bother me in the least. I embraced my love love and proud the moment I was taken into the principal’s office my senior year of high school and told I need to stop reading that smut because it is warping my mind and my fellow students.
And Jessica, I’ll read your palm for free.
Yes, I can read palms and it freaks people out how well I do it.
*G* I’ve still got people thinking I write books for kids. Yes, I love kids, but that doesn’t mean i write for them.
When I run into former patients and they ask me what I’m up to these days…if conversation can’t be steered elsewhere, it sometimes gets… interesting. I usually prefer to steer it elsewhere, though. Privacy… I likes my privacy. O.o
Jessica, you’re going to have a blast at RomCon. I wish it wasn’t so close to Nationals. Shoot, maybe it was in an easier to get to place, I would have tried to hit both, anyway. have fun!
Mahalo, Jessica, for the humorous post! I carry a romance book in a padded cover (from a Navy Vet who is an RT vendor, http://www.hiddensecretscovers.com) in my purse. I pull it out when I have to stand in line … most others in line are complimentary of my foresight!
Most spouses on Hickam AFB know that I am spending two months off island to attend RomCon and RWA as fan … er … blogger (I am a member of RWA and three chapters). They eagerly await to see what I bring back to share with them, even though many are not romance fans. They just find it interesting that I have taken the initiative to pursue a hobby that puts me in contact with published authors, some on the NYT’s list. I offer no explanations or apologies for my love of the written word!
I know most of the historical authors attending RomCon (one of the reasons I am attending) and all are approachable. If a fan does not win the lottery for the intimate chats, then approach them in a professional manner throughout the weekend to see if they have a few minutes to chat (emphasis on professional).
I survived the book fairs at RT and RWA (like a theme park, go counterclockwise) – I think you’ll survive this one! Looking forward to meeting you, other bloggers, fans, and authors!
Tell me about it! I have old friends who are fans of erotica authors like Zane or Susie Bright, but if I tell them I read and write romance novels, they look as though I sprouted wings and my head spun around. It’s odd that romance novels are called “porn for women,” but a woman reading erotica is viewed as sex-positive and empowering…But I digress. I have yet to attend any romance conference, from RWA to RT to everything in-between, but I know they are fun and exciting events!
This is a riot, Jessica! I’m looking forward to a weekend of fun, chatter about books, and meeting new and old friends!
Aloha, Limecello! Are you bringing the Golden Rooster and Cabana Boys from Bandits’ Liar with you to RomCon? It wouldn’t be a party without them!
Like you I went to a conference and stayed with someone I had only met online discussing books. She to this day is one of my dearest friends and we email each other daily and talk about books and so much more. At this same conference we met another person who we also room with now and then at these conferences that is also a great friend. Romance readers are just great people and I am proud to be part of the community and say with pride that yes I read those books, buy them and can’t wait to hang out with other readers who do the same. See you at RomCon in July
Yeah, it tends to be the “hanging out/rooming with people who’ve never met before” that tends to throw people off. In my experience at any rate.
Kristie is so right – that shared love of romance novels gives you an automatic short-hand when talking to complete strangers at conferences. I mean, it’s “safe.” Everybody loves romance as much as you do, you don’t have to worry about anyone sneering or talking about how they only read “real books.” Oh sure, you might disagree on themes, books and authors (Kristie and I agree to disagree about “soul mates.” LOL) – but we all share that one common bond. It’s pretty awesome actually
Hope to meet you there! (And I bet your friends are really all secretly jealous. Don’t be surprised if they want to know all about the weekend when you return!)
You’re rooming with Carolyn Crane? Do you think you could steal the manuscripts for her next two books and email them to me sometime over the conference? (Just kidding. Sort of).
Anyway, slightly more on topic: reading on the train on the way to work has broken me of being embarrassed about reading romances in public, unless the covers are really, really bad. Sadly, my favorites seem to have really, really bad covers. I’m thinking of getting a Kindle, and that’s one of the reason – the other harmless train passengers shouldn’t have to look at man-titty that early in the morning if they don’t want to.
Sounds like too much fun! Can I be an honorary member of the club? I read a book last night with an awful, awful cucumber scene. Wish I could join you guys and read it out loud, we’d LOL!
Cukes rule
Jill
*HUGE GRIN* I had this dilemma the first time I went to a RWA so I just kind of left out the “romance” out of the “writers” convention description the first time. Then I’d get asked ‘are you a writer?’ Then when I said, ‘we”, no’ I’d get puzzled looks and to a close few I’d say it was for romance writers and I’m a big fan of romance books. But that was 3 years ago. Now my coworkers and friends know I’m going to “ROMANCE” writing conferences and they are all actually quite envious. I do still get coworkers a bit puzzled though when I say I’m sharing a room with someone I’ve never met before though. But when it comes to RWA, I can say that this will be the fourth year my roomie and I have shared a room.
The funniest was when I was crossing the border when I went to Columbus and I forgot the “writer/fan” part and said I was going to a romance convention and the guard asked me if I was hoping to meet a guy while there. I laughed and said no, it was for romance READERS.
And *SQUEAL* I’ll be seeing you in a couple of weeks.
Thanks, you guys, for the sympathetic and funny responses. I’m out of town and can’t respond individually, but for those you are going to Denver, I can’t WAIT to meet you, and for those who are not, I promise full reports, with pics.
Cudos, Jessica for putting yourself out there. Loved the blog. May RomCon be all that you want it to be — cucumbers not withstanding
)
Shortly after I became a romance reader while in graduate school, I wrote a paper on women’s empowerment and sexual politics for a women’s studies class using romance novels as a references. The professor was horrified. But I argued my points well and ended up with an A. She later said she read one the romances I used as source material and, “it was more enjoyable than I expected.”
So keep thinking about that paper. I don’t remember one on regency vegetables.
Keena
Awesome, awesome. I was LOL at your conversation with co-workers. They don’t understand how you can “know” someone you’ve never met. Don’t fear the the Monsters and More Semi-Charades. It’s going to be hysterically fun. See you soon at RomCon! 12 days…and counting
It sounds like you’ll have a lot of fun!!!
Me, I’ll be at Readercon that weekend. Hopefully having just as much fun.
You have sent me back in time to my Hotlanta WayBack machine — telling people about going to RWA for an author’s party when I didn’t “know” anyone in RL was a trip in itself! And now 5 years later, I’m doing a half-marathon with a gal I’ve vacationed with 3 (or is it 4 times) … I spent tons of time in Atlanta on the phone to her trying to give her a flavour of the event. You’ll have a blast! But it never gets easier trying to explain this to colleagues or family, imo!