Hey there! This is my first post on Love Bytes, so I want to thank the team for having me. I’m a little jetlagged so bear with me because I just returned home from this year’s Romantic Times Booklover’s Convention, held last week in Las Vegas.
Yes. Vegas. I’m tired just typing the city name, and I can still hear the tinny chimes of slot machines ringing in my ears.
So I’ve seen some talk recently about conventions — whether they are worth the expense and time. And I will say right now that conventions are not for everyone. They are exhausting and overstimulating, and I often return home with a zillion different germs/illnesses which plague me for weeks. If you have anxiety, a convention can be hellish. There’s no reason to make apologies for not attending cons. It’s not a requirement or even a part of the job. However, if you are on the fence about attending, here is what I think you can get out of it. Conventions are a little like summer camp. You get out of it what you put in.
1. Meeting readers! RT is a little unique in that there is a mix of readers, bloggers and authors. I personally love meeting readers. It’s my absolute favorite part of the RT Convention and why I go every year. It’s worth it to me for readers to see my face, hear my voice, and understand that I freaking LOVE what I do. I’m enthusiastic about my books and I like to… spread that enthusiasm. I might overdo it, but hey, that’s the story of my life. I come away from the convention excited to write and bring readers new stories and characters. Conventions are like shots of liquid creativity right in my veins.
2. Connecting with other authors! I consider other authors my peers. It’s fun to trade war stories and story ideas. Get the latest news on agencies and publishing houses. And while yes, I can chat with them online (and do!), there is still value to seeing someone in person, giving them a hug (I’m a hugger, shut up), and sharing a drink/meal with them.
3. Meeting editors and agents! This convention, I got to walk the Strip with my agent, take photos with her along with the Avengers, and stroll through the Bellagio. Is that necessary to a working relationship? No. But an agent/author relationship is unique, and I love that I get to have fun with her, as well as conduct business with her. I get to meet my editors and find out what kinds of stories they are looking for next. And I get to meet prospective editors, shake their hands, and hope that meeting me pushes my submission a little higher in their slush pile. As long as I conduct myself in a proper manner. Which is debatable. 😉
4. Learn new things! Panels vary greatly in subject and experience level. But I think most can be beneficial to you in some way. This year, I attended a panel on F/F erotica. It was excellent and well-presented. I laughed and nodded and came away with a better understanding on how to write lesbian love stories. Also, publishers usually have spotlights where they talk about what they are looking for, how they operate, and so on. If you are curious who to submit to, I recommend attending them.
5. See a new city! Why not, right? This business is solitary and can be lonely. I write in my bed with no pants on (so classy). It’s nice for me to get away from my word count schedule to remember I’m writing about real people and emotions. To remember I’m not alone, that this business can chew you up and spit you out, but it can’t knock you out unless you let it.
I think it’s important before a convention to ask yourself why you are going, and what you hope to get out of it. Is it to meet as many readers as you can? Is it just to see your author friends? Is it to attend all the panels and learn? Because I think depending on what your goal is, you should strategize accordingly. If your goal is to meet readers, RT can be a self-promo hustle. If you’re up for that, then go for it! But that’s not for everyone. We all have levels of self-promotion we are comfortable with. But I think figuring out a game plan and strategy will make you feel a little less lost the first day when you look around amid the chaos and think, “OMG why am I here? I just want to curl up in my hotel bed with doughnuts.”
And ultimately – everyone is there because they LOVE BOOKS. They are your people. Embrace your people. And have fun.
Megan Erickson is a USA Today bestselling author of romance that sizzles. Her books have a touch of nerd, a dash of humor, and always have a happily ever after. A former journalist, she switched to fiction when she decided she likes writing her own endings better.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she’s been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn’t writing, she’s either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or… thinking about writing.