by Cathryn Fox
Writing is a solidary profession, and most of us are introverts with a wardrobe of yoga pants and t-shirts. Sure I interact online with readers, other writers, bloggers and friends on a daily basis. But this is all done from the comfort of my office while wearing pajamas. But that’s not quite the same as having a face to face conversation, mingling in person over a cup of coffee or catching up over lunch. Last year I made the commitment to get out of the office more and attend more reader conferences.
Well I just returned from Romancing the Capital in Ottawa, organized by the amazing Eve Langlais, where I actually put on real clothes and stepped out of my comfort zone. I have to say I had the time of my life. I met so many enthusiastic readers, brilliant authors, and sat on numerous panels where I talked face to face with people about writing contemporary romance, or played trivia games. I sat in on other panels, where I learned new things, went out to lunch with other authors, and even had coffee with an online friend I had never met in person before—well I actually had a S’mores Frappuccino and it was delicious!
I met my Personal Assistant for the first time at this conference and she is as sweet in real life as she is online. Friday night we had a Cowboy and Bad Boy themed dinner where I donned my Stetson and plaid shirt and danced the night away. I even partied with Dean Winchester—okay so it was a cut out poster, but still. Saturday was back to the 80’s and we dug out our leg warmers and teased our hair. We also had a book signing, and those two hours flew by as I signed books and swag for readers. Sure it was exhausting and draining but it was also fulfilling, and reader enthusiasm can remind you why you sit all alone in an office and agonize over plot and characters.
To you writers out there, I say hang that ‘Out To Lunch’ sign every once in awhile, get out from behind your desk and go have some fun. I’m seriously glad I did and feel like I made so many new friends.
For more information about the RTC conference, check it out here.
Good for you. So glad that the trip went well. Hope the book races up the rating ladder. Hugs, Alice
Thanks Alice!