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Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat

April 28, 2009
WRW Retreat Chair Kathryn Anderson, special guest, fantasy author PC Cast, and media and publicity guru Katy Hershberger (St. Martins)

I was extremely upset that I missed the the WRW Retreat I was supposed to attend April 17-19, but my little hospital incident put the end to that.  Thankfully author Jeanne Adams sent me this great write up on the weekend (now I feel even worse that I missed it...I've never been to Virginia).  Well, maybe next year.  But here's Jeanne's version and she's sticking to it!

It was a lovely April weekend for the famous Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat, In the Company of Writers, held in Leesburg, VA, April 17-19, 2009.  Our fabulous keynote speakers were none other than two New York Times Bestselling authors, Carla Neggers and PC Cast.  Industry moguls from St. Martins, Harlequin, Samhain and Sourcebooks were on hand to give us the benefit of their wisdom as well.  In addition, there were fabulous agents from all over the country,
WRW Authors Susan Donovan, Sally MacKenzie (standing), Mary Blayney, and special guest, suspense author Carla Neggers
including Meg Ruley, Elaine English, Helen Breitweiser and Irene Goodman, who took appointments, talked about the fascinating state of the industry and were available for chats, pitch sessions and a good dose of common sense talk about writing.
 
All we were missing was YOU, Barbara!  We're so sorry you couldn't be with us this year...
 
The Retreat started off with a bang - for the authors anyway!  Our special guests, along with other wonderful WRW writers were treated to a highly-publicized book signing with WRW Member Nora Roberts at Turn the Page Books in Boonsboro, MD.  (Special thanks to the staff of Turn the Page!)  Signing along with our guests and Nora were Mary Blayney, Susan Donovan, Darlene GardnerDonna KauffmanSally MacKenzie, Michelle MonkouSophia NashKathleen Gilles SeidelSarah Wendell, Michelle Willingham, Rebecca York.
 
Suspense author Rebecca York and WRW Member Kathy Hall Schindler sharing a laugh
From presentations on writing as work to writing as play, improv for writers, romancing the media, and what's hot in the EPublishing world to collaging, screen writing as a writer's tool, and creating characters that live and breath (even if they're dead), the Retreat kept everyone hopping.  And in between?  There was still time for laughing, connecting and sitting on the porch in a rocker, sipping a cold one.

How did the attending feel about the conference?  "This was my first WRW retreat. It lived up to its reputation for warmth, fun and business savvy" - Carla Neggers.  "The WRW Retreat was such a fun, unique weekend with some of the friendliest writers I've ever met." - Katy Hershberger, Publicist, St. Martin's Press.
 
Hopefully you can join us next year, Barbara, In the Company of Writers, and enjoy the fun!  We missed you.  :>

Well, this will teach me to plan a little better and I'd like to thank Jeanne Adams for the terrific report and pictures.

Bottom Line: Ok, I'm still dreaming of the part, "sitting on the porch in a rocker, sipping a cold one."
 

Posted by Barbara Vey on April 28, 2009 | Comments (31)


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April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Edie Ramer commented:

Sounds lovely. Next year I want to go, too.




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Christine Trent commented:

It really was gobs of fun, Barbara. I was so disappointed when I learned you wouldn't be there, as I was very interested in your industry perspective. Maybe you'll join us next year???

Christine




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Debbie Kaufman commented:

Sorry you missed it. So did I! So many wonderful conferences out there.




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Debbie Kaufman commented:

Sorry you missed it. So did I! So many wonderful conferences out there.




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Michelle Willingham commented:

So sorry we missed you this year, Barbara, but please come another time! Would love to meet you. And for anyone else who loves romance, the WRW Retreat is absolutely fabulous.




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Amanda commented:

As a reader, I love reading about these conferences. My dream is to attend on someday.




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Sophia Nash commented:

Hi Barbara!
Three days of motivational messages (especially from Carla Neggers), massages from a woman who made me do yoga on the table, cherry blossoms, and about a zillion fabulous baskets to win. Don't worry--we'll be back next year--and it'll be even better since you'll be there!




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
mary s commented:

What a wonderful blog, Barb! So sorry you missed this conference--so nice to have your "back-up" tell us about it! What a compliment to you that you were missed by so many! Stay healthy--I hope you can go next year!




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Heidi Betts commented:

So sorry you had to miss the Retreat, Barbara! It was a wonderful weekend, but we promise that if you can make it next year, we'll show you an equally fabulous time! :-D




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Holly Jacobs commented:

Sounds like a lovely time, Barbara. Sorry you missed it!

Holly




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Jeanne AKA The Duchesse commented:

Hi Barbara! We'll be sure to get you a rocker and a cold drink when you come visit. Grins. A good time WAS had by all as Heidi and Sopha already said. But we DID miss you...




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
SUSAN WIGGS commented:

I've only been once, but I long to go again. Fabulous conference. :-)




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
SUSAN WIGGS commented:

I've only been once, but I long to go again. Fabulous conference. :-)




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Jeanne AKA The Duchesse commented:

Susan, we'd love to see you at the Retreat!




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Jeanne AKA The Duchesse commented:

Susan, we'd love to see you at the Retreat!




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Liz Kreger commented:

Pity you missed it, Barb. I hear tell that the Virginia conference is terrific and after that write up ... I'm inclined to agree. Maybe next year.




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Tawny Weber commented:

IT sounds like a fabulous retreat! I wish it wasn't on the other side of the country or I'd definitely try and be there! Barbara, I hope you're feeling better. but Jeanne, awesome report :-)




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Anna Campbell commented:

Barbara, I share your WRW pining fest. I'd love to go one day. A whole stack of my favorite people in one spot - and the spot always sounds wonderful! Although I'm truly sorry I never got to visit the haunted inn. Jeanne, great post. Sounds like the WRW was its usual stellar success.




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Kathy Schindler commented:

My first retreat and it was a excellent!! I definitely will go again.....and hey my picture even made the PW with Rebecca York...can't get any better than that one!!




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Donna Kauffman commented:

I'm so sorry you weren't able to attend this year! I hope you'll be able join us in the future. It's such a unique gathering of writers and industry pros. Always a weekend to remember!




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Nancy Northcott commented:

This sounds like a fabulous conference! I've wanted to go for a long time, but the timing doesn't fit my job schedule. It does give me something to look forward to, though. Glad everyone had such a great time!




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Jo Robertson commented:

Hi, Barbara, so sorry you were unable to attend the WRW Retreat. Hope you're on the mend.

The sounds fabulous. I was on that side of the continent, but couldn't make it up to Virginia, darn it!

Thanks, Jeanne, for giving us a run down of the retreat. Sounds like some great workshops and interesting attendees!




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Suzanne Welsh commented:

Hey Barbara and Jeanne! Sounds like a fantastic time for everyone. I'm wondering what Improv for Writers was all about?




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Alana Abbott commented:

Looks like a good time was had by all! I'm with Suzanne -- I'd love to hear more about Improv for Writers!




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Beth Andrews commented:

I'm sorry you missed the retreat, Barbara! I've never attended but it's on my wish list of things to do *g* Maybe next year!




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Jeanne AKA The Duchesse commented:

Suz, you would love the Improv. It's using improv techiques to break through blocks, sort of like Whose Line is It Anyway. TOTALLY funny! And yet productive...




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Jeanne AKA The Duchesse commented:

Alana, it's fab. One of our WRW Members teaches the session. I'd be glad to get you her name if your local RWA Chapter needs a program. :>




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Jeanne AKA The Duchesse commented:

Alana, it's fab. One of our WRW Members teaches the session. I'd be glad to get you her name if your local RWA Chapter needs a program. :>




April 28, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Diane Gaston commented:

Hi, Barbara,
Here's incentive for you. I owe you a drink! And if you have never been to Virginia you are missing something. There's nothing more beautiful than Virginia in the Spring. Unfortunately the Retreat was just one week before the dogwood and azaleas bloomed. You should see it now




April 29, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Barbara Vey commented:

Diane, I'll be attending the RWA conference and hopefully take a side trip to the area. I'm looking forward to next year! And I'm feeling great. Thanks to everyone for your kind words and thoughts. (Ok, maybe the face still needs a couple of weeks) :)




May 24, 2009
In response to: Washington (DC) Romance Writers Retreat
Laura and Deborah, New Windsor, MD commented:

Barbara, we missed you at WRW retreat. As first timers to this retreat we had a fabulous time. Great info and workshops. Everyone was so warm and friendly. A truly worthwhile experience. Thanks to everyone who made it such a great experience. Hope to see you @ RWA National in DC this year, our own backyard!





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