Sourcebooks Casablanca Romance Authors

RT seems to get better every year, and this year was off the charts. New Orleans has the BEST FOOD (Oysters Rockefeller anyone?) and then I got to work it off every morning at Sara Humphreys’ 7 am (yes, you read that right) fitness extravaganza. There was a core group of us working our core. Sara promises to do it again next year, don’t miss it—25 minutes of the T25 workout, easily adaptable. I bought the DVDs as soon as I got home because after only 3 days I felt thinner (is that a figment of a fevered imagination? Or are my jeans really more comfortable?). Huge shout-out to Julie Ann Walker, who hit the NYT and USA Today lists right smack in the middle of RT for the 6 th time, with her 6 th book in the Black Knights, Inc. series HELL FOR LEATHER. You’re a rock star, Julie Ann! So here’s what I love most about RT, RWA, and all the local conferences—it’s the place where we who love romance fiction can go public about our enthusiasm. Back at home, things ha...

by Danielle Jackson 2012 Conference Logo, from RWA.org At the end of last month, I, along with 2000+ other romance authors, publishing professionals, agents, etc. descended upon the Anaheim Marriott for the annual RWA National Conference. It was an incredible experience! I am always amazed every year how supportive of a group this is—it’s not every day that you can rub elbows with nationally bestselling authors and people attending their first conference ever. The atmosphere is dynamic and inspiring… I always leave with ideas and thoughts about the things to come for our publishing line and our authors. However, I have to say—when compared to other writers conferences and/publishing trade shows, RWA is a different breed. Of course there’s networking and pitching and workshops sharing valuable information… but there are also parties and reunions and, this year, trip to Disneyland! I always have a hard time explaining exactly what I do at RWA, but I thought I’d try, along w...

I LOVE Spring. I was born at the end of March, which in Chicago can be an iffy time of year—sometimes it’s still snowing, other times it is gorgeous! We’ve been given an early Spring in Chicagoland this year, and it has been wonderful. Here are some of my favorite Spring things: Everything is in Bloom! Trees start to bud and open up, flowers begin to come out of the ground, grass is green… now, my sinuses and allergies don’t always love this part, but it’s nice to look out the window near my desk and see everything looking pretty. Cabin Fever is OVER. I don’t know about you, but after so many months of dreary cold weather, it is such a relief to be able to do things outside. I get to walk around to run errands, or meet up with friends at a coffee shop. Even driving with the windows down seems like a new experience! Holidays! Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Graduations… Spring is a great time for holidays, all of which are a little less intense than those durin...