Another conference is in the books! Once again I left inspired and encouraged to keep developing my craft and keep writing.

This year I ran into several familiar faces.

Brandi Willis Schreiber has a short story coming out in the Second Chances anthology. Can’t wait to read it!

Sariah Wilson is always lovely and I’m determined to write for her Kindle World. I’m a huge fan and if you love sweet romance you have to check out her series.
No pictures of this but I got to meet the Kindle Press team, Marietta Franken and Monique Smith, and former Kindle Press editor Megan Mulder. Love to see how passionate they are about the program!

And I stopped by the parks. Love this quote! Good reminder!

Already counting down to next year.

I didn’t read enough last year.

I love romance novels (duh) and usually devour them pretty quickly. But I got a little swept up in my own projects last year and didn’t make time to read. Maybe that doesn’t sound like a negative. For me, it was.

Romance books inspire, encourage, humor, and engage me in a way no other source of entertainment can. I love this industry and this genre, it has given me far more then I’ll ever be able to repay.

I decided to challenge myself to read 50 books this year. It’s a very do-able (ha) goal. If you check out my Goodreads page (check it out here), you’ll see that I read a wide range from within the genre.

My favorites so far, however, have all been from the same publishing line: Harlequin Heartwarming.

Fellow Chicago-ans, you have to check out Amy Vastine’s Chicago Sisters series. Starting with The Better Man, these books pack so much heart and hope into their pages. I couldn’t stop reading. I read these three on my Kindle on vacation and was in serious withdrawal by the third day of my trip.

I’m going to cheat and count that whole series as one…

Not that it should matter. There aren’t any rules here, it’s my blog.

Under an Adirondack Sky by Karen Rock really touched me. I loved the city slickers in the country angle and was surprised by the heroine’s family (in a great way).

And another sister book, I loved To Catch a Wife by Lee Mckenzie. The bond between the heroine and her family and best friend felt so real. I was absorbed into the story and the small town setting.

Do yourself a favor and check out these books.

 

The countdown for the national conference for RWA is officially on!

Last year was my very first writer’s conference. Ever. I was so nervous I nearly talked myself out of going. But that was exactly how I knew I NEEDED to attend. I’ve never learned anything from being comfortable. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone is how I started actually pursuing this crazy dream I’ve nurtured since childhood.

In San Diego, I met so many of the amazing people I’ve connected with online who have been instrumental in challenging me to change for the better. I attended workshops and learned so much valuable craft information. I networked. I came home with my passion for telling stories flaming higher than ever before.

And I vowed that whenever I get the chance to head to RWA I will take it. I’ll make the most of every second I have. I’ll let go of my insecurities and keep myself open to new ideas.

 

My excitement level has been climbing steadily since registering back in February. I can’t wait to learn and experience even more this year. In fact, I decided I really can’t wait…like even for my baggage.

I’m going to try what is nearly impossible for me. Traveling with a carry-on size suitcase for the trip. I have never been a light packer. I believe in being prepared (seriously, you should see the trunk of my car on a normal day). But, I think I can do this.

I will be coming home with tons of books, based on last year. My plan is to pack two foldable totes that can be used as checked bags on my return trip. We’ll see if that’s enough…