I am one tired little romance writer, kids. Yesterday was an astounding day on several fronts. I won’t talk about everything, just the highlights I was able to hit.
In the morning I had my RWA PRO retreat where we played a spin on speed dating. 20 PAN members at 20 tables with 20 topics to discuss. You could visit 3 tables/authors during the retreat. I visited the ones on social media and branding – two topics I need to learn a lot more about. First, branding with author Anna Alexander who was a weath and cavern of knowledge on what your romance “brand” should be, how to tie it in with all your promotional products, and how to develop it as your writing changes and evolves. Branding knowledge is her super power – go to her link to find out why I describe her that way!
The social media use with Catherine Bybee was a headspinner. As we were sitting, listening to her talk about all the kinds of media we should be using and involved with, she was Tweeting about what she was saying and about RWA15. The one line I took away from her talk and that will stay with me for a life time is “People need to hear your name 7-10 times before it becomes recognizable to them.” Something to really think about and work towards when your livelihood depends on book sales and you want people to know who you are.
In the afternoon I sat in on a great workshop with Kristan Higgins and Tracy Brogan on how to use humor in your romance stories. They both had the audience rolling with laughter with their witty anecdotes and heartfelt stories -humor0us of course- that they incorporate into their books.
And one final note that made my day. I met with my editor from Wild Rose Press ( and don’t I love saying that!) She is so incredibly supportive and knowledgable and I owe her a great deal of thanks for all her help,guidance, and patience with me as a new author. So, another day of workshops and networking. Here are some pix from today.
The Fabulous Kristan Higgins
Book swag day 3.
another random New Yorker
Peggy Jaeger, Author 