Readers, how appealing are major reader conferences to you? Conferences
such as RT Convention (RomanticTimes), RWA Conference (Romance Writers
of America), and RomCon (RomanceConference)?
For those of you who
have never been to one, or don’t know what they are, they are massive
conventions where readers can not only have their books signed by the
authors, but you get to mingle, party, and become friends with these
authors. Most of the time they are a Saturday or Sunday event, sometimes
a full weekend, or even a week-long event in large hotels with events
going on all day and into the evenings. There are huge giveaways, free
swag, great food, and even plenty of chances to meet a bunch of cover
models, depending on which one you attend.
Last year was my first RT
Convention in Dallas. The year before, was my first ever RWA Conference
in San Antonio. I loved both conferences tremendously. It was a huge
bonus that I was a published author by then, and could participate in
the book signings.
As a brand new published author, though, I was an
unknown. Therefore I didn’t sell many novels at either, so the cost of
the conference registration alone put me in the red. But bottom line,
I’d never had so much fun at an author event ever.
For those who know
what they and have been to one, do you think the registration fees or
ticket prices are worth it? Do you like to bring in your own books to
have them signed, or do you like purchasing brand new books on the spot?
Do you attend these events for specific authors, or are you that avid a
fan of the genre, and love the opportunity to meet new authors and find
new characters to read?
As a fairly new published author, I don’t
have the budget to attend all of the events I’d like to in a given year.
I normally have to pick 1 major conference a year, and then attend
small signings more local to home. I LOVE interacting with readers,
making new friends, and of course I always love an excuse to party! Not
to mention all of the fabulous books! This year I’ll be attending RT
Convention again, this time in Las Vegas in April.
Here are some of
the major reader conventions coming up throughout the year. Can you add
more that I’ve forgotten? Let me know which ones you’ll be going to!
The Novel Experience Event, Atlanta, GA – April 7-11th, 2016
RT Convention, Las Vegas, NV – April 12-17th, 2016
Book Con, Chicago, IL – May 14th, 2016
Romance Novel Convention (RNC), Las Vegas, NV – June 1-5th, 2016
Fresh Fiction’s Boas & Tiaras, Allen, TX – June 11th, 2016
RWA Conference, San Diego, CA – July 13-16th, 2016
Authors After Dark, Savannah, GA – August 3-7th, 2016
Historical Romance Retreat, Spokane, WA – Sept 22-25th, 2016
RomCon, Denver, CO – Sept 30th-Oct 1st, 2016
InD’Scribe Author & Reader Con, Burbank, CA – October 6-9th, 2016
Fresh Fiction’s Readers & ‘Ritas, Allen, TX – Nov 11-13th, 2016
Susan Sheehey
www.facebook.com/SusanSheehey
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