Who said this quote? Was it...
A) J K Rowling
B) Ernest Hemingway
C) Charlotte Bronte
D) Stephen King
Guesses? Well, if you answered "D" you are correct!
What's so cool about this quote, beside the fact that is an amazing way to look at books?
Well, it's the theme for the 2012 NECRWA Spring Conference this year. And I want to talk about conference a little bit today. I did a guest post for Romance Novel News this week...Penelope's Top 7 Reasons Not To Miss The 2012 NECRWA Spring Conference. I discuss the inspiring speakers, helpful workshops, charming locale, excellent pitch opportunities (you get to submit 10 pages of your WIP for a critique, not just an oral pitch like most conferences), the cocktail party, the ghost hunt, the book fair, and of course the most important part of all...the schmoozing.
I love this quote by Stephen King. Because it's true. Books are magic. They transport us to a different time and place. They provide us with comfort, excitement and adventure. And if we're lucky enough to be romance lovers, they inspire true romance and love.
I believe that every author is a magic-maker. That's what we do. We offer this gift to our readers. But the journey for us is much more complicated and difficult. We have to worry about rejection and mastering our craft, how to keep up with new trends in the publishing industry, and who to trust to watch our backs. And that's what I find the most magical about this conference.
When all is said and done, this writing journey, for me, is about people.
People we've known since the beginning who support us. Strangers we meet after a few (okay, maybe 11) cocktails. Folks who write everything from multi-orgy erotica to sweet, rated G Amish books. But what binds us all together is a dream. To write. To make magic. And hopefully this journey will be magic for us, too.
All of the Quirky Ladies are involved with conference this year. And it's hard. We have supported each other through all sorts of difficulties, in both our professional and personal lives. The best part of my critique group, and all of my friends and colleagues at NEC, is that we will not let each other fail. Even when we feel like we are not reaching our goals or self-imposed expectations, even when we feel like life is overwhelming, we are there for each other.
This is extremely humbling to me. This is why I'm on this journey. It's not really about the hunky Klaus Brothers (although they are adorable and fun, of course). This is about finding other kindred spirits on this path that is at times isolating, painful and ego-crushing. People who bolster each other and fan the flames of our magic.
This conference is a coming together of family. Young and old, experienced and newbs, cynical and bright-eyed. It is magic. Being with so many talented and supportive people. You just can't help but feel inspired about your writing journey.
I hope to see many of you there in April. I'll be the one wearing the tiara at the registration table.
Off to read some more portable magic,
Penelope
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