Aloha to RWA's Librarian Day

Several weeks ago, I attended the 35th Annual RWA Conference in NYC.   I posted pictures on my travel blog here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

I kicked off the week with Librarian's Day, giving me the opportunity to sit with Melissa Norr, a Washington DC library and freelance editor at the Brazen Pen (link).  The first panel features Romantic Suspense authors, including Rebecca Zanetti (link).  She shared how she researched her books.  For example, she rode around in the trunk of her car.  Rebecca added her husband declined to be the driver ... but her sister was happy to take the wheel.

The next panel discussed the year round appeal of holiday romances.  Jane Porter (link) described how Montana at Christmas is romantic ... but I'd rather spend the holiday at her beach house near Waikiki!

RWA treated us to lunch with legendary author Jude Deveraux (link).  She shared the challenges of writing her next contemporary book - a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice with a production of Pride and Prejudice embedded in the story line.  After turning in the manuscript, she joked to her editor that she should next write Emma.   

I always enjoy the opportunity to be in a room of librarians!  I am giving away a copy of PREMIERE - A COLLECTION OF ROMANCE TALES FROM RWA:

From Romance Writers of America® comes a never-before-published collection of tales that showcases the breadth and complexity of the world's most popular genre of fiction!

New York Times bestselling authors Cindy Gerard and Allison Brennan bring the thrills in their tales of romantic suspense.

New York Times bestselling authors Sabrina Jeffries and Courtney Milan take you on a trip back in time with lush stories of historical romance.

New York Times bestselling authors Vicki Lewis Thompson and Joan Johnston show the wonder of contemporary romance, while New York Times bestselling authors Monica Murphy and Laura Kaye's New Adult romances delve into the evolving Millennial perspective.

And editor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Sylvia Day's tale of angels and sizzling desire takes readers to the edge with paranormal romance.

From the first love of Young Adult romance to tales of second chances, LGBT romance to the realms of the supernatural, contemporary to historical, suspense to inspirational, the genre of romance has a story for every reader and this blockbuster inaugural collection from Romance Writers of America showcases it all!

Plus tales from:
Lila Bell
T. L Costa
Diane Kelly
Amber Lin
Katy Regnery
Erica Ridley
Regina Scott
Harper St. George
Lex Valentine
To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about libraries, librarians, and/or Jane Austen - do you have a favorite?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, August 22, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 23.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

RWA's Annual Conference - Librarians' Day, Literacy Autographing, Military Spouses, and Delta Gamma

Seven Flags of Pearl Harbor

Next week I fly to San Antonio for RWA's Annual Conference. I plan to spend Monday and Tuesday exploring San Antonio. Wednesday brings out the heavy hitters with the Librarian's Day:

Building a Story: How Authors Go from Rough Idea to Finished Book with Patty Blount, Kristan Higgins, Jeannie Moon, Carly Phillips, and Sherry Thomas

Saddle Up and Get Ready to Read with Librarian John Charles and authors Lori Austin, Carolyn Brown, Laura Drake, Katie Lane, Jane Porter and Lori Wilde

Love Your Library: Librarians and Authors in a New Publishing Era with Laura Florand and Jennifer Lohmann.

Librarian and Reader Appreciation Luncheon featuring Barbara Samuel

I am honored to have the Chief Librarian from the Joint Base San Antonio (Fort Sam Houston, Randolph AFB, and Lackland AFB) join me for this event.  We will be sitting with contemporary author Tracy Solheim for the luncheon.

The day ends with a bang with the Literacy Autographing:

At the "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing, hundreds of romance authors meet with and sign books for fans, with the proceeds from book sales going to literacy organizations. Since 1990, RWA has raised more than $825,000 to fight illiteracy.

The 2014 "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing will be on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel in the 3rd floor ballroom.

Here's a link to the list of authors participating in the Literacy Autographing.  If you live within driving distance of San Antonio, come on down!

For Military Spouses in San Antonio, RWA is offering a limited number of free tickets to the Librarian's Luncheon (and the networking event to follow) to appreciate your service and sacrifice.  This is a great opportunity to hobnob with your favorite authors and learn more about the romance industry.   If you are interested in attending, please contact me at sos.aloha@yahoo.com.

I am also calling on the Delta Gammas in the San Antonio area - collegiates and alumni.  I am a DG (University of Tampa - Epsilon Theta) and so is Tracy Solheim (University of Tennessee - Gamma Alpha).  We are bringing our DG shirts to take a picture together ... and I extend an invitation to other DGs to meet us on Wednesday, July 23, 4 pm for coffee.  You are also welcome to attend the Literacy Autographing to support Tracy!   If you can join us, please contact me at sos.aloha@yahoo.com.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Anchors Aweigh with Jane Austen on Pearl Harbor
(the Anchor is the DG symbol)