Saturday, November 11, is Veterans Day. I will be spending the holiday with the Washington Romance Writers (WRW) offering my expertise (wink, wink). From their website (link):
Join WRW for our meeting on Saturday, November 11, 2017. In honor of Veterans’ Day, the program features a military panel in the morning followed by an afternoon session on how to build successful relationships with bloggers, reviewers, and librarians.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Service Center
4805 Edgemoor Lane
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
240-777-8200
Schedule
10:00am – 12:00pm: Reporting for Duty–An Intimate Chat with Military Veterans and Family Members
12:00pm – 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm – 3:30pm: Great Expectations–Building Successful Relationships with Bloggers, Reviewers, and Librarians
Morning Session:
Military veterans and family members share their experience to ensure military characters are accurately portrayed in romance novels. The panel will teach writers how to decipher military acronyms, identify ranks from the five services, and safely carry a weapon. There will be time for Q&A.
Panel guests include:
Kim Lowe, Moderator– Air Force Veteran and Spouse
Rheanna Bernard – Air Force spouse
Stephanie Brenninkmeyer – Air Force spouse and Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Tif Marcelo – Army Veteran and Spouse
Tamara Worlton – Navy active duty
Delancey Stewart – Marine Corps Spouse
Plus special guest Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) David P. Smay, USMC.
Afternoon Session:
Our panel of librarians, reviewers, and bloggers offer a round table discussion, ala Cheers, to share their perspective of the romance industry. Each panelist came to Romanceland along a different path but collectively they agree that a romance book needs to grab the attention of the reader and deliver the hope expected from this genre. We will discuss how we were hooked onto romance and what keeps us coming back for more. We will also dissect how authors connect with readers through websites, social media, and book signings. Finally, we offer tips on how to maximize your exposure through libraries, review sites, and blogs. We will set aside time at the end to answer questions from the audience.
Panel guests include:
Kim Lowe, Moderator – SOS Aloha Book Blog
Rheanna Bernard – Cammo Style Love Blog
Madeline Iva – Lady Smut Blog
Rae Latte – Books I Love A Latte
Melissa Norr – Washington DC Librarian
If you live within driving distance of Washington, DC, come join us! I have a few surprises for all who attend, Of course I'll post a recap here at SOS Aloha.
For November, I continue to giveaway RWA swag to four randomly selected winners from all the comments posted. Plus a bonus prize - a leather bookmark for each winner from one of Scotland's castles in honor of St. Andrew's Day on November 30. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about either panel,
For November, I continue to giveaway RWA swag to four randomly selected winners from all the comments posted. Plus a bonus prize - a leather bookmark for each winner from one of Scotland's castles in honor of St. Andrew's Day on November 30. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about either panel,
a.What do you like (and not like) about how romance portrays military characters? Do you think romance books featuring military characters should be accurate?
b. What do you like (and not like) about book blogs? Any advice on the best way to reach readers (and keep their attention) on social media?
2. Comments are open through Thursday, November 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.
3. I'll post the winner on Friday, December 1.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
Both very interesting topics. I love book blogs. My favourite form of social media. I think it's brilliant that I can be assured of the personal touch and honest reviews/impressions of books.
ReplyDeleteI would love to attend the first one. I do get a bit confused on ranks of services other than Army.
ReplyDeleteI must admit I do love the give and take on blogs. Hearing others thoughts and opinions are always interesting.
ReplyDeleteI love book blogs, they can be informative and entertaining. As for military service in books, I like most of the portrayals I've read and I think that it should be accurate if it can be.
ReplyDeleteI love reading book blogs for recommendations and reviews.
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't already have standing plans, I would come.
ReplyDeletedenise
I think it's really important that military characters are portrayed accurately, especially the sacrifices that they and their families make to protect the rest of us - most of us don't have personal contact to those on active duty, so these stories may help us to appreciate their service even more.
ReplyDeleteYes it should be accurate. Yes I think it's been done well. I like book blogs.
ReplyDeleteBoth sound very interesting. I do enjoy book blogs. They are informative and you get to read everyone who comments thoughts. I too think Military stories should be accurate. Any of the books I've read are always researched by the Authors and it shows
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
I enjoying genre blogs to see the what new books are coming out - especially from a new author.
ReplyDeleteI have read some good military romance books that don't sugar coat the life of a military man. I appreciate that. It gives the story realism and brings the suffering to light.
ReplyDeleteI love military romance.....
ReplyDelete