Next week I am attending the RWA Annual Conference at the Dolphin Hotel in Disney World. Rest assured, I will be inside the hotel, appreciating the air conditioning and hobnobbing with authors. Having grown up in Florida, I have no interest in the parks.
On Thursday, I am moderating the panel I submitted:
On Thursday, I am moderating the panel I submitted:
Rev It Up: World Building for Motorcycle Club Romances (RESEARCH)
Speakers: Mandy Rossmeyer, Jade Chandler, Laura Kaye, Kim Lowe, and Constance Phillips
Join four experts for a hands-on experience to “get patched” in the often-misrepresented motorcycle culture. Mandy Rossmeyer, events/promotion manager of Daytona Harley-Davidson, will offer an introduction to the HOG world, from the weekend warrior to the pros who thrash at Sturgis, and best-selling authors will share how they incorporate the motorcycle culture into romance novels for an authentic representation of this unique American identity.
Mandy, below, is a fellow Delta Gamma (DG) sister from the University of Tampa. I have reminded her "what happened in Tampa, stays in Tampa." We are joined by three authors who know a thing or two about motorcycles - Laura Kaye, Jade Chandler, and Constance Phillips. I asked each of them to create their own biker moniker ... I'll share with you in my RWA recap.
RWA is closing the conference with its annual "Readers for Life" Literacy Signing:
At the "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing, hundreds of romance authors meet with and sign books for fans in this two-hour event, with the proceeds from book sales going to literacy organizations. In 2016, Romance Writers of America raised more than $39,000 to benefit literacy programs—bringing our total donations since 1990 to $ 1 million!
When: Saturday, July 29, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
Where: Walt Disney World ® Dolphin Resort, Pacific Hall
Check out the list of participating authors at this link.
Immediately at 5 pm, it is ... ALL HANDS ON DECK!
RWA invited me to donate a portion of the leftover books to military families ... the remainder is donated to local libraries ... books for all!
I am recruiting volunteers, including authors who just finished signing for two hours, to:
1. Grab a box (look under the tables).
2. Grab one book per authors and place in box.
3. Once the box is filled, bring it to the "exit" area. I will be standing by to label the box as "military" and acknowledge your volunteer effort.
I have brown hair, pulled back in a short pony tail. I will be wearing an Aloha shirt. The boxes left with me will be donated to:
a. SHADES OF GREEN military resort at Walt Disney World.
b. USO Lounge at the Orlando airport.
c. Military spouses in Europe and Asia.
That's it! 15 minutes and you help military families ... and RWA to clear the room.
That's it! 15 minutes and you help military families ... and RWA to clear the room.
Driving to Orlando? Live near a military base? You are welcome to take boxes home with you to share with military families (and libraries) on (or off) military installations. If possible, bring a few of your own tote bags in case we run out of boxes (everyone has extra totes at home).
Recruit a friend!
Share on social media!
MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK!
I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. Check out the list of authors attending the Literacy Signing - who would you like to meet?
2. Comments are open through Sunday, July 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.
3. I'll post the winner on Monday, July 31.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
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