Conference fever mounts

The Romantic Novelists’ Association conference in London is fast approaching. Flowing over the 9-11  July weekend, it’s already promising to expand into a five day event, with many delegates arriving Thursday and not leaving until Monday. Twitter has been alive with anticipation and discussion of details not only of sessions but also shoes; a special hashtag #RNAConf10 has been created. It seems that the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich won’t know what’s going to hit it!

So, I’ve got my flights from France organised and am drawing up a packing list. But what is a conference for? Why attend?  Socially, it’ll build on my experiences from previous RNA events – meetings, the summer party, the fabulous awards lunch. Professionally, I’ll be able to network, not only with editors, publishers and the odd agent, but with other aspiring and published writers who are the ‘coal-face’ workers of our trade/art/industry (Delete according to taste).

But the big draw for me is the chance to learn. I’ve chosen sessions ranging from market overviews, writing techniques, preparing your novel for publication, marketing and publicity, a first lines workshop, research plus expert plenary sessions from “those who know”.

Can’t wait. Off now to do the Ryanair on-line check-in….

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