My first conference...or the road to Birmingham
Author: Ransom Schwerzler
Original Publication Date in Love Notes: March 2001

I am not exactly certain why I decided to attend the Romance in the Magic City Conference. I was scared to death and not at all certain I was ready to take this step in my writing career. However, I really want to attend National this year, and I hated the idea of going without knowing what to expect. I suppose I went to Birmingham to get my feet wet. In the weeks before the conference, I was nervous, very nervous. 

Fortunately, life caught up with me and soon the conference became just another item on my list of things to do: right after meet sister to try on bridesmaid’s dress and pick up dog food. In other words, I got too busy to worry, and I am very glad. I had a number of misconceptions about conferences, and each of them fell by the wayside on my trip to Birmingham. 

Misconception #1: I’ll be alone. And I was . . .for about 10 seconds. As soon as I sat down in the lobby to await the opening night reception, a friendly woman from Mississippi approached saying, “Hi, Where are you from? What do you write?” The Southern Magic members were gracious and welcoming, and everyone was friendly, always inviting any attendee to join them for the next event. 

Misconception #2: I’m not ready to pitch my book. Two published authors presented a Night Owl session to prepare for editor and agent interviews, and their editor attended the workshop. The Kensington editor gave practical and very helpful advice. By the end of the workshop, I was going back to my room to completely rework my presentation, but I felt much more confident about the final product. 

Misconception #3: Editor and agent appointments are terrifying. I must admit I imagined the appointments would be like some scary, grown-up version of cheerleading tryouts . . . A face from Mt. Rushmore would sit behind a table while I had to jump up and down and turn a cartwheel. Not so. I found a smiling woman who might have fallen out of the J.Crew catalog . . . not a hint of granite in sight. The editor was gracious and friendly as she listened to my new improved pitch and then asked questions. 

Misconception #4: I won’t find anything for me. The Southern Magic organizers did an amazing job making this monumental event look easy. They presented 20 workshops on a broad range of topics representing many sub-genres and balancing writing and business issues. 

Misconception #5: I don’t really need to go. RWA® offers us a community of writers. The conference brought that community together to share our common love — writing. Gayle Wilson gave a wonderful welcome speech in which she recalled that great scene from Bull Durham. You know the one I mean. Susan Sarandon sits breathless as Kevin Costner tells her what he believes. Gayle told us what she believes. She believes in romance. She reminded us all why we love our genre. 

In her keynote address, Linda Howard reminded us all why we love to write. Linda wove a spell as she spoke about her dreams, and touched on all of ours. We write because it is essential to us, and having a group of people with whom to share this gift is a blessing. 

I could not have been more pleased that my preconceived ideas about conferences were wrong, but please don’t hesitate to go and find out for yourself. 

I’ll just leave you with a few words: Waterproof Mascara. With speakers as moving as Gayle Wilson and Linda Howard, this is necessary. Wheeled luggage. There are books, lots of heavy books. You will want luggage with wheels. Inspiration. You will drink it in each workshop and feel it flowing with every conversation, just waiting to pour into your work.

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