RWA Librarians Day 2013

Dear Lord above, it's almost June.  Which means the Romance Writers of America (RWA) conference is right around the corner.  Once again, I will be in attending in all my awesome-sauce librarian finery (ha!) and presenting a workshop as part of Librarians Day on Wednesday, July 17.  This year's conference is in Atlanta, Georgia and if you're a librarian in the area I cannot strongly recommend this day enough.  The workshops are always entertaining (I learn something new every year!), everyone from RWA staff to authors are super-duper nice and treat you like a rock star.  Oh, and the librarians get their own goodie room.  Yes, we have our own goodie room.  It's also shockingly and absurdly cheap for librarians to attend (only $25, which besides the freebies includes lunch!).  Seriously, how can you not afford to attend this?  Here's a rundown of the schedule, complete with commentary that only I could possibly provide. 

Registration is capped at the first 100 attendees, so get thee on over to the RWA web site to sign up!

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Let's Talk: Young Adult, New Adult, "Adult" Romance
Presenters: Roxanne St. Claire, Christie Craig (a.k.a. C.C. Hunter), and Molly McAdams

Join three authors as they discuss young adult romance, new adult romance, and “adult” romance. What is the difference between them? What makes YA romance unique? What makes new adult romance different from other contemporary romances written for adults? What is the crossover appeal for adults reading YA romance? Why is new adult romance suddenly so popular?

Librarians, we want to talk to you, too! We’ll give out prizes to those who can answer our questions on shelving and reading recommendations for each of these areas.

Wendy Says: WooHoo!  A chance to win prizes!  Which means I probably shouldn't stand up and deliver my dissertation on how I think the term "New Adult" was coined as part of a massive publishing conspiracy to drive librarians batshit insane.  

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Romance Programming: Book Groups and Beyond
Presenters: Wendy Crutcher and Jennifer Lohmann

RWA Librarians of the Year Jennifer Lohmann and Wendy Crutcher will talk about library programming for fans of the the romance genre, from the small (book clubs) to the large (romance author panels during literary festivals). They will address everything from good authors/titles for discussion to partnering with your local RWA chapter.

Wendy Says: What is sure to be the best panel of the morning!  Me!  Jennifer Lohmann!  Librarians Of The Year 2010 and 2011!  I love Harlequin SuperRomance!  Jennifer writes for Harlequin SuperRomance!  What's not to love here folks?

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Refreshment Break Sponsored by Sabrina Jeffries

Wendy Says: If she serves the terrible lemonade from Almack's I am so starting a food fight.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. From Sweet to Steamy: Exploring Diversity in Romance Fiction
Presenters: Sylvia Day, Eileen Dreyer, Rachel Gibson, and Shirley Jump. Moderated by: Jeannie Moon

Some readers like their romances very sweet, while others like them very steamy. Some readers like small town contemporaries, and others love traditional regencies. Attend this session to explore the different sides of romance. Bring your ideas, because we will all work together to make some reading lists you can use in your library!

Wendy Says: I just want to say that I suggested a panel of this ilk.  No really, I did!  Which means RWA thought it was a good idea or else they were really desperate for ideas.  Really great line-up of authors for this panel.  Looking forward to this one.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Have Faith
Presenters: John Charles, Shelley Shepard Gray, Tina James, Kristin Ramsdell, and Regina Scott

Inspirational romances are one of the hottest (well not "hot" but you know what we mean) of all subgenres with readers yet there still seems to be some common misperceptions about this subgenre. Join a panel of librarians, authors, and an editor as they discuss inspirational romances and why readers love them.

Wendy Says: Not unlike the romance genre, I really feel like the inspirational marketplace has come a long way in, say, just the last ten years.  There's more diversity now, savvier marketing, and frankly?  Better writing.  There's some really great writers working within inspirational these days. Hoping to score some recommendations from this panel.

12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Librarians Day Luncheon Featuring New York Times Bestselling Author Jill Shalvis

Wendy:  WooHoo!  Lunch!  And Jill Shalvis!

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Librarian/Bookseller Networking Event
Come to this fun, informal meet-and-greet with romance authors!

Wendy: This would be the infamous Librarian Goodie Room.  It's also a chance to chit-chat with authors, and even a few publishing types (In years past, I've run into some editors).  

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing
Don’t forget to come to RWA’s “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., where hundreds of romance authors will be signing copies of their novels. Proceeds from book sales go to ProLiteracy Worldwide.

Wendy: Every romance fan, I think, should experience this event at least once in their lives.  A list of authors participating can be found on the RWA web site.  I've got two words for you all: Jude Deveraux.  OK, make that four words: Jude-Mutha-Effing-Deveraux! The small corner of my brain where I keep Emo Teenager Wendy bound and gagged just let out a muffled squee!