A Way to Re-Energize

Coming to the Romantic Times convention has two aspects: the practical and the spiritual. On the practical side, this is of course a chance to network, let new readers know about what I do and have the pleasure of talking with existing readers. It’s exhausting, because each time I come, I quickly find my daily schedule filled, all the way from early morning until late evening. But that makes this experience sound like work, and in reality, I come to RT because it reminds me passionately (word chosen deliberately) why I love writing romance. I am by nature reclusive, but even a recluse occasionally likes to rub elbows with folks like herself (nobody parties like a bunch of recluses, believe me – they’ve been shutting down the pool bar every night!).

But immerse yourself for a week in an environment that’s all about loving this genre, and you will feel energized, ready to write ten more books. I also find myself humbled and gratified by the generosity of the people who read, write and support romance in so many ways. These are quite normal, interesting people who share joy in escaping from the day to day aggravations we all face, into worlds of happily ever after and worthwhile heroes and heroines.

Of course there is a major con to the RT Con. The RT staff found us such a beautiful resort this year, it’s hard to be responsible and make all my appointments! Particularly when I have to walk by 2-3 pools along paths that meander through lagoons and tropical blooming plants, with ducks and ducklings waddling along and lizards scooting past. But today the desire to lounge by the pool is balanced with the fact I’m on the Faery Court, and I’ve gotten to see amazing painted backdrops raised, work on stage landscapes involving papier mache rocks, soft butterflies, water misters, etc. That’s another part of RT someone mentioned to me – at no other romance conference do you get the variety you seem to get here. We have street parties, toga parties, slumber parties, metaphysical sessions, one-on-ones with authors, free books and creative promo items everywhere. It’s like being at a mini-carnival, with new and amazing things around corner. So in a little while, I’ll go slap on wings, throw on body glitter and have another new experience to write about.

This has been a great place to be more specifically inspired as well. When I return, I’ll have four more days to finish Honor Bound, which features two soldiers. I’ve had great discussions with some kind ladies here – Taige Crenshaw, Kimberly Kaye Terry, and hopefully, Stephanie Burke – about my heroine, who is a black woman, to see if there are any cultural differences in writing a black heroine.

After I finish that, I’ll start my next vampire book, which will either be Gideon’s story (Jacob’s brother from VAMPIRE QUEEN), or Elisa’s (from VAMPIRE'S CLAIM). I keep waffling, because I love Gideon, but Elisa’s story will take place on a sanctuary for big cats (leopards, tigers, etc) and I visited the very special Big Cat Rescue sanctuary in Tampa while I was here, and have found myself with so many new ideas of what to do with that story, while Gideon can’t decide if he wants to be part of a ménage or have his very own heroine to himself…sigh. Stubborn male.

Oh well, a few more days to play, work, and think about those weighty decisions. Off to put on my wings!

Joey Hill