Reporting from RWA

Kristie here.

Believe it or not, I'm going to talk about something other than my feet - which still hurt by the way, but I'm sure it's getting kind of boring by now.
Instead, I'd rather talk about some of the other moments that have been so thrilling so far. The news is out now that Jane and Sarah were interviewed yesterday for the Today show. We got there early and one of the thrills was being early enough to listen to a brief reading Beverly Jenkins did. I have some of her books. as yet unread, but after listening to her speak and buying the book she did the reading from at the literacy signing last night, it's going to be one of the first books I read when I get home.
Last night we had a party in Jane's room. Details are to remain untalked about but it was a lot of fun! Both Jane and Sarah are such delightful warm people. Angie was there too and she is so adorable and sweet. There were also other great people there.
Today I went outside for a bit of a break by myself and who was there but Madeline Hunter. I had a delightful short chat with her. She is a very funny person and was telling a couple of other conference people and myself a few stories about writing workshops she had attended. The other ladies left and I worked up the courage to tell her how much I had enjoyed her books. Then I worked up even more courage and handed her a card. Now I'm not sure if I've mentioned this or not, but I had oh so much fun on Vista Print designing cards with the blog banner. On the back is a scene from North and South - I'm sure no one is too surprised about that. It turns out she had read the novel years ago by Elizabeth Gaskell and loved it. She didn't know it had been turned into a series so hopefully I talked well enough about it to get her interested.
Another very fascinating conversation I had was with two sisters who were each here to pitch their books to someone. One had written a paranormal and the other sister wrote a medieval. But what was really interesting was when they were telling me they had their father read them to see what he thought and he loved them and wanted more. I thought that was so wonderful that there father was so supportive of them.
I just got back to the room from the Keynote Luncheon. First off, the food was delicious. Then second of all, Alice and I sat a different table from the others and one of the other people at the table had visited the blog and recognized my name. Wow!! You could have knocked me over with a feather at that *g*.
The Keynote speaker was Victoria Alexander and her speech was funny and interesting and very enjoyable. I didn't make the luncheon last year in Dallas and I'm so glad I made it to this one here in SF.
Everyone else has gone on to workshops/meetings - some to listen to Nora Roberts and some to a workshop Elizabeth Hoyt is giving. I think I'm going to take this time to rest. I'm still hours behind on my rest!!
I'm enjoying myself so much - apart from the feet thing. I missed a lot of authors I was hoping to meet last night, but I've got my fingers crossed that I will catch them later. I really do need to make a list of the books I planned on getting but didn't so I can either get the later here or get them when I get home.
And the goodie room - oh my it is filled with wonderful goodies. I've gotten a lot of fridge magnets that I plan on putting on my new fridge. Makes sense right? I've also gotten quite a few cover flats that I want to line the 'library' with at home. I also like them because quite a few are for books not out yet and they are a great reminder of books I want later.
I can't begin to say what it's like to be surrounded by people who love romance. It's like I'm with my 'people'. I know I won't get around to talking to everyone - it's a constant battle against shyness for me - but to know I can go up to a total stranger and start talking books is a wonderful thing!!

I'm sure I'll have more to say soon - but right now I need a bit of rest for whatever tonight might hold.