Thursday, August 2, 2012

RWA Adventures

Me & Sylvia Day
Last week I had an awesome time in Anaheim for the RWA Conference. It gave me a chance to catch up with old friends and make some awesome new ones. Some of the best parts of the event is listening to the stories, receiving advice, and giving and receiving support. The energy and enthusiasm is always infectious so I'm drawn to these people who are so confident about their careers. 

On the first day I arrived, I shared an elevator with Nora Roberts. Well...I actually managed to do this 3 times! Can I just say she always rocks the most fabulous shoes? That's just the beginning. I can't tell you how surreal it was to sit down in the lobby and have Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz, Rebecca York, Susan Elizabeth Philips, and Angela Knight standing/sitting in a circle around me while I waited for my friends. I had to blink a couple of times to see if it wasn't my imagination. But, that's what these conferences are all about--being surrounded by your peers and seeing that success comes to those who work hard, persevere, never give up. 

What I took back from conference was something incredibly inspiring. As you can see, in the first photo I'm with New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author Sylvia Day. I've know her for almost a decade and when I was a newbie writer she took me under her wing and gave me advice--as well as tough love. She's one of the hardest working writers I know, so when she decided to self pub her book BARED TO YOU, I wasn't surprised at the reception it received. She's not an overnight success even though it sure looked like it. This success was a long time coming and I'm so glad to see it! I normally don't have much time to hang out with her but this time around we had a chance to catch up for a lunch date. I can honestly say, seeing and hearing about her journey...then and now...makes me more motivated than ever to get a big contract this year. It's these wonderful people that you've grown and transition with that are invaluable. 

Nalini Singh & Me
Another favorite person of mine is my friend Nalini Singh...what's not to love about her? She's genuinely the kindest and funniest person I know. I try not to let her sweet face fool me because she is the most  sassiest and adventurous woman! Again, we go back almost a decade and it seems so normal for me to hang out with her yet there are always a flood of people coming up and wanting to meet her. I feel like I'm standing next to a celebrity! LOL -- It's the most surreal thing but watching something like this, it's a moment when you think about all you've accomplished and how far you've come and how much closer you can get to your dreams.   

Writing is something you have to absolutely love. Something you must be fully invested in. I usually meet up with my agent annually at conference so we can go over our plan for the next year. She is truly the awesomest woman I've been fortunate to be signed on with! I can only say that when you find the agent who fits you perfectly, there's an unbreakable bond. I love her and she's supported me 100% from day one. I don't think there's been one project she's hated of mine which makes me feel like I'm fabulous. However, during our meeting I was fist-pumping in my mind. As I was telling her about my current proposal coming her way, she actually teared up! Well...we both teared up! That proved to me how much she's invested in my story, my career, and in me...

There were so many incredible little moments that I cherished from the conference, but I can clearly reflect on them now that I've had a few days to enjoy my vacation in Los Angeles. I've certainly become enlightened and I'm more than ready to tackle another year with confidence and excitement!

6 comments:

Fedora said...

What a lovely post, Jax! So happy to read some of your reflections on RWA and some of the people with whom you've come a long way with! Best wishes to you all for continued success and many happy cons in the future!

Jax Cassidy said...

Thanks so much for your kind words @flchen1 :)

Wynter said...

Sounds like the conference was a blast. I can't wait to hear more!

Casey Crow said...

Looks like you had an awesome time!

Naima Simone said...

I'm jealous!! I would've been one of those people hanging around Nalini Singh! LOL! I love her books! I'm so glad you had a wonderful time, Jax! I can't wait to attend my first conference!

Jina Bacarr said...

Jax, it was fabulous to see you at RWA!! You're so right about Nora's shoes--they sparkled just like she does. A very gracious lady...

Sylvia Day is indeed a hard worker...smart and willing to take a risk.

Btw, you looked lovely in your sexy black dress! Really enjoyed catching up with you.