Donna Alward

Beyond Infinity

| Melia Alexander

In my experience, a writer doesn’t exist in a bubble. On the contrary. There are people who 20150722_185525help us along on this crazy roller coaster publishing ride, and even well past the times our babies are launched into the world. While we seek some of these people, others fall onto our paths at the most opportune moments. So much so that we never forget them. Ever.

Romance writer author-pal Donna Alward definitely falls into this category for me! See, there was a time at a RWA National Conference when I seriously questioned what the hell I was still doing trying to get published in the face of rejection after rejection after…you get the picture.

And when my critique partner insisted that I join her while she met up with some Harlequin editors and multi-pubbed authors, that was THE LAST place I wanted to be. I mean, who was I to dare sully the same air as these greats, right? So I trailed behind, stayed on the fringes of the group, and generally tried to find interest in the touristy things we were seeing: The Reflection Pool, The Washington Monument, some rocks at The Natural History Museum. I didn’t feel like I belonged with them. At All. At least, that was until Donna stepped in.

She talked to me. Like, actually cared about what I was writing, and that I WAS writing at all. With her interest, I found myself back in the writing game. And am I ever happy I continued!

That day I learned about the awesome power of  hope that we all hold over each other. One word…one look…one smile…sometimes that’s all that’s needed to make a positive difference in another human being’s life. I try hard to remember that, although I do need to be reminded every now and then, too!

So today’s Take-Me-Back Thursday photo is of the two of us at RWA 2015 in New York City. We planned, we schemed, we laughed, and we shared “special” chocolate pieces! Honestly, I’d go beyond infinity for this lady! Well…as long as it’s moral and legal! Okay, okay…those are admittedly flexible rules, too! (But don’t share that with her, ‘kay? She might draft me onto a committee or something! 😉 )

Have you met someone super-influential in your life? Please share!

Happy Almost-Friday!

Hugs and chocolate kisses,
Melia

Take Me Back Thursday: RWA 2009

| Melia Alexander

I sooo have conference envy! See, Romance Writers of America members are in San Antonio, Texas this week for the annual conference. I’m not there. But I didn’t realize until recently that it’s been five years since I’ve been to one. I think I’m gonna need to change that. 🙂

At any rate, here are some pics from the Washington, D.C. conference back in 2009:

Ruth Kaufman, Leah Vale, Melia Alexander, Elaine Rogoza, Terri Reed
With Elaine Rogoza
Betty Booher, Kristina McMorris, Melia Alexander, Joey Berube

The pics make it look like all we did was party, huh? In reality there was an awesome literacy signing (wish I’d taken a picture of that for you!), a whole lot of great workshops, tons of editors and agents to pitch to, and even more writers willing to help with questions ranging from craft to social media and everything in between.

While it’s easy to feel out-of-place at such a huge conference (I believe there were 2,000 writers at this one), there were two authors who made me feel welcomed: Donna Alward and Eve Silver. It’s easy to get lost in the crowd of conference greats like Susan Elizabeth Phillips or Nora Roberts, but both Donna and Eve went out of their way to assure me that as a writer, I did belong. Their encouragement and flat-out kindness will always be remembered. They’re part of the reason that I want to be the kind of author whom you can tap on the shoulder for anything, even if it’s just to chat. Seriously!

So, while it’s still a long ways away, I plan to be at RWA 2015. That it’s in New York next year? BONUS!

If you’re there, come find me. I’m wiping the dust off my piggy bank and plan to plug pennies in it so I can go. 🙂 And if you want to touch base any time, I’m on Facebook and Twitter. I promise I’ll be happy to share what I know. And there’s a pretty good chance I’ll pick your brain, too, so watch out!

For those fortunate enough to be at RWA 2014, happy conferencing.

What are your best conference memories?

~Melia