Comments on: Encouraging Diversity At LATFOB

By: Booksquare

Booksquare — Thu, 04 May 2006 04:34:29 +0000

Joan — I noticed as I was being lead about in a docile manner (crowds overwhelm me) that I’d just missed your signing. I’m sorry. But I saw your picture!

RWA doesn’t have a booth for RWA reasons. There is a long sordid story in here, but I won’t bore anyone. I will also resist commenting on Hi-5 for obvious reasons. I’m sorry you had to see that!

By: Rene

Rene — Mon, 01 May 2006 20:15:59 +0000

I too was at the festival yesterday and I talked to a certain writer’s organization that was trying to get members. When I mentioned I belonged to RWA, she had no idea what I was talking about. When I explained what it was Romance Writers of America, she got the oddest look on her face and I wondered if it was my breath. Unfortunately I think it was my genre because she told me I probably get all the
support I need from that organization.

I would have continued my quest for romance but I made the mistake of taking my children. After seeing Hi-5 perform on the Target stage, they were ready to go.

Why does RWA not have a booth? Sisters in Crime was there as was Mystery Writers of America. I know RWA has had a booth before and considering the size of this festival, I would think it would be to their advantage. As for the Times….well, if it weren’t for the Sports section, I’d have stopped my subscription a long time ago.

By: Joan Kelly

Joan Kelly — Mon, 01 May 2006 18:29:34 +0000

I was at the festival briefly yesterday morning and it never occurred to me that there *wouldn’t* be a panel and/or other stuff for the romance genre. Granted I was too busy noticing all the dogs (I’m dog-deprived and hence obsessed) and with getting in and out (last year I got lost for an hour trying to find my car, and so approached this year’s visit like a Mission Impossible challenge), but had I planned time to look around, I would have been happily reminded of my friends at Booksquare if I’d seen any romance-related stuff. Shame on the Times.

By: HelenKay

HelenKay — Mon, 01 May 2006 18:19:37 +0000

Of course, the Post likely ran the article because the local RWA chapter Washington Romance Writers) had its annual writing retreat last weekend. The event brought editors, agents and bigwig romance authors running into town. Since the romance writing gurus had gathered in West Virginia (which, you are correct, is not in Washington D.C. – no one moved it while you were off enjoying your LAT book festival) the Post did have the advantage of being able to catch everyone without much effort. I’d like to think this was a case where the Post pulled out ahead of the pack, but I remain skeptical.

And, if any of the PBR conversation with Wendy centered on throwing out your third member…yeah, don’t even try it.