This weekend, I went to the Washington Romance Writers retreat for the first time. I have to admit: I was a bit nervous. What would a whole conference full of romance writers be like? Would I be required to read my sex scenes aloud? Would Fabio hit on me? I needn’t have worried.
The kickoff was an incredible Mega Book Signing featuring the legendary Nora Roberts and a dozen other romance authors at Turn the Page Books, Nora’s terrific independent bookstore in Boonsboro, Maryland. Hundreds of enthusiastic romance readers came from far and wide and bought armloads of books. It was great to meet such a devoted group of readers, and to chat with some of my favorite authors. I was lucky to sit next to Pamela Palmer, Christine Trent, and #1 NYT bestseller Robyn Carr, who later gave the retreat’s keynote speech and was witty, wise and inspiring. I now have a serious girl crush on her.
Pamela Palmer, Christine Trent, me, Robyn Carr
I also learned that Nora Roberts is a bit of a baby whisperer. Amanda Brice’s little boy fell in love…
Nora Roberts, baby whisperer
The retreat itself was fabulous – not only featuring writing classes led by bestselling authors like Elizabeth Boyle, but yoga, massage, and drunken karaoke. There was even a raucous game of Romance Jeopardy, which included categories like “Heaving Bosoms” and “Throbbing Members.”
Tim Bentler-Jungr and Kathleen Gilles Seidel
Present were 130 women and 1 man. The single legendary Y chromosome belongs to Tim Bentler-Jungr, a most hilarious and charming gentleman, who was quite chivalrous about allowing the hordes of ladies to use the men’s room. Here he is, with acclaimed romance writer Kathleen Gilles Seidel.
And I was delighted to meet the Waterworld Mermaids, a lovely group of romance writers who keep a fun collective blog about the writing life. (And I’m not saying that just because I won a very cool gift basket in their charity raffle.) Check out their blog!
All in all it was an amazing weekend. I learned about the craft, made friends with some talented writers, and drank just a little too much. I left feeling refreshed and inspired. And I didn’t even have to fend off Fabio once.
Lynne Silver says
30 April, 2012 at 3:27 pmIt was a fabulous weekend like always and the newcomers make it just bit shinier!
Amanda Brice says
30 April, 2012 at 3:39 pmShe is a baby whisperer, isn’t she? 🙂
Fun recap of a very fun weekend! It was great to meet you and hope to see you again soon.
Avery Flynn says
30 April, 2012 at 4:39 pmYes, it’s true, I kept Fabio locked in my room for the whole retreat. He’s promised not to press charges. 🙂 It was great to hang out with you at retreat!
Suzanne says
1 May, 2012 at 9:00 amAvery, is that where Fabio was? I wondered where he’d got off to. That must explain where all the other cover models were this weekend–so nice of you all to let them..um, rest and enjoy the room service in your rooms! Allison, it was a wonderful weekend and I’m so glad to have met you!
Robin Covington says
1 May, 2012 at 9:14 amOh- so glad you came! Thank you for the Waterworld Mermaid shout out!
Princess Alethea says
1 May, 2012 at 10:02 amA great recap — love the photos!
It *was* fun, wasn’t it?
This year was so very special…and meeting you was part of that!
Minx Malone says
2 May, 2012 at 12:34 pmI wish I could have been there! Looks like a great time. I’ve been a WRW member for years and still haven’t gone to any of the retreats. Maybe next year
quatisha brown says
17 January, 2025 at 2:15 amI just want the whole world to know about this spell caster I met two weeks ago,I cannot say everything he has done for me and my family I was going through online when I meant this wonderful man’s testimony online how he won a lottery through the help of dr Ose I decided to just give it a try and my life is back to me now after i lost my job due to covid he gave me a winning numbers to play lottery and i won 5000usd for my first play since then i have been working with him and he has been giving me numbers to play my lottery i can not write everything he has done for me if you need a lottery spell today contact him on oseremenspelltemple@gmail.com www.facebook.com/Dr-odion-spell-temple-110513923938220
whatsapp +2348136482342