RWA Conference Trip Tips
The Romance Writers of America's annual conference hits Denver, Colorado this month, and if you’ve never been to Nationals before, you’re in for a treat. Jill Kemerer gives PHS readers the inside scoop with some great tips!
To prepare for your trip, I recommend checking out the full schedule. You might be thinking you’ll go to every workshop, but I would suggest picking one or two each day along with any publisher spotlights you’re interested in. The conference is jam-packed with great information, and you want to create space in your schedule to relax, chat with fellow attendees and catch your breath.
I was blessed to hear Beverly Jenkins speak at a symposium this April. If you can attend the Immersive Session with her and Cathy Maxwell on Wednesday at 2:00 pm, do it! Ms. Jenkins is inspirational, so smart, and she’s hilarious. Also, be sure to take notes in the publisher spotlight sessions. You’ll get great information about what editors are looking for, how many new authors they publish each year and more.
Are you pitching your book to agents or editors? Don’t panic. Just practice! For more tips, read my article, Pitch Prep.
You might want to leave the hotel at some point. You might not! But if you do, I have some suggestions. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in Denver, so in addition to my fave spots, I asked my writer friend Jill Lynn Buteyn, who lives in the great state of Colorado, for some tips. Jill Lynn Buteyn writes super-swoony inspirational romance for Love Inspired. Thanks, Jill!!
Denver Botanic Gardens. My sister and I visited these gorgeous gardens. Perfect for decompressing and getting away from the hustle-bustle of conference.
Denver Free Walking Tours. Whether you want a general tour of Denver, an art tour or a ghost tour, this site has you covered.
Red Rocks Park and Ampitheatre. Located ten miles outside Denver, Red Rocks has hiking, biking, concerts and more.
16th Street Mall. This mile-long shopping and restaurant hot spot has a free bus that will pick you up or drop you off along the way. Warning: the homeless population is a factor here.
Elitch Gardens. Roller-coasters, water park, cotton candy and all the thrills. Elitch Gardens is the place for fun.
Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Looking for upscale shopping? You just found it.
Denver Visitor’s Guide. For the full scoop on things to do in Denver, check out the visitor’s guide. From museums to amusement parks, there’s something for everyone!
Denver is a beautiful, fun city. I hope you explore it while you’re at the conference. Best wishes to you!
Jill Kemerer's latest release is Reunited with the Bull Rider (Wyoming Cowboys Book 2). She loves connecting with her readers, so please visit her website jillkemerer.com or connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Have you been to Denver? What sites/restaurants do you recommend? Please comment and let us know! And don't forget to share all your conference news with us and follow what's happening at Nationals this month using #RWA2018 on Twitter!
