This year jogs many memories of that first ever writers and readers convention. A new author with my first book, I had no idea what to expect. Many folks opted not to attend that year due to concerns of flying. Understandable. For someone who admittedly prefers road trips, I can remember booking a flight on a smaller airline who at the time served mimosas and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies in flight. That airline sadly no longer exists. But some how over the years I've managed to find my way to this convention. I go as a published author, yes, but also as a reader and as an observer--as I suspect most authors truly are.
For the most part, it's very much like a family reunion for me. The friendships I've forged over the years are priceless, the incredible people I've met in this industry, whom I've seen come and go have taught me by their example of their integrity, resilience and talent.
I asked Jo Carol after the thirteen years that she's been attending RT--the last six of them being as the Convention director--what is it you enjoy most about this particular convention? Jo says, "For me, it's meeting the authors, the readers and the enthusiasm and positive vibes of the convention itself."
And she's met and helped hundreds literally to organize their appearance at RT Conventions. From hotel registration to travel arrangements, from scheduling to special appearances, from signings to creating a whole track just for Readers, Jo has played a part in the inner workings and success of the RT convention. She too, has seen many changes...take the e-EXPO and Saturday book fair--
"When I started, our first expo was in 2006 in Daytona. We had approximately 70 authors participating at the EXPO. This year thus far, we have over 250 authors slated to sign at the Thursday afternoon, e-Expo. When I attended my first RT in 2000, there were roughly 150 authors signed up for the Saturday book fair. This year, we have over 300 authors signed up for the Saturday book fair, with as many as over 1000 day passes and book fair tickets on average expected in 2013"
With the addition of offering a YA day, RT has welcomed a new generation of readers as well as their older family members and friends who can come to see their favorite writers at the bookfair or the Fantastic Day Meet & Greets scheduled the same afternoon.
Changes over the past few years have resulted in a more diverse convention experience for just about any reading taste. You'll find Thriller, Mystery, Romance in just about every sub-genre, Indie authors, eBooks, small press, Comic and Manga publishing and more in terms of what the publishing industry offers.
This is such a huge convention in terms of sheer numbers--not only in the programs offered and social parties, but in orchestrating hotels. Jo states that even as this years convention is going on, plans are in the final stages of planning for the next. "We start about eighteen months out to find a hotel that can meet our needs,"she says.
From then on its a steady stream of paperwork, negotiation, visits, meetings, logistics, and more to the day when they open the registration window and the magic begins.
A dream by RT Bookreviews CEO, Kathryn Falk, a tradition thirty years in the making (2013 is an anniversary for this convention) still holds a magical enthusiasm, a love for books, a respect between author and reader, a reverence for the art of reading--in short, a celebration of books!
Party on, Jo Carol and your staff that inspire and uphold the traditions of making this convention welcome to all.
READ MORE about the RT CONVENTION here.
Come by and check it out if you live in the Kansas City area!
