Live from the RWA Conference . . . (LynnK)

So here we are at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, keeping company with a couple thousand fellow writers, editors, agents, publishers, booksellers, and my own favorite people in the world: Librarians.

Yesterday afternoon, I had the best ol’ time in the world. To celebrate the publication of their new book, The Ultimate Reading List, John Charles and Joanne Hamilton-Selway invited the authors they had consulted to High Tea at the legendary Adolphus Hotel. In an elegant room, lushly carpeted and paneled with gleaming wood, the tuxedoed Tea Captain explained the several courses of teas, sandwiches, scones, tarts, cakes, and truffles. And for two hours, I shared the company of authors I have long admired.

This was one of those occasions where I was the only person in the room I’d never heard of. Looking around, I saw the likes of Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jill Marie Landis, and, well, too many to name. I was dazzled.

Also intimidated, although no one gave me reason to be. I chanced to be sitting on a comfortable sofa between Jayne Ann Krentz and Christina Dodd, with Eloisa James and Teresa Medeiros book-ending us on overstuffed chairs. Famous, yes. Also friendly and fabulous. I learned a lot. Laughed a lot. And was reminded why the romance writing community is so special.

We actively encourage one another. Provide support, commiseration when needed, and good fellowship. We celebrate the success of others, and they cheer us on. Yes, we are competitors in the marketplace, but none of us succeeds by dint of someone else’s failure. When a writer turns out a terrific novel, it’s good for all of us.

And brother, do we like to talk! Too soon after the tea, I wound up at supper with three author-friends. After closing down the restaurant, we adjourned to the suite (Party Central) I’m sharing with Anne Stuart (aka Sister Krissie, the Divinest of Divas), Jo Beverley, Barbara Keiler, and Brenda Hiatt Barber.

Alicia Rasley was already there, and into the wee hours, we vociferously debated the distinctions between literary fiction and popular fiction. Sounds dull, but not to us. In fact, we had at it again today at lunch.

The only bad thing so far is that Shelley Mosley and Sandra Van Winkle, John and Joanne’s co-authors of The Ultimate Reading List, couldn’t be here. I want to thank all of them for including two of my books in their collection, and for providing this terrific "money" quote, which I shall emblazon far and wide. Starting now!

"If Shakespeare dabbled in Regency romances, the result would be something like Lynn Kerstan’s novels."

Dunno what Will would think of that, but he’s not around to complain.

This afternoon, I’m hoping to join Pat Potter and Tara Taylor Quinn for cocktails and a chance to meet Tara’s fiancé. Then it’s party time, and some dancing, and of course, more talk. Not to mention all the wine . . . .