I guess when a group offers to pick you up at 7 a.m. for a 2 hour drive just to have you give a one hour workshop, one should be flattered. I was extremely flattered.
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The Florida Romance Writers sent the wonderful Victoria Pinder to get me and she came with her grandmother’s car that was all pimped out with OnStar. Since I’m staying in the boonies, it was dark when she arrived we had no problem finding our way to Ft. Lauderdale. (Well, except for finding a Starbucks. Apparently, there isn’t one on every block between Ft. Myers and Ft. Lauderdale.)
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The meetings are held at the Sheraton at the airport because it is centrally located for many of the members. I was surprised by an extraordinary deluxe breakfast to start the meeting (I’m joining this chapter). They were talking the usual group stuff, but they also have a very special event coming up. January 24-28, they are taking a writer’s cruise with keynote speaker Charlaine Harris. They asked me to come along, but I still don’t have a passport (yes, I know I need one). There’s still a few openings, so contact them if you are interested. It sounds like a fabulous time.
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Awards were given to best selling author Linda Conrad on the left, NY Times Bestselling author, Heather Graham and reviewer Joan Hammond. (Picture taken by Marcia King-Gamble)
It was also award day with special awards going to best selling author Linda Conrad, NY Times Bestselling author, Heather Graham and reviewer Joan Hammond. Well deserved, ladies!
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One of their successful chapter members, Linda Cohen, gave a terrific workshop on basic social networking. It eased the intimidated user into trying the many different venues out there. Linda really made it easy to start by offering a handout that outlines exactly how to do everything. I kept a copy for myself. I expect to see all the Florida writers online and chatting it up by next week.
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Florida Romance Writers at the Irish Pub
I do my workshops a little different. I kind of feel my way with the group to see how much they already know and go from there. It’s more of a discussion. We touched on social media, but the emphasis was on Building Reader Loyalty and keeping it. Since all the authors are readers, many things made common sense when we talked about it. This group was very interactive, inquisitive and cared deeply about the readers.
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After the meeting it was off to an Irish Pub to social and really get to know one another. With the Guinness flowing, the talk was mostly about their upcoming cruise. I don’t know if I could concentrate on work while sailing the ocean blue. But this crowd is determined and were looking forward to the guest and speakers coming.
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It was a great way for me to spend a Saturday in Florida, in January.
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Bottom Line: Please ask me back!
