My brain’s still a little blurred from a busy and fun week, and I know Laura posted some of the early highlights and pictures.
So from my POV.
I love when RWA’s in NYC or DC–that means no flying! It’s already started off well for me. Even counting a pit stop, it’s under five hours from portal to portal.
While I have to admit I normally avoid Times Square–CROWDED–the hotel worked really well for a conference of this size. As we have for too many years to count, Ruth Langan (a/k/a R.C. Ryan) and I share a suite. It’s so good to see Ruth, to have this week together. And to have it with pals.
We do an easy room service dinner with our gang–Laura, Kat, Janeen, Ruth and the delightful Sarah Morgan and Jill Shalvis. And Laura’s daughter, the gorgeous Clare arrives for a visit–with cookies AND new hair.
More fun with our full day off Tuesday–heading out to shop, have lunch, walk in the very lovely weather. (After Laura and I workout) Then some of us head downtown to have dinner with my amazing agent. This turns out to be a subway jaunt as getting a taxi in Time’s Square just doesn’t happen.
Wednesday is work mode. Get in that workout, then foreign press interviews most of the afternoon. Wednesday night is the fantastic Literacy Signing. It’s high energy, crowded with authors and readers, happy and noisy! It’s one of my favorite things to be a part of. Thanks to everyone who came out to help raise money for such a worthy cause.
A short walk after the massive signing to one of Laura’s favorite Italian restaurants. Easy to see why. Lovely food, easy, personable service. I really shouldn’t have ordered the gelato, but it was delish. And I tell myself I’ve walked it off.
Post literacy signing dinner and champagne at Amarone.
Thursday is my Chat With, something else I enjoy doing. I just open it for Q&A as it’s more fun for everyone, I think, then doing a talk or presentation. I hope everyone who came enjoyed it as much as I did.
(Note from Laura: during the Chat With Nora shared the news the option for the Naked in Death Movie has lapsed and it’s back to the drawing board.)
Off for lunch with my editor–pizza and champagne–yes, I believe I will!
I think I had another interview–German–when I got back. Days blur together.
Friday shoes.
Friday is packed. Berkley signing, then a tea with my editor, agent and my Brit editor. And it’s party night! This turns my bedroom and bath into a dorm, which is fun for me as someone who grew up with brothers. Hair, makeup, clothes!
Kat working on Janeen’s hair.
Lovely Berkley party at The Bryant Park Grill–especially lovely since I saw a table being vacated and snagged it seconds after coming in. Again simply glorious weather, and here a beautiful setting, nice nibbly food, and more champagne.
Ruth and Nora at the Berkley party.
From there, it’s the Harlequin party which is, as always, a fun, wild time. DJ, dancing, pretty clothes, faces you might have missed seeing at the hotel. It’s kick off your shoes time and shake it.
Heading to the next party. Photo by Janeen.
Hotel, feet up, unwind, night-night.
Home from dancing
Saturday is blissfully open, so a relaxed and lazy start to the day. Then I must have red meat–really didn’t have a meal on Fri and my system is craving meat. Our Kat finds a steakhouse nearby and off we go. Our waiter is very French, and a little snooty initially, which is fine, adds to it. But he appears to fall for our Janeen. If she asked for something, he was all over it. And I got a wonderful steak sandwich. My system said: Thank you.
Ruth and Nora on RITA night
I host a cocktail party every year, before the Rita/Golden Heart ceremony. So it’s dorm time again, with Kat doing everyone’s hair, with makeup everywhere. My bedroom and bath are a girl disaster area, but the party area is perfect, and the catering staff is great.
It’s fun seeing everyone dressed up–but honestly, Kat looked beyond amazing. And our Sarah had come up from MD for the day just for this, and looked fabulous, too.
JD Robb is up for a Rita, which is great, and I’m presenting the award for Best First Book, my favorite award. I know people often say they didn’t expect to win, but I truly didn’t.Nora on stage after receiving her RITA
It’s a wonderful honor, and all the sweeter that my agent (my first and only) was there as she doesn’t often attend RWA. I felt the ceremony itself was wonderfully produced this year, ran so smooth, and it’s lovely to see so many happy faces. I also loved cheering when pal Jill Shalvis won her category. And ended the event so pleased to pass an award to the winner for Best First Book.
Back up for pjs, leftovers, relaxing until falling into bed some time around one.
We stay through Sun, sorry for our friends who have early flights. Sleep in a little (for me, that’s 7) laze around, pull it slowly together for a trip down to the High Line as Ruth, Kat and Janeen have never been. That gorgeous weather, the views, the flowers, the people. A perfect way to spend a Sunday. And a little shopping, too, with the find of a charming little shop downtown.
On the High Line — photo by Janeen.Nora, Ruth and Janeen on the High Line
Packing must be faced, but packing to come home isn’t nearly the ordeal packing to go is. We end it with room service and easy clothes, and most of us go to bed by ten.
I say goodbye to my Ruth in the morning–missed her the minute the door closed behind her. Gather the troops, all the bags–four women, a week in NYC–we have a lot of bags!
Trip home’s as easy as the trip in. My dogs are happy to see me, and BW arrives almost like he cued it.
Slept like a rock in my own bed, with a whole bunch of happy memories stored away.
I’ve told everybody what a brat Laura is for getting me all flustered around Nora when I’ve finally almost gotten to where I can speak without freaking out.
I loved having it in NYC, but man… the sheer rush of it, my head wants to explode.
Shiloh Shiloh, Shiloh,
It’s a diversion technique: dealing with my *ahem* brattiness means you are calmer when you speak to Nora. It’s a proven fact.
🙂
Laura
Is not. LOL
This was my first RWA and as a die-hard NR/JD Robb fan I was thrilled to meet my idol in the flesh.
Had a lovely little chat with Ruth by the elevators about books and babies (as I had my 11month old come to the conference with me).
And I fangirled a bit on Laura, too, after Nora’s workshop because hey, who doesn’t love Laura’s wonderful posts on Facebook?
I had such a blast in NYC! And already have my sights set on San Diego!!! 🙂
Well, Nora, you brought the glorious weather with you, to New York. Now that you’ve left, it’s turned hot, humid & hideous. You certainly wouldn’t walk on the High Line or anywhere now.
I’m so bummed out, to hear that the option for Naked In Death has lapsed. If done right, that movie will be dynamite! To me, the hardest part will be casting Roarke. I can’t think of a single actor who is perfect for him. Here’s hoping it will come to pass one day.
Thank you Nora for this wonderful narrative of the RWA trip. I look forward each summer to your travels. You never disappoint. Your Ireland trips and books led to a trip of my own there that I will always cherish.
I enjoyed the trip to RWA through Laura’s posts and your blog. Thanks for sharing and I am so glad you all had a good time. I went to a RWA in Chicago about 30 years ago and enjoyed it a lot. Thank you for sharing and Laura too.
How wonderful that you find a way to create a week of togetherness, with best buds, around all the chaos and multiple demands of a conference with so many attendees dying to see you, meet you, talk to you! Enjoy the rest of your summer! You bring abundant joy to those of us who read and savor everything you write!
Congratulations on the RITA! You looked gorgeous!
Laura, I don’t want to offend you, but when I go to Nora’s site, and I see that you are still unable to post upright clear photos consistently, I get so embarrassed for Nora. And for her fans.
If there isn’t someone that knows how to insert photos, why don’t you get help? An author of her caliber should not be represented by such an amateur site.
Again, posted with love. Thanks
Shelley,
I assume you are talking about the blog and not the website. We’ve taken the deliberate route of sharing photos from my phone or from Nora’s ipad to let readers into in-the-moment, slice-of-life photos. I play with the sizes of photos as I go along. So there are some that are admittedly not perfect. I’m sorry this embarrasses you.
Laura
Congrats on the RITA! Well deserved, great book. Thanks so much for sharing with us again! You and Ruth looked great all glammed up – were there pictures of Janeen and Kat?
You had a wonderful week in NYC weather wise. I was away at the beach in Rhode Island that week and it was the best weather we’ve had in years. Glad you were able to be out and about enjoying the sights, shopping and eating! Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us!
Sounds like an awesome week!
I always thought Pierce Brosnan would be perfect for Roarke, even before “Bond”. But, time is passing and, alas, Pierce is not as young.
I just reread the Three Sisters Island trilogy, and noticed how much Sam looks like Roarke. Hmmmmm.
It has to be the perfect actor, or it will ruin the film!
Nora, thanks for sharing and letting us live vicariously through your adventures.
Congratulations on winning the RITA! JD Robb is my favorite.
Thank you for sharing your whirlwind week at RWA15. I spent many years trying to muster the courage to meet you. Now I wait until near the end of the signing when your fresh out of books, and ready for a glass of champagne, to sneak a quick photo ( my cousin James, a genius with the camera made a great shot) and thank you.
Laura, thanks for holding my bags, then, ahem, holding them hostage! Bad Laura. 😉
Miss Ruth is the chicest person ever!
Hugs from Brooklyn!
S.
Ack! That would be “you’re”
Congrats on the Rita!
Is there a website that lists the winners? Congratulations on your award! Beautiful gown.
I was volunteering at the Literacy event, so I was unable to join the throng trying to get their Nora fix. Luckily I was able to sit in the back for the Q&A and Rita events. I came away from the entire conference with loads of information, lots of ideas, and a renewed determination.
Congrats on your Rita!
Congrats on the RITA!! Thanks for sharing your RWA week with us. I miss going to the conferences, but love seeing them through your eyes.
Wow Wow and WOW… what a fun filled trip for you and your friends. Parties, Awards, Shopping and Friends… can’t get better than that. I drooled over the steak sandwich.
I am having dental work done and as soon as it is over, my plan is a big fat juicy steak…
Have a great day, Beth Reed
Congrats on your award, Nora. I loved your beautiful red dress. It fit you so well and I love seeing your shoes. I am older and homebound, but I love living your travels vicariously. I enjoy your gardening posts as I used to be an avid gardener. I have all of your books. They give me such happiness. Love, Jan
I was part of the crowd peeking around the corner at you from the door jamb. Didn’t manage to get a picture of you. Loved hearing your voice. You looked and sounded fabulous at the Awards I was so happy for all the winners. But especially overjoyed for the winner of First Book. Having you present that award to her was truly special. My editor and I discussed how we both re-read you to become better writers. This was my first RWA conference. To have it on my old home stomping ground made it truly spectacular. Saw three plays. If you get a chance, Something Rotten is a writer’s musical. I want to see it again.
Forgot to say cheered myself hoarse when JD Robb won.
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The official blog for Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb readers
I’ve told everybody what a brat Laura is for getting me all flustered around Nora when I’ve finally almost gotten to where I can speak without freaking out.
I loved having it in NYC, but man… the sheer rush of it, my head wants to explode.
Shiloh Shiloh, Shiloh,
It’s a diversion technique: dealing with my *ahem* brattiness means you are calmer when you speak to Nora. It’s a proven fact.
🙂
Laura
Is not. LOL
This was my first RWA and as a die-hard NR/JD Robb fan I was thrilled to meet my idol in the flesh.
Had a lovely little chat with Ruth by the elevators about books and babies (as I had my 11month old come to the conference with me).
And I fangirled a bit on Laura, too, after Nora’s workshop because hey, who doesn’t love Laura’s wonderful posts on Facebook?
I had such a blast in NYC! And already have my sights set on San Diego!!! 🙂
Well, Nora, you brought the glorious weather with you, to New York. Now that you’ve left, it’s turned hot, humid & hideous. You certainly wouldn’t walk on the High Line or anywhere now.
I’m so bummed out, to hear that the option for Naked In Death has lapsed. If done right, that movie will be dynamite! To me, the hardest part will be casting Roarke. I can’t think of a single actor who is perfect for him. Here’s hoping it will come to pass one day.
Thank you Nora for this wonderful narrative of the RWA trip. I look forward each summer to your travels. You never disappoint. Your Ireland trips and books led to a trip of my own there that I will always cherish.
I enjoyed the trip to RWA through Laura’s posts and your blog. Thanks for sharing and I am so glad you all had a good time. I went to a RWA in Chicago about 30 years ago and enjoyed it a lot. Thank you for sharing and Laura too.
How wonderful that you find a way to create a week of togetherness, with best buds, around all the chaos and multiple demands of a conference with so many attendees dying to see you, meet you, talk to you! Enjoy the rest of your summer! You bring abundant joy to those of us who read and savor everything you write!
Congratulations on the RITA! You looked gorgeous!
Laura, I don’t want to offend you, but when I go to Nora’s site, and I see that you are still unable to post upright clear photos consistently, I get so embarrassed for Nora. And for her fans.
If there isn’t someone that knows how to insert photos, why don’t you get help? An author of her caliber should not be represented by such an amateur site.
Again, posted with love. Thanks
Shelley,
I assume you are talking about the blog and not the website. We’ve taken the deliberate route of sharing photos from my phone or from Nora’s ipad to let readers into in-the-moment, slice-of-life photos. I play with the sizes of photos as I go along. So there are some that are admittedly not perfect. I’m sorry this embarrasses you.
Laura
Congrats on the RITA! Well deserved, great book. Thanks so much for sharing with us again! You and Ruth looked great all glammed up – were there pictures of Janeen and Kat?
You had a wonderful week in NYC weather wise. I was away at the beach in Rhode Island that week and it was the best weather we’ve had in years. Glad you were able to be out and about enjoying the sights, shopping and eating! Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us!
Sounds like an awesome week!
I always thought Pierce Brosnan would be perfect for Roarke, even before “Bond”. But, time is passing and, alas, Pierce is not as young.
I just reread the Three Sisters Island trilogy, and noticed how much Sam looks like Roarke. Hmmmmm.
It has to be the perfect actor, or it will ruin the film!
Nora, thanks for sharing and letting us live vicariously through your adventures.
Congratulations on winning the RITA! JD Robb is my favorite.
Thank you for sharing your whirlwind week at RWA15. I spent many years trying to muster the courage to meet you. Now I wait until near the end of the signing when your fresh out of books, and ready for a glass of champagne, to sneak a quick photo ( my cousin James, a genius with the camera made a great shot) and thank you.
Laura, thanks for holding my bags, then, ahem, holding them hostage! Bad Laura. 😉
Miss Ruth is the chicest person ever!
Hugs from Brooklyn!
S.
Ack! That would be “you’re”
Congrats on the Rita!
Is there a website that lists the winners? Congratulations on your award! Beautiful gown.
I was volunteering at the Literacy event, so I was unable to join the throng trying to get their Nora fix. Luckily I was able to sit in the back for the Q&A and Rita events. I came away from the entire conference with loads of information, lots of ideas, and a renewed determination.
Congrats on your Rita!
Congrats on the RITA!! Thanks for sharing your RWA week with us. I miss going to the conferences, but love seeing them through your eyes.
Wow Wow and WOW… what a fun filled trip for you and your friends. Parties, Awards, Shopping and Friends… can’t get better than that. I drooled over the steak sandwich.
I am having dental work done and as soon as it is over, my plan is a big fat juicy steak…
Have a great day, Beth Reed
Congrats on your award, Nora. I loved your beautiful red dress. It fit you so well and I love seeing your shoes. I am older and homebound, but I love living your travels vicariously. I enjoy your gardening posts as I used to be an avid gardener. I have all of your books. They give me such happiness. Love, Jan
I was part of the crowd peeking around the corner at you from the door jamb. Didn’t manage to get a picture of you. Loved hearing your voice. You looked and sounded fabulous at the Awards I was so happy for all the winners. But especially overjoyed for the winner of First Book. Having you present that award to her was truly special. My editor and I discussed how we both re-read you to become better writers. This was my first RWA conference. To have it on my old home stomping ground made it truly spectacular. Saw three plays. If you get a chance, Something Rotten is a writer’s musical. I want to see it again.
Forgot to say cheered myself hoarse when JD Robb won.