10 things to love about RMFW’s Colorado Gold Conference

First, let me get a tissue, for there will be tears. I have attended every RMFW conference since 1997, and this year, I cannot attend. Still months away, the excitement is already simmering—internationally successful authors will speak, knowledgeable educators will present craft and marketing workshops, and capable and inspired conference planners will wow conference attendees with well-thought-out schedules and amenities.

Last I heard, the conference is already over 50% sold out.

Since I can’t attend, I thought I’d share ten things I love about the Colorado Gold. That way, if you’re procrastinating about registering, I may offer that nudge that will keep you from missing out this year.

10. Comedy.

A chance to escape your writer cave and laugh a little. Okay, laugh a lot. Laugh in the face of obstacles, laugh at the quirks and foibles, share a (naturally) creative story about any faux pas we may have committed since last year.

9. Contest.

A tad nerve-rattling to prepare for and enter, the contest program is staffed with accomplished writers and authors who give their time and attention to your writing, offering priceless tips and insights that will help you realize the promise of your story-in-progress.

8. Workshops and panels.

   

A plethora of opportunities to learn awaits you! Group workshops, one-on-one mentoring, master classes, critique workshops, and pitch appointments. All presented by writers and authors with a wealth of knowledge, experience, and willingness to share. There are too many to list here, but you can be wowed at the amazing volume and variety by visiting the conference page.

7. Attend as a published author!

Two wonderful experiences await you as a newly published author.

One is the First Sale Panels. Space is limited, but smiles abound as authors tell the story of their publishing experiences. Catch the enthusiasm, and know that if they can do it, so can you. It’s a powerful motivator.

The other pleasure is selling your book at the Friday night author signing and book sale.

6. Hallway analysis.

After the Friday dinner, you will have met at least a handful of writers in your genre by taking advantage of the hosted tables. You’ll see signs with the table host’s name and genre. Extend your hand and introduce yourself. You’ll see these same writers in the hallways between workshops. It’s an opportunity to compare notes, get an assessment or summary of workshop info and insights, and perhaps get industry news and recommendations for workshops not to miss. What’s so divine about RMFW is that any author, from the newly published to the internationally acclaimed, will talk with you. They’re generous and approachable.

5. Banquet speakers and awards.

The conference organizers work hard to present delicious food for sustenance and uplifting, stimulating food for thought. You will leave the conference fortified, with a super-charged battery of ideas, ambition, and fortitude.

4. Celebrations.

Your writer friends will share news about their triumphs, large and small. You will congratulate them and think anew of the accomplishments you have achieved in the past year, and in the sharing, you will receive the warm glow of recognition. Happiness, shared. It’s magic stuff!

Even at my first conference (I joined RMFW and registered for the conference on the same day), I knew no one, but I overheard other writers talking about their successes, and they graciously included me in their circles of conversation. RMFW members are just the best!

3. A publishing contract!

For writers taking the traditional route, connect with an editor or agent who loves your work, a connection that may lead to a contract. I was one of those “overnight” successes—just nine years. At my ninth conference, this happened to me. It can happen to you, too.

For writers on the indie path, connect with experienced authors who share pitfalls and opportunities to increase readership, get reviews, and stay motivated.

2. Hugs, hugs, hugs!

Those who know me know I love ‘em! I’ve made so many friends over these many years. Meet with your critique group for a group hug. Meet the contest judges and give them a hug. Give the contest winners a congratulatory hug.

There are many benefits from hugs. From Psychology Today: “One theory is that stimulation of the vagus nerve triggers an increase in oxytocin levels. The hugging and oxytocin release that comes with it can then have trickle-down effects throughout the body, causing a decrease in heart rate and a drop in the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine.”

At this year’s conference, there will be around 400 people to hug. Start early.

1. Camaraderie.

Hundreds of writer friends, either established or about to be made, will be there, too. Colorado Gold offers a chance to connect with others in or outside your genre, each one eager to share their writing journey details with you and inclined to encourage you. These are people just like you, filled with love for the written and spoken word, the magic of fiction, the joy of creating new worlds and characters.

Which brings me full circle to my sorrow at missing this year’s Colorado Gold.

My beautiful, creative, intelligent, playful, and dedicated daughter, Jalena, is getting married. Along with a hundred dear friends, we’ll be at Keystone, taking two gondola rides to reach the top of the world where she and her remarkable, handsome, intelligent, charming, and ambitious fiancé will speak their vows to love and cherish one another for as long as they both shall live.

For a writer like me, who authors historical romance and women’s fiction with strong romantic elements, it doesn’t get better than this.

I’ll miss you. Enjoy a bit of the conference for me, and see you next year.