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Research Trip to Fort Walsh

7/17/2011

Last week, my son JJ and I travelled to the Cypress Hills in the Southwest corner of Saskatchewan and discovered the reconstructed site of Fort Walsh in the original North West Territories (now Saskatchewan) of Canada.

Fort Walsh was used by the North West Mounted Police in the 1870's and 1880's as part of the Old Forts Trail.

For an account of our journey back in time to this historic fort, please check my research page on The Mounties.

RWA New York

7/6/2011

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Last week I attended the Romance Writers of America (RWA) national conference in New York City. I've already posted photos of my trip and the city of New York on my personal Draper's Acres blog at http://anitamaedraper.blogspot.com/2011/07/anita-in-new-york.html as well as my group blog, Inkwell Inspirations at http://inkwellinspirations.blogspot.com/2011/07/anita-mae-at-rwa-in-new-york.html. However, I met so many wonderful people and authors at this conference, I thought they deserved a special post of their own.

My appearance at this conference was all due to Caroline Godin of Toronto who invited me to share a room with her, Diane Burke (Love Inspired Suspense) and Patti (PJ) Ausdenmore. With the hotel costs cut dramatically, I couldn't pass up this chance of a lifetime. So thank you Carolyne, Diane and PJ for allowing me to share this experience with you.

One of the first official events was the Literacy Signing where over 500 authors autographed their books and sales from the proceeds went to ProLiteracy Worldwide and ACE New York.

And this is where I finally had a chance to meet Abby Gaines who has a new Love Inspired Historical series debuting this December.

After years of being a member on the eharlequin community boards I finally had a chance to meet two of my favourite Harlequin authors. Both Amy Andrews (L) and Olivia Gates (R) offer invaluable feedback and support to new and established writers. And I have to admit having them recognize my name and reach out for a hug really boosted my morale.

One of the highlights of the RWA conference is the Harlequin Pajama Party, open to all community members. Part of the fun is shopping for appropriate pj's. This year my top said 'Love' in the front and 'I Love Sleeping' on the back. Matched with plaid convertible capri/pants, I looked cute enough to win a Harlequin bag.

Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Jayne, the eHarlequin Community Manager. This year, Jayne created a dapper fascinator which matched her pajama set to perfection.

Danica Favourite aka Dream, eHQNhost is a whirlwind of activity on the eHarlequin community boards. Whether she's over on the Love Inspired forum or elsewhere on the site, she's always ready and receptive to help new and established writers alike as she works from a wealth of experience on the boards.

Danica created a feathery fascinator in the shape of a halo to the Pajama Party.

Love Inspired author Allie Pleiter really got into the spirit of the pajama party by donning Lady Liberty headgear. I'm not sure what the fan signifies, but she has a regal bearing, doesn't she?

An avid knitter, Allie probably knitted the colorful scarf she's wearing as she can often be found working with colorful yarns during slow periods at conferences.

Laura Marie Altom, Winnie Griggs and Margaret Daley showed up in matching pajamas.

Laura Marie dressed up her outfit with a pretty pink fan and tiara, while Margaret added a snazzy feather boa to stand out in the crowd.

I only attended two publisher signings and one of them was to support Donna Alward, a Canadian author who writes for Harlequin Romance based on her years of living in Alberta.

I first met Donna when she gave her first workshop, The Business of Writing to the Saskatchewan Romance Writers. Donna's workshop was instrumental in opening my eyes to self-promotion and I began my first blog soon after meeting her.

While at this year's RWA conference, I attended the workshop given by Donna, Bryony Green and Fiona Harper, How to Write Sizzle Without Sex and Emotion Without Tragedy.

Seeker sighting! Seekers Tina Radcliffe, Mary Connealy and Janet Dean were in attendance for the Rita Award Gala.

Afterwards, we went up to enjoy the city lights from The View revolving restaurant at the top of the Marriott Marquis. Gorgeous!

Please check my Appearances page for more photos.

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Research Trip to Fort Walsh

RWA New York

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