As you read this I’m on my way back home from Orlando, which is a terrible, horrible multi-plane hike across the time zones. Not very fun.
But the Romance Writers of America 2010 conference was fun indeed.
Fellow Lolitas Shelley Adina and Cindy Holby and I did a Steampunk panel along with agent Jennifer Jackson. I’d been terrified that no one would come, since we were opposite some great workshops. But as it turned out, it was standing room only with some very interesting people in attendance.
We got great questions ranging from women’s roles in steampunk to the darker aspects such as colonialism, imperialism, and child labor. Overall, I thought it went well, especially since I didn’t have the vapors…and with the outfit I was wearing I thought I might.
Another highlight of the conference was the Steampunk ball and Prism awards, hosted by the RWA Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal online chapter. Everyone was welcome to come in costume, so, of course, Shelley and I dressed up. I came as a Steampunk Princess, complete with tiara made of clockhands. Considering I was walking through a hotel at the happiest place on earth, I got quite a few looks from little girls.
I am convinced that fellow Lolita Leanna Renee Hieber is my long lost sister–and not because people get us mixed up. She was nominated for not one, but two Prism awards. There were a few jokes since she wore all black and I wore all cream. Does that mean one of us is the good sister and one of us the bad sister?
Leanna ended up winning in both the fantasy and best book categories for The Strangely Beautiful Tale of miss Percy Parker . Cynthia Eden also was a double prism winner, taking both the dark paranormal and novella categories.
Since the ball/awards was steampunk themed, there were some amazing costumes. I didn’t win the costume contest because my steampunk princess costume lacked gadgets.
Hmmm….what gadgets would a steampunk princess have?
Anyway, the conference was amazing, and I attended some excellent panels on everything from social networking to DNA and got to hang out with my fellow lolitas and YA writers (more about that on my personal blog over the next few days.)
I leave you with a couple of pictures from the Steampunk ball.
How wonderful, it seemed like everyone had a good bit of fun and some engaging conversation as well. I think exploring the more concerning side of steampunk (this being the mannerisms towards women, child labor and race in balance with the Victorian-esque culture) is an amazing subject.
The ball must have been quite a thing as well, I’ve never been to an event like that, though I do hope to participate in one sometime soon.
Thanks for the post!
Many cons are adding Steampunk tracks and there are even Steampunk cons, check out and see if there’s something like that near you.
Thanks for the report and the cool pictures Suzi!!!
Wish I could have been there…
Glad you had a great time!!!
And congratulations on your panel success!!!
*HUGS*
Lisa
thanks, Lisa!
Oh Suzanne, you looked beautiful! I’m so glad your panel worked out so well.
XOXO Jeanne
Thanks. I’m glad it went well, too, lol.
Suzanne, your panel rocked at RWA! I had so much fun. Not only did I learn a lot, but I met quite the group of sci fi lovers there as well. Can’t wait for your book. =)
I’m so glad you came and actually learned something (and made friends). Thanks for coming.
Thanks for sharing, Suzi! Glad the panel went well. It looks like so much fun! I’m looking forward to attending next year.