Monday, October 13, 2014

The Wild Rose Press Makes a Splash at Moonlight & Magnolias

For the first time, The Wild Rose Press had a presence at Georgia Romance Writers’ Moonlight &

Magnolias annual conference. And they made quite an impression.

Rhonda and RJ came down and took the conference by storm. Rhonda had two days of back-to-back meetings with authors at the Editor & Agent appointments. She also conducted a workshop called, “Ten Ways to Lose an Editor,” and was featured on two Editor and/Agent Q&A panels. RJ was on hand to answer the many technical questions that inevitably come up about publication.

In addition, The Wild Rose Press sponsored our conference bags and they were amazing. Of course, Rhonda lamented that they weren’t pink, but they were green (my favorite color). The bags were very sturdy and I will definitely be hanging on to mine.    


The first thing Rhonda did Friday morning at breakfast on Day 1 of the conference, was to go around to each table and introduce herself. Sounds simple, but no one has ever done that in the history of our chapter conferences as long as I have been attending. That gesture endeared her to the conferees right away and everyone commented on how personable and approachable she was and the fact that they loved the conference bags.

I think their participation did a lot to enhance The Wild Rose Press brand. I know a lot of people were excited about submitting to The Wild Rose Press.  

Personally, I had only communicated by email to Rhonda and RJ, and I finally got a chance to meet them in person. That makes all the difference, putting a name to a face and cementing relationships.
Rhonda and RJ and their authors went to dinner the night before the conference. Authors attending included Melissa Klein, Robin Weaver and Suzanne Rossi. We had an opportunity to meet each other and sit with Rhonda and RJ at different meals and events.

Perhaps the highlight of the weekend for me was the 2014 Maggie Awards for Excellence. I was nominated in the Published Novel with Strong Romantic Elements category for my TWRP humorous women’s fiction, Significant Others. Although I didn’t win, being a Maggie finalist was an honor. And Rhonda and RJ were on hand to share it. Thanks also to my wonderful editor, Nan Swanson.

We had great speakers throughout the weekend, ranging from Marie Force, Wendy Wax and Roni Loren and three days of craft workshops on a variety of topics. We also had an author signing for Literacy and I got to sign my new TWRP humorous women’s fiction, Stones.


Moonlight & Magnolias is always a great conference, but this year, because of the participation of Rhonda and RJ, it was even more memorable. If Rhonda or RJ are ever in your town, take the opportunity to meet with them. Better still, invite them to your local chapter conference or to present at a chapter meeting. They will make you proud to be a Wild Rose Press author.

By Marilyn Baron

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15 comments:

Marilyn Baron said...

Thanks, Rhonda and RJ for participating in the Georgia Romance Writers' Moonlight & Magnolias Conference. You were a great addition.

Melissa Klein said...

I lost count at the number of people who commented on how approachable Rhonda and R.J. were. Repeatedly I confirmed working with these talented ladies is as great as it seems. As always, I had a wonderful time talking with you, Marilyn. I'm very proud to be a Rose.

Marie Tuhart said...

I haven't had the pleasure of meeting RJ. But I've met Rhonda several times. And she's very approachable even by email :)

I'm happy to be a Rose.

Robena Grant said...

It sounds like it was a fabulous event. Congratulations on your nomination, Marilyn. The photo of that conference goodie bag with the TWRP label makes me proud to be a part of the garden.

Unknown said...

Sounds too wonderful! Wish I could have been there. Would have love to met Rhonda and RJ!
Hebby Roman

Susan Coryell said...

What a wonderful event! Congrats to Marilyn! How I wish I could meet Rhonda and RJ. I love working with The Wild Rose Press.

ELF said...

Thanks for giving us such a great view of the conference, it sounds like such a great experience and a lot of fun...although I am sure it was a lot of work as well!

Alicia Dean said...

What a fantastic recap! Yes, Rhonda and RJ are amazing. I'm very proud to be a part of Wild Rose Press as an editor and author. Rhonda definitely knows how to make people feel special, and she's great at conferences. Wish I could have been there! Oh yes, congrats on the nomination, Marilyn!

Rhonda Penders said...

Ahh shucks you guys, you make me blush. Seriously, people say I shine in this type of setting but that's only because I really truly do love meeting writers and authors. I love to know what you write and who you are and hopefully recruit you to the garden. I enjoyed every minute of our long weekend in Atlanta starting with the amazing Georgia Aquarium and of course ending with breakfast Sunday morning with some very tired writers. I'd be honored to come back to your amazing conference anytime. Hugs.

Lynda Coker said...

Congratulations on your nomination, Marilyn. The conference sounded awesome. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

Ashantay said...

Congrats on your nomination, Marilyn! I know the M&M contest attracts many quality writers, so your nomination speaks highly of your work!

Rhonda spoke to Carolina Romance Writers several times, once with RJ, and I can attest to her warm reception by our chapter. In fact, after pitching to Rhonda at our meeting, I was invited to submit- leading to me joining the Garden! So, yes, by all means, ask Rhonda to address your writers group!

Sandra Dailey said...

It sounds like an exciting weekend. You had to be so proud to have them both right there at your home chapter.

Anonymous said...

I've met Rhonda while she was in town for a conference, but not RJ, and she was as kind as anyone could be. That alone made me proud to be a Rose. Congrats on the final, Marilyn!

Christina Hollis said...

It sounds amazing, and like everyone else I love those bags!

stanalei said...

What a terrific recap of the conference. The M&M is one I'd love to attend. Congrats on the nomination, Marilyn and thanks for sharing your experience with us Roses. Thanks to RJ and Rhonda for helping us all grow in the Garden.