The first conference was held in Omaha NE and right about that time the Rocket eReader became available. It was a bit harder to purchase a book and download it to the Rocket--but not much. It was backlit and turned off automatically if you fell asleep while reading.
Epic still has more romance writer (including any type of romance you can imagine) members than any other genre, however there are many others who have joined in from thrillers to science fiction and even poetry.
On Saturday night, awards were given to the best in each of these categories. This is always a gala event though people don't dress up quite as much as they used to--in the beginning it was evening gowns and suits or tuxes for the men. I've been a finalist several times in mystery and last year won for my romance with supernatural touches.
The best thing about this conference is the friendships I've made over the years guaranteeing big hugs upon arrival.
At one conference I met Larry and Lorna Collins whose first book was about their experiences building the Universal theme park in Japan. They have now branched out to mysteries and anthologies. We met in San Antonio TX the first time and got better acquainted in Virginia and later in New Orleans. Since that time hubby and I have become good friends with the Collins and even spent a weekend with them in their home in Dana Point CA.
Believe me, besides having fun and renewing acquaintances, I did learn a lot about marketing and other tidbits here and there.
Next year the conference returns to San Antonio for the third time. It's a great place for a conference, lots of things to do and places to see (The Alamo for one) when you have down time, and the hotel is haunted. What more could you ask for?
Marilyn aka F. M. Meredith
And of course I promoted my latest mystery, Dangerous Impulses.
Available from Amazon, of course.
Marilyn, your energy just amazes me! You are constantly on the go and still manage to write so many books. You are surely one of nature's great wonders! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe EPIC conference sounds as if it's a lot of fun. So glad you had such a good time!
I love San Antonio. The conference sounds like a lot of fun, Marilyn. And Linda's right about your energy level; it inspires me! Maggie
ReplyDeleteFor an old lady, I guess I do all right. The secret is, I don't feel old--except I can't stay up late and ya-ha like the youngsters do. I get up around 4:30 or 5 everyday to kind of get a head start. Thanks Linda for your kind remarks. And Maggie, my energy level isn't that high--I just like to get things done.
ReplyDeleteWhaaaat? No more suits or gowns? Somebody needs to get in there with a cattle prod and enforce the dress code!
ReplyDeleteNope, it's no longer the formal event it used to be, Jeff. And we also don't have a funny M.C. anymore. (You are definitely missed.) They just get with the handing out of awards after the banquet is consumed.
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