Posted by I didn’t get to go to National this year, which sucks. I love the conference, the schmoozing, the laughter and seeing old friends. I have wonderful memories of RWA conferences but none so wonderful as the Reno con in ’05. That’s where I got married.
We didn’t want anything fancy, didn’t care about anything but getting hitched with family and friends to witness the unbelievable. I was 50 (good god) and I’d never been married, had never wanted to be. So this was something of a surprise. We picked Reno because my husband’s sister lived there, and we picked the conference hotel chapel because most of the people I cared about in the world would be there as well.
That day is mostly a blur to me. I do know that I sobbed my way through the entire ceremony. Not wept prettily, wiping a delicate tear. No. I sobbed so hard I could barely speak. Could not stop. So not cool.
I also remember all the people who were there to celebrate with us. Blaze babes, of course. Writing friends from before I was published or they were published. My amazing editor Birgit Davis-Todd and sometimes editor and friend Brenda Chin. We had a great cake. Jill Shalvis and Debbi Rawlins busted their butts getting the suite ready for the small party. I desperately wanted to take off my shoes.
Even though I never changed my name, that day I wanted everyone to call me Mrs. Wendelken. I was married. To my first, best and last love. At an RWA conference. So fun.
I have a lot of memories from that day, but this picture, which hangs in our living room, is one of my favorites. It was from the folks at Harlequin, and there couldn’t have been a more wonderful, personal, meaningful gift.
If you click on the picture, you can read the fabulous cover copy.
I hope all of you who went to the conference had a great time, and for those of you who couldn’t go, I hope you read something wonderful. And saw Harry Potter, which rocked.
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I’m so glad that you have that wonderful memory to cherish. And that cover is all kinds of awesome!
Thanks, Lori. I still get goosebumps when I look at the cover. It’s the coolest thing ever.
Jolie, that’s such a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing it with us.
I’ll love RWA National conference forever because I remember this.
Jolie, So happy Dotes & you found each other, after all that time. Your love story is still my favorite “Romance moment”, & it’s actually true. It was wonderful memory to share with us.
Patricia
Thanks, Patricia. It’s always so lovely to hear from you. Hope you’re doing well.
I met my husband at a bar (Yes, I said a bar) I was out with a friend and her boyfriend and he was there sitting at the other end of the bar just watching me (He says he was trying to decide if I was too tall, because he is only 5’8. LOL) When I went to the restroom my friend approached him and told him I wanted him to ask me to dance (No, I did not tell her that. I just told her that I thought he was cute. LOL)
Any who, when I returned, he asked me to dance and we have been together ever since (18 1/2 years) I have never benn happier!
Love the cover! That’s a wonderful story. That’s a memory to be cherished.
It is cherished, Nicole. Thanks.
Jo, thanks for sharing such a touching story. I remember hearing about the cover at the time, and thought it was such a fantastic thing.
I wish you had been in DC, too — I loved meeting you briefly in Syracuse, and look forward to the next time. I enjoyed my first conference immensely, and it was all because of being able to meet the people who I’ve come to admire and enjoy so much online.
Sam
I’m sorry I missed the con. It’s always so great to see my old friends. It would have been great to see you. Glad it was good for you.
Patsy, that’s so cool. You know what? I met my husband at a bar, too! 18+ years is fabulous! Congrats.
that is so cool
great cover