Hello RSJ Family,
Back in 2006, I attended my very first RSJ in Shreveport, LA. I was a new author and had never been to a writer/reader conference. The first morning of the conference, I was waiting for the elevator to take me down to breakfast, the elevator doors opened and there stood Brenda Jackson – top of my auto-buy-list, BRENDA JACKSON!
As we rode down to the lobby together, I explained I was a new author, new to RSJ, and she kindly invited me to join her for breakfast. That morning, I had breakfast with her and another of my favorite authors, Lynn Emery. I was so excited, I phoned my sister (who was arguably a bigger fan than me!) right from the table and both ladies patiently spoke to her to prove I wasn’t making it up.
Over the next three days of that conference, I formed friendships that still endure. I learned craft tools that I still implement today, and even sold some books! After ten years and all the ups and downs that come with this business, I’m over my fan-girl fascination and now see the awesome women (and men) of multicultural romance as colleagues.
But I share that story to explain THAT was my introduction to RSJ. And to further explain why, with ALL the many writer/reader conferences held every year, many of them much larger and more lavish – for me, RSJ is the one.
Since 2006, I’ve been to several RSJ’s and have never regretted spending the money it took to get there. But that first conference in Shreveport is still one of my fondest memories, and it’s why when Deatri asked for a host city for 2016, I spoke up. And it’s why we (the Detroit team) are trying to put together a conference that will give those of you joining us next month, fond memories for years to come.
~ Elaine Overton (RSJ 2016, Detroit Chairperson)
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EARLY ARRIVAL ACTIVITIES: Plan to arrive early? We’ll be here to greet you!
Mon. 6-8pm: Please join us in the Archimedes Lounge of the Edward Village Michigan Hotel for drinks, appetizers & socializing! (This is an informal gathering and not a part of the conference).
Tues. 10am – 5pm: Step-On Tour ($25 not included in conference fees). The van will leave the hotel at 10am for a professionally guided tour of some of Detroit’s most historic neighborhoods and iconic architecture. Then we head over to Greektown for lunch (at your own expense) at one of the many area restaurants (trust me – you haven’t had a Gyro until you’ve had a Greektown Gyro). Spend some time on your own exploring downtown, take a ride on the People-Mover or try your luck at the beautiful Greektown Casino! We reboard at 4pm returning to the hotel by 5pm. Transportation provided, but seating is limited. Cash payment required at the time of boarding, but if you plan to join us, please send an email to: rsj2016detroit@yahoo.com with subject line “Step On Tour” to reserve your seat today!
EARLY REGISTRATION: Wed. 4pm – 8pm – 2nd Floor Foyer (Anyone planning to attend the Wed. nite UGRR Lantern Tour please register for the conference before leaving for the tour. Tour Van leaves the hotel at 6pm.)
Wednesday – 6pm -10pm: “Journey to Midnight”: Detroit Underground Railroad Lantern Tour. (cost $28, not included in conference registration fee). Tour provided by Historic 2nd Baptist Church. Follow our ancestor’s final steps to freedom! Transportation from the hotel will be provided, but seating is limited. Just mention “Romance” to get your discount when ordering tickets by mail or phone. Send check or money order payable to Hometown History Tours to PO Box 284, Lincoln Park MI 48146. Charge via phone by calling 734.642.5712. Send email to rsj2016detroit@yahoo.com with subject line “UGRR Lantern Tour” if you need transportation from the hotel.
The Edward Village Michigan Hotel offers free transportation to local tourist attractions such as The Henry Ford Museum & Historic Greenfield Village, along with the Rouge Factory Tour. Call the hotel at (313) 592-3622 to buy tickets and arrange transportation. (This service is courtesy of the hotel, and is not included in the RSJ conference fees.)
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