There’s nothing more exciting than getting books in the mail! Yep, it’s Rita time! The Rita awards are Romance Writers of America’s version of the Oscars.

Every year, the best of romance is celebrated by giving out awards at the organization’s national conference. This year’s conference is in New York City, the site of the first conference I ever attended back in 2003 (?) I believe. I had just started writing and it opened my eyes to the world of publishing and began the start of many great friendships.

This year, I received 9 (gulp!) books to judge and I take this very seriously. Being nominated for a Rita doesn’t help you sell more books (although it could), or get a new contract with your publisher, but it sure is awful nice to be recognized by your fellow authors for a novel well written.

I had the honor to be nominated back in 2013 for my novel A GIRL LIKE YOU.  Best conference experience ever!