Are we having fun yet?

I just got back last night from RWA National Conference. Yes, I skipped the 'big' award ceremony. I usually do, even if I stay in town. I hate getting dressed up. I usually wear black jeans and something glittery for a blouse. That's it. Plus I don't care who wins. Well, I do care about GH people. They get such a charge out of it. But the RITAs aren't very meaningful for me. I mean, how many times can you watch the same people get the same award?

Of course, the big Talk at conference was all the proposed changes. I don't know if the BOD is truly ignorant of how bad their wording is or if they're incredibly smart. I know some folks who advise the board, and I've come to the conclusion that the Board is not very smart but that those who advise them are cognizant of the implications of what they're proposing, especially if chapters are required to follow National bylaws. I won't get into the details here -- if you're a writer, you may care about it. If you're a reader, you don't.

And I think that's what most writers forget about ... readers really don't care if an author is with an "RWA-recognized publisher" or if a book is available from site A or site B. A reader wants a Damn Good Book, and if they can't find it in one spot, they'll look for it in another. They don't care who publishes it or if it won a particular award.

They want a good book.

So if any writer is reading this, don't waste energy on angst. Use the energy to write the Good Book. Your (supposed) professional organization may not recognize your accomplishments but your readers will thank you.