Inspiration, networking and my impressions of RWA (and book giveaway)

Ok. After three insanely busy days, my first RWA is over. I'm both exhausted and thrilled. If you've never been to a RWA National, you should definitely start saving money for the next one, because IT. IS. WORTH. IT. Considering you are a romance or women's fiction writer, of course. Well, I guess it might be good for single men too. Two thousand women is quite a lot. But for this post, let's just focus on the romance writing thing, that's probably best. (Sorry, guys.)

Seriously, RWA was so much better than I could've ever imagined. I met so many people, watched so many workshops, learned so much and, most importantly, was so inspired. There were moments when ideas were flashing through my mind and I actually got goosebumps. It made me feel like a writer again. But, of course, writing is made of contradictions, and so is RWA. It's inspiring and overwhelming at the same time. Just like you feel the support of these two thousand writers, you also come to the realization that only a few will get published. And that sucks. But then you start talking to someone, go to a great workshop and you feel better.You learn. And you start believing in yourself all over again. (God, are we emotional rollercoasters!)

So for the next few days I'll be writing mostly about RWA and what I learned there, both from the workshops and the great people I met. And, of course, I'll be giving away books!!!!!

BOOK GIVEAWAY (US/Canada only)

As of this moment, I have 25 books in my room: one that I brought with me to read on the plane, 24 that I got at RWA. It was hilarious to see all those women running towards tables and tables of free books. Free books! It was like having a table of cupcakes at fat camp.

But, as much as I love them, I can't keep the all. The guy in customs will never believe my declaration and I'll be arrested for smuggling romance novels into Brazil. So, sad as it is, I'll have to part with some of my beloved. I'll still bring my favorites with me, of course! But some have to go.

So here are the (11!) books I'll be giving away:

No Mercy - Sherrilyn Kenyon
Blood Trinity - Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love
Born of Shadows - Sherrilyn Kenyon (HARDCOVER)

The First Love Cookie Club - Lori Wilde

A Secret Affair - Mary Balogh

Ravishing in Red - Madeline Hunter
Provocative in Pearls - Madeline Hunter

The Fallen: Raziel - Kristina Douglas

The Heir - Grace Burrowes

The Templar Legacy - Steve Barry

The Summer Garden - Paullina Simons

Awesome, right? And what do you do to win? Follow the blog and follow me on twitter (@gabilessa). Leave a comment on this post with your email address and your top 3 choices. Also mention who you are on Twitter. If you tweet about this, you get an extra entry (if you do, mention that in your comment).

Winners will be announced on Tuesday, July 5th. Don't you just love free books?