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GRNW Meet-Up 2014
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GRNW 2014 - Information - REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
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I’m interested in attending GRNW. Can I come?
Yes! The GRNW Meet-Up is open to the public. Everyone is welcome to come!
Where will GRNW 2014 be held
The main conference proceedings on 9/20/14 will be held at the Seattle Central Library in the middle of downtown Seattle. The conference will be held in the library's Microsoft Auditorium on the first floor.
Writing workshops and other activities will be held on the fourth floor of the library on the morning of the conference.
The post-conference book festival will be held at the Hotel Monaco across the street from the Seattle Public Library.
How big is GRNW?
GRNW 2014 will be capped at 275 attendees.
When will registration for GRNW 2014 open up?
Registration opened Saturday, April 26, 2014.
You can find links to purchase conference passes on our Conference site or go directly to Brown Paper Tickets.
How much will admission to GRNW 2014 be?
Registration to GRNW 2014 is $17.50 for the early-bird rate. After August 1, 2014, that price will go up to $25.
Are there still GRNW Attending Author spots available?
Due to increased interest in GRNW, as of November 2014, we are putting a hold on adding any more official GRNW Attending Authors to the conference.
If you are interested in putting your name down on our wait list to see if an official author spot opens up, you can contact me via GR or via email at timmonsgray@yahoo.com.
Please note the following qualifications to apply to be on the author wait list:
What does it mean to be an GRNW Attending Author?
1- It means you are planning on attending the GRNW Meet-Up in Seattle on Sept. 20, 2014. :-)
Along with participating in conference activities, GRNW Attending Authors have the option to share swag with attendees.
2- You will be featured in the GRNW 2014 author list on both GRNW's website and GoodReads community, as well as in the conference program.
3- GRNW will highlight your work throughout the year on social media and in the GoodReads group.
4- GRNW is also planning local author events throughout the year, so there will be opportunities for authors local to participate in events such as readings.
Who can apply to be a GRNW Attending Author?
To apply to be a GRNW author, you should have published works that focus on LGBT main characters and relationships, and that can be categorized as either romance fiction (contemporary, sci-fi, fantasy historical, etc.) or includes strong romantic subplots.
Because GRNW's focus is on LGBT romance fiction, our priority is to highlight works that include both LGBT main characters AND romance.
Does being an Attending Author automatically mean that I will be featured on a panel or a reading event at GRNW?
Since GRNW is a one-day event, we are unable to feature all GRNW Attending Authors on panels or in readings, but our priority is to make it easy for readers, writers, and publishers to connect with each other at the Meet-Up, whether it’s through conference events, book signings, or social activities.
How do I find out about opportunities to participate?
The best way is to join this GR group and read the all-group messages that we send out. We will mention opportunities and calls for participation and volunteers there.
For instance, we organized both the 2013 Secret Story event and our "5 Minutes in Heaven" author readings via the GR group. 90% of the authors who participated in the 5 Minutes in Heaven reading were those who responded to our call-out for volunteers via an all-group GoodReads message.
We know everyone's busy, but take a moment to skim those messages when you receive them in your email or GR mail. All-group messages are the fasted way to share information with both attending and lurking authors as well as readers.
Is there a cap on who can attend as an official Attending Author
Yes. Because we make it a priority to have books by attending authors sold at the event, we have set a cap at around 50 authors. We're a small one-day event, and ensuring that priority is harder to do when you have more people involved.
As of November 2014, we have hit that cap and have put a hold on adding more GRNW Attending Authors.
If you would like to be added to the wait list, please contact me via GR or via email at timmonsgray@yahoo.com, and we will contact you if a spot become available.
BUT even if if we set a cap for official Attending Authors, we will not have a cap on attendees who wish to be known as a writer.
Old Growth Northwest, the hosting organization for the event, focuses on fostering community around writers, and we will always celebrate writers and will always allow you to come to the event as a writer.
Even if you are not attending in an official GRNW capacity, there will be lots of wonderful opportunities to meet other writers, publishers, and readers at GRNW 2014. It's truly a fun event, and we hope you can join us!
Who is this event for? Writers, Publishers, or Readers?
All of the above. LGBT Romance Fiction is a very niche community, and there is a lot of overlap between writers, readers, and publishers, so we strive to build an event that can be enjoyed by all groups, as well as allow these groups to meet and mingle.
With that said, our goal is also build more resources for local LGBT romance readers, so we can better connect them to other readers and to continually build a warm, welcoming environment where they can talk about the books they love.
This means we will be building in more reader content at the GRNW conference, and we are organizing local LGBT romance reader groups that will meet throughout the year. To find out more information about those local groups, please visit our community page: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
I'm a writer. What kinds of activities will there be for me?
Beside the conference programming and networking opportunities, GRNW 2014 will also be hosting sessions with publishers where authors can pitch stories for potential publication.
You do not need to be an official GRNW Attending Author to make an appointment to pitch to an attending publisher.
As of now, publishers participating in author pitch sessions include Bold Strokes Books, Decadent Publishing, Dreamspinner Press and DSP's YA imprint Harmony Ink Press, Extasy Books, Less Than Three Press, and MLR Press. Please visit their websites to get an idea of what kinds of publications each publisher focuses on.
More information about these activities will be coming soon. If you're already planning your conference schedule, and you're interested in considering participating in the author pitch sessions, this section of the event will be held in the morning of the conference on Sept. 20, 2014.
I am interested in pitching a story, but what will I need?
More information will be coming soon regarding these activities, but if you are a new or previously unpublished author, it's generally expected that you would be pitching an already completed manuscript at the session, (rather than an idea for a story.)
I am interested in helping sponsor this event. How can I do that?
Thank you for your interest! We’d love to talk with anyone who is interested in helping sponsor or contribute to this event. Old Growth Northwest is a nonprofit, and GRNW is entirely volunteer-run, so all support is very much appreciated.
We will be reaching out to multiple organizations to help fund this event. If you or your organization is interested in helping support the 2014 Gay Romance Northwest Meet-Up, please contact us at timmonsgray@yahoo.com.
I have more questions!
We have more answers. :-) We're just starting our planning for the 2014 conference and there will be lots of opportunities for feedback, including suggesting panel topics that you want the conference to focus on.
For now, please feel free to also share your questions here in this thread, or if you prefer, you can contact me directly.
Thanks for your interest and support of LGBT romance in the Pacific Northwest!
Did the early bird registration date change at some point? I was certain I'd read August 15 and had put it down that way and when I just went to purchase a ticket (had planned to do it this weekend originally - was waiting to confirm if some friends were also planning to attend) I saw that the early tickets were no longer available and I now see it says August 1 in this thread. The Brown Paper Tickets page, however, says early bird pricing should be available until August 15...
Mod
We're sorry to hear that, Curtis. The early-bird rate did indeed end today on August 1, which is what's written above and on the main site. I see what you're saying about the text on the BPT site and that's a mistake and we're asking to have it updated to the correct date.
Even though the rate is done, the current rate of $25 is still a great price for the whole day of activities (including multiple free books for every participant, plus free swag.) We're sorry you didn't have the chance to grab a pass at $17.50, but we hope you can come and still have a good time.
Unfortunately, I think we're going to pass. We'd all already planned for the $17.50 advertised rate based on the BPT information.
Mod
We're sorry to hear that. You're welcome to come to the book festival at the Hotel Monaco from 5:30pm - 8:00pm on that day. Entrance will be free for that.
Mod
Is there going to be any meet up Friday night before the conference?
Mod
Yes! On Sept. 19, we'll have three events--all in the University District.
5:00pm - 7:00pm - Pre-reading meet-up. This will be at a bar/restaurant near the bookstore. Details pending. We went to Flowers last year (43rd and University Way NE). That may be the place again.
7:00pm - 8:30pm - "Queerly Yours" reading event at the University Bookstore with Rose Christo, E.E. Ottoman, Jordan Castillo Price, Radclyffe, and Rick R.. Reed.
8:30pm - 10:00pm-ish: Post-Reading meet-up: This will most likely be at The District Lounge (Brooklyn and 45th Ave NE), a block and half from the book store for more mingling. :)
We have some details on our programming page, but I'll making a programming thread here too. Thanks for asking! http://gayromancenorthwest.wordpress....
Myself and two others are going to be driving in from Tacoma. Any idea on parking info? Good locations near the event, costs, how late they're open, or name and numbers so I can call about info? I know the library parking locks down too early to park there and still be able to do the evening events.
Mod
I don't drive (low vision), so don't have much on parking. I do know the library is probably one of the best rates, but closes at 7pm. Street parking becomes free after 8pm in Seattle. So, one option is to park at the library, and pay for street parking for an hour or two after that.
There's quite a few lots in the area, although some are not open on the weekends. One at 1111 3rd Avenue is close to the library, has 24 hour parking for $34, and all-day for $31. They close at 10pm.
Here is a site that can find garage rates close to the library: http://seattle.bestparking.com/ Not perfect, since it doesn't look like it lists the one I mentioned above, but it gives you an idea of what area to look at and the general range of all-day prices.
Thanks for the info. My daughter and I are working on planning. Where to park, how to get back to the car after everything is over at the Rendezvous, how much we have to spend on books, how much we will need for transport, where to get meals during the event.
Thank you, ttg. I too, was wondering about how to work the parking and the evening events. Appreciate the resource!
Mod
Depending on if you have a few drinks at the book fest, one option is to park your car near the Rendezvous in Belltown. (It's about 20 blocks from the library.) We'll be having a bus from the Monaco to the Rendezvous as well, so there is transportation there if you want it. We're seeing about a return trip, but it might be too early for people. (9:30/10pm)
For meals, we will have snacks at the conference, but we'll be encouraging people to eat out for lunch. Some choices nearby: Sazerac at the Hotel Monaco, Bernards on Senaca (between 3rd and 4th on Senaca, block and a half from the library), O'Asian on 5th and Marion (dim sum place), about two blocks from the library. MOD Pizza, which is on 6th, between University and Union (a couple blocks from the library, also very fast.)
We're seeing if a food truck will come park, but finding it difficult since they're often at Farmer's Markets at that time. We'll keep looking though.
Already know what I'm doing for lunch. There is a Subway at 806 3rd Ave. That will be lunch and probably dinner at or just before the signing. Might get something later at the Rendezvous as a late evening snack. Bringing some snack stuff with, too.
Mod
You're smart, Beth! We'll have some snacks again at the book fest, but grabbing more is always a good idea. :D
I might just pack some sandwiches and take the bus. Line 5 goes all the way into town from pretty close to my vacation rental. Then I don't have to worry about driving while tired, and even have a glass of wine. I'm a total lightweight, so I can't drive on one glass. :)
I'll need some directions and parking suggestions to the Friday do on campus, too.
Mod
The University Book Store has parking in the lot behind it, on 15th Ave, between 45th and 43rd, so there's one option. For that area otherwise, people mostly do street parking.
I'm sad I won't be able to make it tomorrow night. I have to work. Booooooo! I was worried I wouldn't be able to make it to the after party at Rendezvous but found out I can catch the bus on 3rd to get me home to Cap Hill! YAY!!! Can't wait for Saturday!!
Read with Pride Northwest
Authors mentioned in this topic
L.A. Witt (other topics)Rhys Ford (other topics)
Charley Descoteaux (other topics)
Alex Powell (other topics)
Blak Rayne (other topics)
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GRNW 2014 Registration is open!: Visit our 2014 Conference site to learn more or go directly to our Brown Paper Ticket site to save your seat!
Early-bird registration is just $17.50 for the whole day of activities. After August 1, that price will go up to $25.
2014 GRNW Venue! The main conference proceedings for GRNW 2014 will once again be at the Seattle Central Library in their Microsoft Auditorium.
To find out how things ran for the 2013 Meet-Up, please visit our 2013 GRNW Meet-Up folder: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
2014 GRNW Attending Authors
Below is a list of authors who are planning on attending GRNW 2014 on 9/20/14 in Seattle. You can read more about their work in our Meet the 2014 Authors thread.
Astrid Amara
Talya Andor
Eric Andrews-Katz
David-Matthew Barnes
Laura Baumbach
Jove Belle
Heidi Belleau
Angela Benedetti
Charley Descoteaux
Kade Boehme
L.C. Chase
Rose Christo
D.P. Denman
Megan Derr
Charley Descoteaux
Kim Fielding
Rhys Ford
L.E. Franks
Amelia Gormley
Cat Grant
Ginn Hale
Dena Hankins
Daisy Harris
J. Tullos Hennig
David Holly
Laylah Hunter
Amber Kell
Nicole Kimberling
Morticia Knight
Lori L. Lake
Emma Lanner
Pearl Love
Belinda McBride
Kate McLachlan
Sasha L. Miller
M.J. O'Shea
E.E. Ottoman
Samuel Jarius Pettit
Alex Powell
Jordan Castillo Price
Radclyffe
Blak Rayne
Rick R. Reed
Devon Rhodes
Charlie Richards
Jeffrey Ricker
E.J. Russell
Tara Spears
Andrea Speed
Draven St. James
Lou Sylvre
Anne Tenino
J. Vaughn
Karis Walsh
L.A. Witt
GRNW Sponsors and Partners
Old Growth Northwest and the Gay Romance Northwest Meet-Up wish to thank the following organizations for their support of GRNW 2014:
GRNW Sponsors: Blind Eye Books, Bold Strokes Books, Decadent Publishing, Dreamspinner Press, eXtasy Books, Harmony Ink Press, Less Than Three Press, Loose Id, MLR Press, Riptide Publishing, Samhain Publishing
GRNW Partners: Gay City, Gay City LGBT Library, Hedgebrook, Lambda Literary Foundation, Pride Foundation, Rainbow Romance Writers, Rose City Romance Writers, The Seattle Lesbian
About the Hosting Organization
Old Growth Northwest fosters creative collaboration and exchange within a robust community of writers and readers in the Pacific Northwest. As a 501(c)3 organization (status pending) founded in 2012 and headquartered in Seattle, Old Growth Northwest serves the greater Pacific Northwest region, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, and Alaska. By supporting writers and promoting their work throughout all stages of the literary process, Old Growth Northwest works to build an ecosystem that equals an old-growth forest in its diversity, its interdependence, and its potential to be the kind of self-sustaining community where writers of all kinds can thrive. To learn more, visit Old Growth's GRNW Meet-Up site or Old Growth's Facebook Page.
More info in the next post!