Smart Bitches Trashy Books | All of the romance, none of the bullshit.

I missed it this year. I’ve loved the updates. I did get to see Nora Roberts, Linda Howard, Stephanie Laurens, and some others last weekend.

The bags sound awesome. I’m totally going to try for Nashville next year - it’s one of my favorite places!

I don’t suppose you would be willing to send one to Australia??
It was a bit too far for me to travel to go to the conference.. lol

I would love one of those bags! They’re brilliant!

Awesome bag reminds me of a pick up line.
‘Nice bag, wanna f@ck?’

Here in the Uk I read about conferences like these and wish they were nearer.  I’d love to come next year but finances are prohibitive so I’ll just have to make do with reading people’s comments and posts.

I wasn’t there but will try to make Nashville. Those bags were a 1000 times better than the one I got in Dallas in 2007.

On Saturday morning, my coffee date with Andrea Pickens morphed into a historical gathering with Cathy Maxwell, Robin Lee Hatcher, Elizabeth Hoyt, Lauren Willig, and Kathe Robin (from RT).  Jade Lee joined us with her exciting news that NPR had just interviewed her.  The fire alarm sounded, we evacuated to the cab area, and NYT best sellers became “cell phone” photographers as the hunky fireman hauled in their equipment.  Really, what more could a girl want?!?

I didn’t go this year, but I’d love a bag so I can fake it! 

Would love to go next year.  Nashville, you say?

International postage possible? It was a bit far for me to travel seeing as I’m down here in Australia!

I love Romancey Bags! I’m in!

We’re overseas, so alas, I’ll be missing it.
Bags are cool, though!
- DianaQ

I think I’m going to send my husband to visit his MOTHER next year, and I’ll come to Nashville!!! :-)

I went to the conference when it was in Atlanta (2 yrs ago?) and my FAV part was chatting with the authors & catching up with friends.  It was a FAB weekend.

I would love to go next year but I doubt I’ll be able to…another UK-resident here!

I missed it this year, too, mostly b/c I’m in Europe. Pity! But the updates were great. Thanks for sharing!

I can road trip Nashville…so maybe I could actually make it to this one…or I can keep crossing my fingers that they will come to Chicago…or Milwaukee, that works for me too. So if everyone could adjust their schedules to fit my life, things will be peachy.

Ooooh, the magic8ball of v-words says “soon 36” so maybe in 4 years?

Awesome bags, talk about bag envy. 
Glad you had a great time and were kind enough to give your books to the teacher.  I am sure she enjoyed them.  You need to make up some bags with your cover on them and the smartbitches logo on the back.

Drool.  I love those bags.  I am, sadly, not a RW and don’t live in A, so my chances to acquire such beauties are limited - count me in for the draw, please!

Love the bags!  Do they ever hold the conference in the Northeast?

Those are really cool bags! Thanks!

I didn’t get to go, but I’d love a bag.  Thanks for the chance at one.

i don’t know about Nashville (which I adore) but 2011 is NYC and that is just a short drive for me.

I really did enjoy all the tweets and blogs. I had to tutor my hubby on how twitter works so the hashtag’s were the perfect way to show him how they worked.

Everyone is exhausted, so it seems they had a great time. LOL

Oooh!! Bags and romance books. No wonder the lady in the elevator was envious. The bags look fabbo!

I went to the literacy signing, which was overwhelming! But very fun. I saw the bags and thought they were cool. I heard a woman ask a conference attendee about them.

I’m not able to attend RWA.  I live vicariously through attendees Twitter reporting. It’s almost like being there (NOT).

I didn’t go, but it sounds awesome.  The bag looks awesome, too!

Those bags rock! I haven’t gone to RWA yet… but maybe someday. :)

Random comment!

:-D

I didn’t go to RWA, I’ve never gone and it’s probably going to be a while before I can go, too. Damn school.

I have seen loads of pics of these bags, I am so jealous they are amazing!!

One day I hope to make it to the RWA

Didn’t even know about the conference. but thanks to your wonderful reports and updates I have found a new authors I just HAVE to read. (Does sucking-up get extra points?)

Oh! Me, me!

This bag is AWESOME! Want. Very much.

I was hoping to go this year (lived in the DC area) but my husband was transferred and we departed the US on July 9th—soooooo close and yet so far. I have read with envy the tweets of those at RWA. *sniff*

Does being pathetic up my chances of winning? GRIN

I WANT to go next year, but it’s going to depend on the checkbook… :)

The next one is in Nashville?  That’s actually very near by!  Can you daytrip it or is it all of the conference or nothing?  We actually have our first “real” vacation planned for the end of July 2010 and I couldn’t get time off for both.

I’m sooo hoping to make it to stuff next year. It kills me everytime I have to read about all the great stuff. =P

Pick me, pick me! :)

Ooooh. I would like a bag! Pick me and I’ll be your very best friend…

Yes. I have resorted to grade school style persuasion. Let me know if it works. :)

Those bags are amazing!  Maybe I’ll make it to Nashville next year.  :)

I would love to be in Nashville for next year’s RWA. And I would really love that super cool bag full of books. Thanks Sarah!

I would like to go to the one in Nashville, but who knows?  It sounds like too much fun!  :)  The bags look great, count me in!

:O The Biatches rock! :O

That is an awesome bag! I would love one!

I’d love to make Nashville - it’s one of my favorite places. We’ll see how the money flows…j

On a side note, I went to a library book sale a few hours after I read your RWA winners postings - Hell Week was on the kids table! My library’s a little odd.

Commenting for a chance at the bags.

I did not get to go…finances are prohibitive right now but I would love a bag.

I did not go, and seeing everyone talk about it makes me want to cry lol No go for next year but, I am totally there in NYC in 2011. Those bags are definitely drool worthy, I just like to sit and stare at the pics of them lol

I tweeted Malle Vallik last week to see if you could buy those bags. Haven’t heard back yet. They are so droolworthy!

I’m kind of bummed I couldn’t go to RWA, I was down in VA this weekend but I couldn’t afford to buy the passes :( I really wanted to go to the signing too, but I think that was on Thursday. *sigh*

I would LOVE this! Thanks for the chance!

Shame there’s nothing like that in the UK, I would’ve loved to have gone. Awesome bags though.

No go this year, but a concerted effort will be made to get to Nashville (in July?!) next year.  Thanks for the updates and pics!!

writing39, natch.

Does anyone know if there is a way I could get an image of myself turned into a vintage something? I luuuuuurve that idea.

I missed it but I was in twitter with envy and awe. Loved the pics! I sure hope to be in Nashville next year. May have to sell one of the twins. Oh well!

Oh my Looooooooooord, those are some adorable bags.  I may have a tote bag fixation, though, I confess.  This is my comment for a chance @ one!

Are those the same bags they gave away at the potato martini luncheon at RT?  I didn’t get to RWA this year, but I saw them at RT.

I would love to go to conferences such as these, but I live in Oz, too, so it’s a bit far away for me :-) But thank you for offering to include us Aussies in your giveaways!

I badly wanted to go to the RWA, but it wasn’t happening.  Not close enough, and my schedule wouldn’t let me.

But I love big bags and those are just great!  I wouldn’t mind toting something like that around.

Huh. Well, here’s hoping XD;;

Missed it this year, and won’t be there next year ‘cause I’m going to Worldcon (World SF Convention) in Melbourne, Australia.  The bags are nifty, and my biggest regret from missing this year’s convention is not seeing Jo Bourne win a RITA.  We’ve been in Compuserve’s Books and Writers forum for years, and it was delight to watch her books take shape and evolve into the amazing stories they are today.

I will definitely be going next year!  Nashville’s not too far away from me. Starting count down NOW.

I didn’t go, but I’m thinking about going next year… I loved reading Twitter and blogs for info about these year’s conference, though. I love new/social media! Those bags look amazing.

Won’t be there next year, but hope to make BEA. Won’t make Worldcom- Oz is too far for me, but how cool another reader is going!

Didn’t go this year and probably won’t go next year (limited travel budget), but i enjoyed your updates from the conference.  And those are awesome swag bags!

I would love a bag!  I hope all who atteneded RWA had a wonderful time.

Such a cool bag! I didn’t go to the conference but your updates made it sound fabulous.

I am in severe envy over those bags!  As a mom with two children under age 4 and a full time job, getting away to conferences is close to impossible…I would love to live vicariously with one of the awsome bags.  Please?  =-)

Any idea if these are on sale anywhere? I would buy one in a heartbeat.

well, they look hella cool and I would love one.  And I would love to go to RWA but in Oz.  In fact, have missed out on RWA (in the Australian sense) this year because it was booked out by a month ago (and it isn’t for another month).  which I guess is good over all but bad for me.

Betcha that bag holds way more e-books than print books!  ;-)

I didn’t attend RWA this year, but I hope to make it to Nashville for the literacy signing (and maybe a party or two) next year.

Thanks for Twittering throughout the conference!!!

(raising my hand and jumping up and down)

me, me, me!!!  I love it.  They are so cool and you can always use another bag : )  As a big bag addict I think you should totally feed my addiction.

spamword:  ask98- I could ask 98 times

Nashville sounds like it could be doable!  I would love to go next year, assuming finances and job security are a bit better situated!  Those bags do look very very sexy.

Gah! What awesome bags. I wasn’t able to attend this year (and I live just south of DC) because I just had a baby, but I am hoping to attend in Nashville next year…hoping!

This is interesting.  I like books.  I like your recaps.  Whoo Smart Bitches!

I can definitely go to Nashville as I go to school there. Woohoo!

Didn’t make it this year (would have loved to attend the Rogue Digital conference) but Nashville is a great town so maybe next year.

Not there this year but enjoyed the heck out of the posts and pics.

I WILL be in Nashville next year.

Commenting ... pick me! pick me!

— Bonz

Me please! I would love a bag. Thanks for allowing international entries! RWA? I will only have a chance to go if it’s being held in my country which I highly doubt will ever happen ;p

The bags look awesome! I have never been to a conference - or a fan event (I periodically consider going to Blizzcon) but I’ve not given myself over to my passions to that degree (yet)!

I was so happy to hear the RWA was in DC this year since I work in DC.  Only part I got to go to was the signing.  I met up with Carly Phillips, Julie Leto, Leslie Kelly, and Nora Roberts.  I couldn’t stick around long enough because work called and I had to rush back.  But I do want to say this was my first conference for RWA that I attended and I am sure this wont be my last.  Sounds like everyone had fun.

I was attending the American Library Association conference in Chicago that weekend—and RWA was in my hometown!  Harlequin was there, giving away those bags, but it was a very sad, small, picked over booth by the time I got to see it.  I did get to see Charlaine Harris in a panel session, though!  (ssh, don’t tell—it was not quite a work related session, since I work in a specialty library with no fiction on the shelves.)

I’ve never won anything and I am dying to go to next year’s RWA. Please pick me!

I collect bags, and this one looks wicked cool!

Sadly did not attend this year’s RWA but am looking forward to Nashville 2010.

Bag me baby!

I am so there at RWA next year - hold me over until then by picking me for a bag!

I’m so glad I found your website! I’ve been reading romance novels (secretly!) since I was a teenager. I’m an artist and a graduate student who is old enough and educated enough to know better than to read trashy books - at least that’s the attitude! It’s satisfying to find some peeps that can rock it without shame.

Who knows? Maybe I’ll now investigate a career in revolutionizing romance novel covers. The covers are half the battle! And maybe I will end up at that conference next year…

Long-time reader; first-time poster; not a romance writer, but avid romance reader.  Driving home from the grocery store on Saturday morning, listening to NPR, suddenly Scott Simon is doing a piece on the RWA convention and interviewing Nora Roberts!  That alone was worth my annual public radio membership.  Nora did a fabulous job of explaining why romance is so popular and she did it without slapping Simon (which I would have had trouble not doing because he kept patronizing the material even while admitting he shouldn’t patronize the material—sigh).  It was as if Simon couldn’t get over his prejudices where romance is concerned.  He actually read the first (and, hopefully, last) paragraph of a romance novel he tried to write.  The editor who critiqued it (I don’t remember her name, but, like Nora, her self-control was admirable) pinpointed the problem right away—lack of sincerity; readers can always tell when a writer is not sincere.  I’m sure you can listen to the whole thing at NPR.org (yes, I’m terrible, do not have the link).

Anyway, would love the bag.  I’d carry that in one hand and my old NPR bag in the other!

Spam filter:  even45.  If only I were!

It killed me not to be able to take advantage of RWA, but I’m unemployed at the moment.  Hopefully, that won’t be the case next year.

Bag or no for me, I just wanted to tell you I think it’s pretty cool you made that teacher’s day. :)

(and no, I didn’t go)

Haven’t been to RWA, but I have been to regional conferences. Nashville isn’t too far, though, so maybe next year.

I wish I could go next year, but I’m saving the money for RT which is closer to me.

Never been to RWA but I’m going to seriously have to consider it.  HUMMM!  I like Nashville.  Are readers of blogs welcome as well as bloggers?  My inner fangirl is calling.

I’ve missed conference the last several years, and I go into a funk over it every July. I’ve already announced to my entire household that I’m going next year no matter what. Even if we’re eating scraps because money’s tight. Even if it conflicts with the kids’ summer activities. Even if extended family chooses that week to visit from far away. Unless there’s significant blood loss involved, nothing’s getting in the way.

I’ve never been to RWA, but Nashville could be doable next year.  I’d love the opportunity to meet some of my favorite author, I know other bloggers go, so maybe I could also.

Dottie :)

I’m applying for a passport now, so that I can go to Nashville next year.  Which will be the furthest south I’ve ever gone (current record: Jackson Hole, Wyoming).

My luck’s been pretty good lately, so I’ll throw my name in the hat.  I didn’t make conference this year, and it doesn’t look like I’ll make it next year either.  But who knows?  A lot can change in a year.  I registered to go to Dallas two years ago and ended up in the hospital instead.

Didn’t make it this year, but might try for next.  Nashville is not an unreasonable distance from me, and it sounds like a blast.

And those bags?  Adorable!

I didn’t get to go this year, but enjoyed hearing your tales from there—would love to be able to have a bag though.  :-)

I have never been to RWA.  However, I would luvre to go to Nashville.  I heart Nashville.  I have only been there twice yet it is one of my fave places to visit.

Those bags are to die for! I might make Nashville next year; it’s road-trippable.

Oh wow—cool bags! And I love that you gave your books to a teacher you met in an elevator, hee.

I’ve never been to the conference but there are 100 other places I want to visit in Nashville, so I might actually make it next year!!

I just want to comment that I think the very best part of this post is that you gave your books to a teacher.  That is just awesome.  I volunteer in my kids’ classrooms and it’s a da** shame how much of their own money teachers spend on supplies and classroom reading books.  You probably made that teacher’s year!!!  Thanks for supporting a teacher!

Didn’t have a chance to go to RWA, but one of these day I’m going to make it there.  Bags are too awesome!!!

I failed (epically) to snag one of those bags at BEA, so I hope starving artists qualify for the random draw!

I did talk to Harlequin reps about merchandising the retro covers, begging them to put them on anything and everything.  Handbags, wallets, Converse sneaks, journals, you name it!  A fonder dream, I haven’t had.  At least not since seeing those bags at BEA!

A whole bag of FREE romance swag?! OMG I think I just came a little.

Unfortunately not going, since it’s a long, long way from Quebec City.  Bah.

I hated missing out on all the conferences this year. But being in that awkward stage of having sold but not having Secrets of Sin out until February 2010 I thought it best to wait and save up for RT, RWA and Moonlight and Magnolias next year.

I love the bags. I have a notebook that’s very similar but it’s a vintage Avon cover.

Just have to say kudos to you for giving your books to that Austin teacher. Things like that can make a person’s day, month, year and is always an awesome thing to do.

So good on you!

I haven’t been to any conferences yet and I’m nearly as jealous of that as I am the bag. Maybe next year I’ll be able to manage one—I think there’s one in Orlando every year, and that’s closer, but I can never remember to look it up until just after it happens.

Please ship to India!! Please, please!

-anin

Ooooh…I would love a bag.  I think it would be great fun to go next year but it will all depend on the budget.

I couldn’t go this year, and I would love to go next year, but that depends on when I get a job and how big of a sacrifice the student loan gods are going to demand on my now deferred loans.  Stupid recession.

We’ve been negatively impacted by the evillll economic downturn for the past eight months, so no National for me this year. Hopefully, next year will be better, and I can scoop up some of those free books while visiting Nashville.

Thanks for the great giveaway, Sarah!

-S

Those bags are MADE of AWESOME!!! Here’s hoping I’m the lucky winner! (No, I wasn’t there…but with those bags and all your posts, I sure wish I was!)

Holy Freakin Smokes! I do covet said bags beyond reason!

What pray tell can I tempt you with for one of my very own?

Will chocolate suffice, or would you prefer I grovel at your feet and declare my undying devotion?

Name your price!

Awesome bags, I’d love to go but it’s a bit far from Ireland!  The idea of being able to meet with some of my favourite writers would make me very happy.  I just have to cope with the local SF/Fantasy conventions.

My issue with RWA is that I just can’t afford it.  I would love to go, and am very jealous of everyone who did.  And those who will next year, because unless I win the lottery or something, I won’t be able to foot the bill next year, either.

Sweet buttery jebus those bags look hot! I’m a sucker for vintage :)

Oh, those bags are awesome.  I would love one!

I was sorry not to attend this year, but with all the cyber updates and Tweets you still get an idea of what’s going on.  I did miss seeing friends.  Not sure I’ll make Nashville yet, but the year after that it’ll be back on the West Coast and I’m there!

Ooh! Books and Bags, awesome! I really hope to make it out next year. I’m a full-time student with a job, so the fact that RWA is in the summer is teh awesome. Plus, I don’t think I could survive grad school without four things—Huge bags, my laptop, coffee, and romance novels. Plus (as I’m a theoretical mathematics student) it’s always fun to see the consternation on my overwhelmingly male classmates’ faces when they realize the girl reading bodice rippers before lecture is higher up the bell curve than they are.

I went…unofficially.  Enjoyed the literacy signing, the SB Bootleg, dinner with online friends. 

I had 2 favorite parts of RWA… the first was how genuinely nice the authors at the literacy signing were.  They were nice whether I had read every book they’ve ever written, or I had never tried them.  I would including meeting the SBs at their bootleg in that….Sarah saw my necklace (a cherry) and had a lot of fun signing my book as a result!

The second favorite part was putting faces with names/people that I have talked online with for the last few years.  I’m motivated to go to Nashville next year, but NYC is only 2 years (and 2 hours) away.

Kudos to you for giving your books to a teacher…the rest of the teachers there (and those of us at home) are jealous!

Ooh, yes! I want a bag! And I’ll be at Nashville next year.

Even better than ALA (American Library Association) freebie bags!!!

I am so hoping to attend RWA someday… thanks for the shot at some souvenirs!

If not holding books, one of those bags would be great for a knitting project. Maybe something like a knitted bodice?

I would LOVE to receive one of those bags! They look so cool…

I would love to someday go to the RWA - maybe next year.

(Heh. My code was “position69”. Yes, please!) :)

Woot! Bags!

I’ve never been to RWA, but it sounds like a lot of fun.  And those bags do look really cool.

I love vintage covers, and I could always use a new bag. ^_^

Those bags are sweet!  I’d love to carry it around and tell people I got it from Smart Bitches.  Thanks for the opportunity!

Ooh! Thanks for the contest. I didn’t get to go this year, but you can bet I won’t miss Nashville!

I didn’t get a chance to go because it is so far from me (I don’t fly). I live in KY so I will definitely make plans to go next year. I think it would be soooo fun.

Oooh, count me in please. I’m behind on my reading since baby 2 came along and need an excuse to catch up.

I do love Nashville and I’ve been considering an RWA trip for a while, so maybe next year is the one.  The problem is that it is usually too close to the Annual American Library Association Conference, which I do have to attend.

Never been to RWA. Sounds like fun though. Those bags are awesome!

Couldn’t attend this year but would like to make it to Nashville next year.  Love the bags - those vintage book covers are to die for.

I did not go butI would love to go as long as it works out with work.  I am responsible for budgets and timing of when those complete will have an impact on my attendance.

So sorry I missed RWA this year.  Next year for sure!!!

I was so bummed that I couldn’t go to RWA this year.  I worked furiously all winter to try and get nominations for Librarian of the Year and read so many romances that my patrons started to get irritated with me for not reading every other book!  I’ve started saving up for next year and talked to my Library Director about going as a librarian but on my own dime (libraries suffer from economic downturns by cutting staff and travel) and so far so good!  Thanks Bitches for the great coverage!  I’m totally envious.

B

man…if only librarian conferences came w/ such cool schwag

I live in Texas.  Does this count as a foreign country?  Haven’t we seceded?

Please send me a bag if I’m so lucky.  Thanks Sarah and Candy

Hmmm, would I like a chance at one of those coveted Harlequin bags? Yes, I would indeed.

Thanks for the fun & informative updates from RWA.

Those bags are gorgeous!

I’m sad to have missed the conference this year, and definitely plan to go to Nashville.

Oooooh. Want-want-want!!!

I was not able to go this year, but some day, some time, I might make it.  I’m drooling over the bags.

“economic96” is my code word.  Economics is why I don’t get to go to these things.

I wasn’t there, and I won’t be in Nashville because I’m no longer trying to write romance.  But I wish I could meet you two!

I want one of those bags so bad I can’t even tell you!!

*drools*

I wish Harlequin would sell some anniversary stuff on their website because I would buy it all.

The bags look very cool.  I so want one.

I will not be attending next year.  The free books make it look awesome though.

I’ll take me some swag, pretty please.

Me want bag . . . pretty please?

I would very much like a bag, please.

I will most definitely be at Nationals next year as they will be in my home town.  Yay!  I was most sad that I couldn’t afford to go this year, but I want to give a shout out to fellow Nashville writer Kim Law, who won the first Golden Heart of the evening.  Whoo Hoo!

I will be going next year for the signing and to get together with some of my writer friends during at the least but would love to go for teh whole enchilatda

Awesome bags.  And I really enjoyed the updates from the weekend.  Maybe I’ll make it to Nashville next year.

Oh! Pretty!! I’d love one. The vintage harlequin art is gorgeous.

Those are gorgeous book bags!  I would love to have one.  Didn’t go to the conference but maybe someday… 

I did enjoy reading your tweets and seeing all the pictures you posted.  Thanks!

Those bags are AWESOME…

Since I will be spending the next 9 months of my life writing about romance novels, I totally need one of these to carry around my research.

If said thesis is a success, I am totally going to Nashville to celebrate!

I did not attend, but I am hoping someone gives me a membership for my birthday next month.  Either way, I’d love to attend next year, and I would totally love one of those awesome bags.

I’d love one of those bags. I want to be glam too!

Couldn’t make it to DC this year…no money and no PTO, but Nashville is on my calendar for next year.

Thanks!

Enjoyed following your tweets this past weekend. love vintage ANYTHING. Thaks for the chance

I so wished I could have gone but I thank you guys so much for updating us and letting us live vicariously through ya’ll. Awesome! Awesome prize!!!

omgosh I would love one of those bags! they are indeed teh cool

comment comment comment. This bag would totally match my Romance Novel Magnetic poetry.

I spent this year’s RWA kicking myself for not buying a plane ticket to DC when I first heard about it, so count me IN for Nashville.  And a big bag-o-romances?  Yes, please!

I was quite put out that I could not go to RWA this year. But then again I’m a bit of a convention virgin, (If you don’t count that one misguided Star Trek Convention) but since I’m closer to Nashville then Washington DC, I’ll probably find me way there next year. ^.^

Please don’t put me in the draw, I just wanted to say those bags are awesome!  Makes me want to go to next year’s conference just to score one.

If I can somehow pull the money out of my ass, I plan to be there next year!

Nope, never been but I do love the bags.  Bring RWA to Chicago and I’m totally in.

Hey girls! I love your website and I would LOVE one of those great bags!!

Bag! So cool!

I will have to debate—-go to Belgium for IASPR or Nashville. I don’t know if I can do both.

Hey everybody, if you haven’t checked out the IASPR website and forums, head over there now!

No RWA for me. Sadface! Someday…

As my teenage niece would say, “That bag is tight!”  I needs me one of those!  When is RWA coming to the Big Easy?  Mint Julips for everyone!

I didn’t go, but I sure wanted to. Loved the Twitter updates - they were fun to read! If it’s ever on the west coast…

Oh, I have never been to the conference.  It sounds great.  I should try to go next year.

Wow, RWA has WAY cooler swag than Book Expo. Now if I can just figure out an excuse to get my employer to send me next year…

[sings] Ain’t too proud to beg, sweet darlin’
Couldn’t make the conference, I couldn’t go
Ain’t too proud to plead, Smart Bitches
I need that bag girl, don’t you know [/sings]

No really.  And I promise not to sing anymore.

ooo, ooo, ooo! Look this way!! If I thought it would help I would bribe with baked goodies! Not to brag, but I have a way with bread and I’m allergic to bread machines. Plus, I’m good at shipping baked goods; the DH is active duty Army and I mailed him stuff regularly (actually, I need to get back into practice; he’s deploying again in a few months….)

I would love to be able to go next year, but i doubt it will happen. LOL I’ll just live vicariously through others. :)

wasn’t there, not likely to show up next year either.. it’s so expensive to attend!

Those bags look awesome. I am contemplating makng the trip to Nashville next year. I depends on the ecomomy and when I can retire.

Finally!  I get here in time to enter a competition!  When does the conference come to Toronto?

wow very nice
thanks for the great givewawy

was not tehre
wt winners.iread some of those winner books

With my luck and the number of people who have already commented, I probably have no chance of winning this. But, what they hey, it can’t hurt, right?

I wasn’t at this year’s conference and I probably won’t be at next year’s either. I’d love to go to Nashville next year, but I’ll likely be out of the country during that time. *sniffles and tears* I’ll be there in spirit though, especially if I win a bag! =)

Sign me up. I’m always up for romancey swag. I had to miss RWA but hope to make the next one.

I’d love one! I really hope to attend the one in Nashville next year.

I am definitely considering a road trip to Nashville next year. :)

I loved following you, and Jane from DA, and all the authors I follow on Twitter as you guys had grand RWA adventures!  It was awesome, thanks!

:: throws hand in the air::

ooh ooh! (( in best Arnold Horshack voice))

I wasn’t at RWA, but I loved following all the update here and on Twitter. It wasn’t exactly like being there, but it made me almost feel like part of the action! Thank you for keeping us in the loop. 

Adore these HQ vintage cover pieces!  I’ve got their vintage cover calendar hanging in my kitchen!

Those bags are awesome! Can’t hurt to try. Thanks!!!

Thanks for all the updates from Nationals—can’t wait until Nashville 2010!  One of those great vintage bags would be just the thing to tote my stuff around, I think….

If I won a dashing RWA 2009 Harlequin bag,
I’d forever spread the word in a voice that bragged
Smart Bitches and Trashy Books - they know how to shag.

Man, I wish I could go to conferences, just for the swag.
Those bags sound so cool!!

I never enter to win Romance-y stuff anymore, but I WANT THAT BAG! So count me in on this one, please.

I didn’t make it to RWA this year and I doubt I’ll be able to attend next year either.  The bags look great.

Those bags are muy bonita! Please enter me in.. and my husband would not be happy if I went to the RWA, I would blow the annual budget!

Ooh pick me, pick me!  I’m ever so smart!

What a great idea for the bags . . .

Long-time lurker, newbie posting tho ... Please put my name in the hat for one of the bags?  Please excuse that I haven’t read a romance—as opposed to other genre with strong romantic components—in 25 years?  A friend is trying to haul me into the fold, she would DIE of SQUEEE if I had one of those bags :)

Nashville is a ‘maybe - depends upon the money’

covered84 - 84 covers in one bag?  hmmm ...

I would love one!  :)

I would love to go to a RWA conference, but no one I know reads Romance (and not for lack of me trying to interest them!) and it doesn’t seem like it would be a whole lot of fun to do by myself :(

Someone needs to sell those bags online because I would totally purchase one!

Fingers crossed that I’ll a) finish a manuscript, and b) at least be shopping at around, if not already picked up, by next year.

Nashville? Yeah, thinking about it all right ;)

(spamword: planning97)

Ooo, I saw a couple of these on the Metro last week—the first time I just thought, “Sweet bag!” The second time the woman carrying it was sorting through a bunch of romances inside and I made the RWA connection.

I’d love one!

Ditto on the willingness to purchase one if they were available online.  Bags like this are perfect for trips to the farmer’s market.

The bags sound awesome. I love vintage covers. I sometimes buy old paperbacks just for the covers. Yeah for you to give your books to a teacher.

*sigh* Let the bag envy begin. *sigh*

I can’t do conferences for various reasons, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to go, because I do. Sounds like I missed out on another great time AND bags…oh the bags. Have I mentioned I have a major thing for bags? To the point I have been banned from the purse section of stores? Sad, really.

Spamword: Sure52—yes, I’m SURE if given the time, I could come up with 52 reasons why I love bags…possibly more.

I will soooo be in Nashville.  I missed this year’s National and I’ve never been to Tennessee.

I want a bag!!!!!

The bags look really cool.  I would love to get one.

Oh my f-ing god, I really need to start saving NOW to get to Tennessee next year (and I just LOVE spelling that name!). Until then, why yes, I would love to win one of those bags!

Oh, I never win anything. Pick me, pick me!

I loved going to Nationals a few years ago.  I still have that bag and use it all the time.  Of all the giveaways authors and publishers should use, it’s the tote.  You can never have too many of them!

JT

And I’d love to get one of those bags as well! That would be awesome. Especially, since I’m from Austria and have basically no chance to get one any other way (or to attend the RWA like ever without some massive boost of my budget).

Hi, I think the bags are pretty cool.  Nashville sounds fun, not sure if I’ll make it out, but will definitely try to come out the next time RWA is in California!

Oh, I’d love to go to RWA next year!  I’ve been to 2 in-state Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Paranormal cons in the last year, so I’d love one that was ALL Romance etc. 
Honestly, I’d be thrilled to receive one of those bags.  I’d even buy one if they were available that way, but if I don’t get a job soon I won’t be buying much of anything for a long time! 
Hope you pick me!

Didn’t get to go this year and it is too early to determine if I will go next year.  Those bags are fantastic!

I’m dying to go next year - hopefully we’ll have enough a romance section in the bookstore I work at to justify going.

I’ve wanted to go for years, but due to financial constraints, parental duties and my lack of both social and driving skills, I sincerely doubt I’ll be making it to one in the foreseeable future.

And now in an effort to get the pity vote:

So please send me a bag! It’s as close as I’, likely to get. *puppy dog pout*

OOOOOO. . .spiffy.

I would totally love to go to RWA next year. . .if only I had the money and the means to actually get from the west coast to Nashville. .

Pretty please with ice cream, chocolate, sprinkles & a cherry on top?

I want a swag bag!  Please?

Would love to go to one of these conferences one day.

I’ve never gone and I don’t think I ever will be able to.  Money is always so tight.  So if I wanted to go I’d have to not buy a single book for a whole year (I shudder at the thought and become physically ill) to be able to afford it.

Oh, I wish Harlequin sold these bags! I would buy one in a second!

I would love to go to RWA but just can’t afford it. *sigh* I live vicariously through blog posts afterwards.

Bag me, baby! Books….drool…..

Congrats to all this year’s nominees and winners in the Golden Heart and Rita.

The bags looked so awesome! Definitely have to consider going to national next year!

Oooh, yes please!

Someday, when I get some money, I am totally making it over the pond for RWA.

I really appreciated all the Tweets on the RWA conference. Thanks for so generously keep those who could not attend in the loop. And a bag would be icing on the ..you know what. Thanks.

Someday I’m going to be able to go to a conference.

Bags?  Did someone say bags?  Another thing I missed out on by not attending conference this year :(

I’m not a writer, so I didn’t attend RWA. But, one day I would love to attend the signings! And y’all are fabulous for sharing those sensational bags! (No, I’m not sucking up. Promise.)

I would like one of the bags because the are teh coolest! :)  I would have loved to go to RWA.  Sadly I don’t live close.

Although the con sounds like great fun, Nashville is too far away for me. But love the bag and I can already see myself strutting around with one. Please let it be so!

Never been to a conference but hope to someday. I am an aspiring librarian and read many books a week!

Sound slike everyone had a great time!

I didn’t get to make it to RWA this year, but it’s coming here to Nashville next year (woot!) and you couldn’t keep me away! Actually, I’m a member of the Nashville RWA chapter, so even if I didn’t want to go, I’m sure I’d get sweet-talked into working. In the meantime, winning one of those gorgeous bags would sure help me get in the mood for RWA 2010 in Nville :)

I want one!

I’d love to go next year.  But I’m a poor college student and probably won’t be able to….

Those bags look fab!  Very retro!

*waves frantically*

oooooooo, pick me, pick me!

especially since I seem to schlep an inordinate amount of stuff around. . .

I would love to own one of these bags! I love the retro stuff that Harlequin has done and they should start thinking of selling them!

I wish I could have been there! I’m hoping to go next year, but we’ll see…

At least we got to live vicariously through the updates!

I wish I can go to RWA, this will be my first because I never be to RWA. I can’t go to any one this year or next year because of our budget and being in Alaska, it so far away. The bags is great. I hope to win one. I never had win any at all. Guess I not so lucky on stuff to win lol

I love those bags! I hope today is my lucky day.

Bring the Marines! I’ll be seeing some of you in Nashville next year!!

WANT!! Eventho I’m far, far away in South East Asia… -_-’

I have never been to RWA, but I hope to go one day!  I would love one of the bags.  They look beautiful!  Here’s hoping.

Hello from Germany. I’d love to get one of the bags. They look awesome.

I didn’t make it, and doubt I’ll make it next year either, but eventually RWA and I will be in the same time zones on the same days, and I will take full advantage.

I’ve never been to RWA, but I am so drooling over those bags!  I’d love one!  Thanks for the drawing!

I couldn’t go this year, but next year in Nashville for sure, I have friends in the area (lived there for eight years) and can save on hotel costs. Plus I get to see all my favorite people in one place.

Pick me Pretty Please?

*jumps up and down* IWANTIWANTIWANTIWANT!!!! (too spastic?)

Going to Nashville unless the floor just drops out below my feet. Close enough that I’m driving!

Not going to Nashville, but wish I were. ;)

Ooooh yes please!  I need something to carry manuscripts around in (life of an editorial assistant)

Ooh, yes please!

Give an English teacher a chance? I’d love to tote my school stuff around in a nifty bag like that

Oh, pretty!
Wish I could have been there.
I don’t think I’ll be able to attend until RWA gets back on the West Coast. (Sometime around 2012?)

Wow, cute bag.  I probably won’t be going to RWA next year.

Wasn’t there but really enjoyed your twitter updates. Please count me in.

Ooo! A fabulous bag to take to the bookstore and proudly fill with more fantastic romance titles? Yes, please!

Alas, didn’t manage to make it this year. I would love to make it next year (whee, Nashville), but will have to see how the finances are.

JD

Not going to Nashville.

Now, let’s see if I get to comment. Take 6:

Awesome bag, but Nashville is only a dream.

Oh, me me! Harlequin had a booth last week at the American Library Association conference, but every time I stopped by, they were out of bags!!! There were tons floating around, everyone loved them, and I overheard one person commenting that she hadn’t realized that so many librarians were romance fans - but we are. :)

Nashville will always just be a dream for me, love all the updates thanks so much!
the bags sound fab!

I would love a bag! Too bad that they don’t have anything like this in the UK

I missed this year, but I’ll definitely attend next year. I live here in Nashville and absolutely refuse to let RWA come my way and not be there!!

I’ve never been to RWA but I am SO going next year.  :-D

I didn’t go to RWA this year because I had already planned to go to the ALA (American Library Association) conference last week.  I would regret this, except for one thing:

I MET ELOISA JAMES!  I ‘d walked up next to a podium in the HarperCollins pavillion trying to get a look at Neil Gaimon (whose 4 hour signing line was a bit much for me, since I snagged a copy of

What I wouldn’t give have one of those awesome bags!  HQ should really consider getting some tshirts going. I would buy one of those in a heartbeat! Thanks for the chance! :-)

Wow, what an adventure that must have been.  I’ve always wanted to go to a romance conference, but I have a son that plays ice hockey, so trips for mom are a no-go at least till he’s off to college (hopefully) or they do one in Las Vegas.  LOL.  So, the chances of me getting to Nashville next year are slim to none.  :-(  Thanks!!

I didn’t get to go this year but I’m already saving up to try and make it next year.  I even saw a special on the Food Network last night about awesome breakfast places and they mentioned a famous pancake place in Nashville.

Didn’t get to go this year because the economy ate my husband’s job, but would love to go to Nashville (provided we’re not living in a van down by the river by then). ;)

Oh those bags look great! I didn’t get a chance to go but a souvenir would be nice :)

Those are fantastic.  I’d love to come to Nashville, but will probably go to librarian conference instead.  This sounds like much more fun.

I’m going to a conference in DC next week, and will be taking notes on favorite local sites.  I’m so bummed I missed you all by a week!  Urgh!

I regretfully was not able to attend this year but would have loved to have met you guys up close.  I just might go next year as I have a friend who goes religiously.  If is it in the cards, I would love to be included for one of the bags.  Keep up the great bitchy stuff.

Pick me! I love goodies!
I would also love a souvenir!

Alas, I have never been to RWA, however I would love to. I have to travel a lot for work, so getting to go somewhere just for fun is usually not on the agenda (Except my yearly trip to DC to visit family in March).  I’ve been to Nashville and I love it.  Maybe I can sneak in a trip next year.  Who knows?

Ooh! if the bags are as cool as the little notebooks with vintage artwork from Harlequin that I picked up at BEA then those bags are awesome. I will cross my fingers until the prize winners are announced. :)
I couldn’t attend this year as I was in another country. Or possibly on the moon. with steve.

Nashville?! That’s just 60 miles up the interstate. Since I work in a library can I say it’s for professional development?

Those have got to be the coolest book bags I’ve ever seen.

I would love to have one of those bags, Please!

Oh, I would, I would, pay the postage… Yes, please, enter me in the draw….

Totally COOOOOL!  Gimme, gimme…..

Ohhhhh, I LOVE!!!

Wasn’t there this year due to budget constraints, but I hope to submit for next year’s Golden Heart.  If I make the deadline, I’ll be in Nashville next year whether I final or not.  :)

Ooh!  I would love one of those!

I didn’t get to go this year, so I would love a bag!  OMG I will send you puppies in exchange*!

*Not really.

Those bags are fabulous!  I wasn’t there and the chances of going next year are slim, but maybe someday.  In the meantime, a bag would certainly ameliorate my pain.

I heart Vintage. I heart Romance Novel covers. I heart bags.

gimme gimme. PWEEEZ!

I want to go to RWA some day…soon. :-D

oh wow.  those bags are super cute!

Sounds like fun; wish I could have been there

With 286 comment before me I do not think I have much of a chance, but here is my entry.  I was not able to attend.
others47…I guess that means others attended,,,LOL

I have yet to go to an RWA convention but every year I drool over everyone’s descriptions of the event. Really hope to make it to one. The sooner the better in my opinion.

The bag is awesome by the way. Loving the vintage art.

The bags are absolutely adorable.  Thanks for the giveaway!

That’s quite a few comments there.  The bags look gigantic.  And awesome.

I really wanted to go this year, but unfortunately couldn’t justify the expense of an overseas trip. Instead, I spent the Friday night in hospital (just a procedure, nothing too drastic) and felt envious of everyone in DC partying on. 

I’m hoping to go to Nashville; will have to see what the year brings, and whether I get a US publisher.

But I will be at the IASPR conference in Brisbane, and RWAustralia next month! (Ack, must get conference paper written…!)

This is an awesome giveaway. Sadly I did not attend RWA this year, and we’ll see if I make it to Nashville. I’d love to win one of the bags, since they would go so splendidly with my grandmother’s collection of 30-year-old Harlequin Romance books that I recently inherited. My grandmother was an awesome lady, and I’m enjoying reading (and re-reading) her collection.

Oh, I want one of those.  Irony is, the parents were in DC while I held down the fort in the other WA.

I love that bag!! I would definitely buy one if Harlequin sold them! I didn’t go this year and we’ll have to see where I’m living next year before I can decide if Nashville is do-able!

I’m way too poor to go to RWA yet I love reading the updates and seeing the photos.

Let’s me enjoy the good parts without the bad parts (snoring roommates, bathroom lines and hotel food).

Harlequin should start selling those bags- if they don’t already. They’re fab-u-lous!

HQN bags are all sorts of awesome and I would adore toting one around. Just thinking of all the library books the kiddo and I could fit into one brings a smile.

For readers who like pulp fiction w/ great woman characters, check out the Femme Fatales series from the Feminist Press. Skyscraper, the Girls in 3B, In a Lonely Place…some good stuff in that series that would coordinate well with Harlequin’s book bag.  http://news.bookweb.org/features/1851.html

Sadly, no RWA for me. I wish I had been at the Rogue Digital Seminar—much to think about…

Sounds like a blast wish I was there :-D

Can’t some next year.  Will be in London finishing my grad work.  If I fly home for anything next summer it will be ComicCon.