It was hard not to laugh at the opening ceremonies of 2011 RWA National Conference. Diana Gabaldon of the Outlander novels was joined by thriller writer Steve Berry, and Tess Gerritsen, author whose books inspired the series Rizzoli & Isles. The chemistry of the three had us in stitches and it’s always a great to see people at the top of their game who are still grounded and can laugh at themselves.

The industry is changing and that has certainly been the topic all week, but my interest is in this year’s RITA nominees for best YA novel. The competition is fierce in what some say is the hottest genre in fiction. Here are the nominees:  Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder, The Clearing by Heather Davis, Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan, The Iron King by Julie Kagawa, Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles, and The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells.

Winners will be announced Friday, July 1st. Good luck to all the Rita and Golden Heart Finalists!