Headed to Conference...One Way or Another
The countdown has begun. This is my last blog before I leave for the RWA National Conference in San Francisco later this week. *pauses as crew applauds* Very funny. Wenches.
This is my first national conference and my first time traveling cross-country. I'm actually more excited than I am nervous, but I'm sure I'll start shaking like a leaf once I walk into that hotel and see all the other attendees milling around. It's almost as if it doesn't feel real yet. As if I'm going to wake up Wednesday morning and realize I'm not actually going anywhere. Which would really suck since I have this suitcase packed to the brim sitting in my living room.
You would think, being the procrastinator that I am, packing is the last thing I'd do. But no, packing is all done. I even have a fancy new binder (for the handouts I have to print myself…gah!) and a sassy little schedule spreadsheet I color coded. I know, this may be the most anal thing I've ever done. But never fear, there are several things I've put off so I haven't lost my charming "I can do that tomorrow" ways.
I have three goals for this trip. Have fun, have fun, and have fun. Seriously, that's it. I mean, I intend to learn lots of craft stuff that will inspire me to come back and finish my WIP by the end of September (stop laughing!) and meet as many people as I can. It's all about the networking, baby. But the bottom line is, have a good time!
Now, here's the cool part. Anyone who isn't going to San Francisco can still do the same things I'll be doing. Turns out, there are online conferences going on for those not able to make the trip this year. First up is the Not Going to Conference Conference. Isn't that a great name? This one is courtesy of the Romance Diva's. The virtual conference runs from July 30 to August 2 with lots of workshops and prizes. Registration is free and you never know what contacts you'll make by taking part.
The other option is the Left Behind and Loving It Conference which actually starts today. Multi-published author, Lynn Viehl, is offering workshops and prizes all week long on her Paperback Writer blog. Everything from plotting and editing to branding and a Q&A session, this is a great opportunity to have the conference experience all from the comfort of your own home.
Then there are various other blogs that will keep you in the action. The RWA National website will have frequent updates throughout the event and pretty much any other blog you visit on a regular basis will be talking conference. I know you'll want to be here Friday because Santa O'Byrne (who will be here tomorrow as well with her own pre-conference blog) and I plus any of our friends we can recruit will post a "conference so far – who we've squealed at and who is taking out a restraining order against us" blog.
EDITING!!! Can't believe I forgot to mention where you can get your blog hook-up all in one place. This fantastic woman named Judi put together all the blogs regarding the conference in one place. Go HERE for everything conference at your fingertips. (And we're there too!)
Now it's time for the questions. If you're going to San Fran, are you packed? Are you calm? Or are you freaking out on the inside? If you're not going, will you check out one of these online conferences? Will you surf the net to every site you can find to follow the action? Or would you rather do what we should probably all be doing and spend the time writing?
Books by the Crew
38 comments:
I'm really hoping to finish or get reeeeally close to finishing the WIP this week. I am tempted by those workshops though. Terri, I know you'll have more fun than a barrel full of undead monkeys. Go easy on the rum, and leave the cannon at home---the airport screeners are fussy that way.
And bring your heart back; SF already has Tony Bennett's.
Ter, I'm so excited for you! I'm sure you're going to have a blast and you have to tell us all about it when you get back (and intermittently as you go along, if possible).
I will probably check out the online conferences and then I'll probably write some and I'll probably read Breaking Dawn (out on Saturday, Yay!!).
First... Have FUN, Terri! It'll be a blast to meet so many people you chat with online! I can't wait to go next year, when it'll be driving distance!
I'll be finishing up Hidden Beauty this week and grumbling for time on my hubbies computer to do it cause mine is going in for repairs.
I'm hoping, by some chance I get Breaking Dawn early (I preordered it) but I won't hold my breath. I'm be on the net the night of the Rita's and GH presentation, I can't wait to find out who wins, I'm rooting for so man people!
I am leaving tomorrow morning at 6am and I still haven't put a thing in a suitcase. As a matter of fact, I keep forgetting to get the suitcase from my mom. Even as we speak she is altering the sleeves on my RITA ceremony dress.
Nothing like the last minute, friends. See you in SF, Terri. I'll be surfing from CA. Hah! I made a funny. Surfing. CA. Get it?
Maggie - My heart shall be intact when I return. I hope. And good advice about the cannon. I'll have to unpack that tonight. Now...go finish that story! (how many times have I said that now? LOL!)
Marnee - what perfect timing that you're taking a break from writing right when that book comes out. I bet you have it finished before the weekend is over. Then what will you do? LOL! I'll send back as many updates as I can.
Tiff - Didn't your comp just get back from the dr. not long ago? LOL! And I know you can work the DH, no doubt about that. I'm really excited but you're right about next year being driving distance. I love knowing that most everyone who doesn't make it this year will be there in DC. Now...you go finish too!
Santa - I thought I ordered you yesterday to go pack. You people never listen to me. LOL! And you're wearing a dress now?! I thought you were wearing pants. I'm so happy to know I won't be the only one in a dress. Y'all had me scared for a minute there. Oh, and thanks for sharing the internet cost with me. Can you people believe they are charging for wireless now?! WTF!!!!
don't even get me started on it just coming back from the comp dr. grrrrr.... at least it's under warranty.
I'm going to try to write this week. Have a great time in San Fran Ter!
Have fun and be safe!!
Sarah
Oh Have FUN Everyone!
Thanks Terri for posting those online conference sites. I definitely will be checking them out. And hell yes I’d rather be going to the conference than doing what I should be doing! Which is… installing a new pool liner… setting up delivery for 15 0r 20 thousand gallons of water… to replace the stuff that went gushing out when… Gosh I’m glad that my house is at the top of the hill… then I’m gonna buy a heavy duty orbital sander to sand down my deck… Who knew that mustard would stain the wood like that? Oh well… some things are worth it. SIN is probably laughing.
Hey at least I don’t Have to share a room with J Perry Stone…
Sin - Here's to thousands of words pouring onto the page!!!
Sarah - Thanks for stopping by. I sure hope you get to make it next year and here's to words flowing for you too.
Julie - Please tell me the city where you are have that nice little policy where they won't charge you to fill the pool? And you have a point, I not only have to room with her, I have to fly with her! LOL! Lucky for me, she's little and I can stuff in a suitcase if need be.
I just editing the blog to throw in a tidbit I forgot last night. There's a great blog that runs this time of year with a complete rundown of all the blogs discussing anything related to the conference. It's a great source if you want to get the experience from every angle. And we're in there too! So check out Judi's blog, the link is in my blog in red.
I'm not laughing.
Okay, maybe a little on the inside, Julie.
I'd like to say that I'll be writing while you're all at conference -it just sounds so right! - but the truth of the matter is I'll probably read and haunt blogs. The whole time I'll be wishing I was at conference.lol. Have a great time, Terri! I'm sure you'll come back with the drive to finish up your WIP!
Kelly - all that blog hopping is research on the industry. That's totally justifiable. LOL!
Sin - That's better than crying on the inside. LOL!
Favor - would anyone who does try out these online conference report back and let us know how they are? They really do look like fun. And the lure of prizes is always good.
Terri - I'm sure you'll have an absolute blast (how could you not!) and make lots of great networking contacts.
I'm sure I'll check out all the 'stuck at home and missing the action' blogs - sounds like fun! Thanks for letting us know about them
Haleigh - you should know some of this is a ruse to distract you so Sin can catch up. LOL! Watch your back!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you make it next year!
LMAO! There's no way she's catching up now. I hit 84k last night - I'm a chapter and a half away from the end. Hopefully I'll finish tonight. I'd like to see her try to catch up to that! LOL.
I hope I make it next year too! Have fun for all of us :)
Go you, Hal! I'm so happy for you!!
I'm heading out tomorrow evening! I'm excited and nervous but mostly excited! Probably the thing that stresses me out the most is whether I'll have the right clothing and shoes. I'm wearing a dress for Saturday night but only because from pics it seems that's what people wore last year. If I'm over-dressed oh well! I at least staged my packing last night but I'm still in the suitcase dilemma...to bring a carry-on and a bigger suitcase to check (so that I have room for giveaways) or just to bring one big suitcase? GAH!
Can't wait to see you! I'll of course be looking for you but if we don't see each other the first few days we'll see each other on Saturday! :)
Hal - Whoohoo!!! The end is near! You go girl!
Steph - We better find each other before Saturday! Seriously, I'm selling raffle tickets at the signing so I shouldn't be that hard to find. I'm so excited to get to meet you and Mary.
I'm wearing a nice simple brown knit dress to the awards, but it's in a sort of trendy style and I'm dressing it up with fancy shoes and aquamarine jewelry for a pop of color. It's not satin or covered in jewels so it's not too dressy, but should be just classy enough. I hope!
And there's no way I could make this trip without checking a suitcase. But I'm packing lots of stuff (including a fleece pullover) in my carry-on along with my laptop.
*screaming, squeeling* OMG, I'm so happy for you! Have a freaking blast...and drink all the rum you can. But don't get so lured or have so much fun with those crazy, fun-loving Banditas you decide to trade in your sailor's hat for a mask! I know how they are!
Are you sure you gals can't come?! It's never too late. I'd feel much better having you with me. LOL!
And this is obviously all about me, pirate diva that I am. ;)
Captain! You know that Bandit Lair is full to popping now. I'd never abandon this ship. You're stuck with my angsty butt for the duration. My RWR t-shirt and promotional cards are all packed. Well, technically I'm wearing the t-shirt on the plane but it's all ready to go.
The excitement is starting to be overtaken by the nerves. I still don't have an answer to that "What's your book about?" question. Which is making me nauseous.
Have tons of fun! I can't believe I won't be there *sigh*
You have that whole plane ride to perfect "What's my book about"--it'll happen. I wrote my pitch at Dee's house. (Of course, it might be the magic of Dee's house!)
Okay, I'm logging off! I will talk to you ladies tomorrow!!
Thanks Marnee and Terri - if I can just manage to concentrate a few more hours at work... lol
Terri - Have fun!!! Trips are so much fun... the packing, the plane ride, the hotel stay (someone else cleaning up after you and cooking for you.) That in and of itself is exciting enough... then throw in RWA and you're gonna have a great time.
Take lots of pictures!
Haleigh - are we supposed to be concentrating at work?! If so, I'm in big trouble...
Irish - Thanks so much. I'll have tons of pictures, never fear. I might even have to buy another memory stick just in case. LOL!
I'm way too distracted. This was supposed to be a super productive day and all I can think about is SF. Gah! Terri, let's trade awkward "what's your book about?" stories at the end of the conference! I still have NO CLUE. We'll probably get to the lunch with all the authors on Saturday and I'll sit there and stutter out a response. GAH!
Steph - since I'm getting NO work done, I've been working on a one sentence answer to that question. What do you think?
An emotional joyride in which fate throws two damaged people into each others' paths and together they learn that letting go is ultimately a matter of holding on.
Does that make sense to anyone and would it make you want to know more?
Terrio, and anyone else who is going, have an amazing time and then come home and tell us all the juicy details!!!!!!!!
Yes, in answer to Terrio's question. I DO want to read your novel ... even if I am stuffed in your suitcase.
Now that you've got your "elevator pitch," write the sit-down pitch, because I'm hauling you to my appointment and you are pitching in place of a no-show.
And Julie, if ever--whenever, Mrs.--you ARE going to eventually room with me ... and love it.
Terri: 'An emotional joyride in which fate throws two damaged people into each others’ paths and together they learn that letting go is ultimately a matter of holding on.'
That makes perfect sense to me! And it totally whets my appetite for more. Great job!
Gillian - we'll miss you!
J - I am NOT pitching an unfinished book. Next year, maybe even in October, but not this year.
Kelly - Bless your heart! First you say my pic is pretty (over on blogger) and then you like my one liner. You're too good to me!
Terri, you are so in trouble. J Perry is HYPED up...
Is it just me? Or did any one else hear the Jaw's theme song when J Perry said "And Julie, if ever–whenever, Mrs.–you ARE going to eventually room with me … and love it."
Chat up your book now, Terri. Finish it by the end of September and pitch it in October.
Santa
Who really should be following her own advice.
BTW, I'm packed. Just have to throw in jewelry and the Nutella. Don't ask.
Does anyone know where you can get a nice French baguette in SF?
Surely your relatives can point you toward a baguette. Can't wait to see what this Nutella is that everyone talks about.
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