 | 7 Jul 09 |
It’s almost time! Next Wednesday, July 15th, I’ll leave early in the morning for the big conference. The one all authors who write any semblance of romance look forward to. I think I’ve said in a previous post that I missed all the conferences last year, even though Traceless was a Rita finalist. Well, I’m geared up and ready to go this year. Went to RT, fabulous! Attended BEA, inspiring! Now it’s time to hit the mother of all romance conferences! RWA National in Washington, DC! I am so ready!
Many of those attending will be “virgins.” In Orlando, 1997, I was not only a virgin to National but to ALL conferences. A national conference was my first! And what a grand time I had. So many editors, agents, and wonderful, wonderful other people who do what I do. I can’t say enough about how helpful to one’s career it can be to go and be a part of the RWA National Conference mania.
A quick rundown of advance preparations you must make: Go through the workshop schedule and circle all that you’d like to attend. Then, compare those to the appointments you must keep (meals with editors or agents or other writer friends, etc.). Make yourself an agenda!!! Do not skip this step. Do not depend upon flipping through pages. You’ll forget something. I’ve done it too many times. Have some business cards printed if you don’t have any. Most everyone has them and it’s just cool to pull one out of your bag and offer it to an agent or editor or bookseller or reviewer or just to some cool new friend you make. Consider what you’re going to wear. Doesn’t have to be something new or fancy, just something nice and professional. I’m certain you have all your reservations. So make yourself a packet with all your reservation info, the conference info, and YOUR AGENDA that you can check each day with a mere glance. Tell the hubby and the kids to take care of themselves so you can fully enjoy being with “your people!” Remember your conference manners. No clinging to your idols (I must not grab onto Allison or fall to my knees in an act of worship!). No shoving a proposal or completed manuscript at an editor or agent. No failing to say thanks to all the conference volunteers. Though you may get frustrated at some aspect of what’s going on, remember they have worked hard to help. Thank the presenters of any workshop you attend. They, too, have worked hard and have put themselves out there–show’em how much you appreciate it.
Last but certainly not least, for God’s sake go to the literacy signing and march right up to Debra Webb and tell her how great she is, buy her book and run around the room shouting how everyone else should do the same. Wait, wait, no you can’t do that…that would be tacky. Just forget I said that (notice I didn’t hit delete). Seriously, this month my fifth St. Martin’s Press book is released, EVERYWHERE SHE TURNS. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Also, look for all the other MSW releases this month, GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE GUNS by Toni McGee Causey; EVE OF CHAOS by S.J. Day; and DUST TO DUST by Heather Graham!
Are you ready for National? Any questions? Advice I’ve forgotten?
Debra Webb, born in Alabama, wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the military behind the Iron Curtain—and a five-year stint with NASA—that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set.
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I’m losing my RWA cherry with this one. I will definitely be at the signing so I can get in line for ALL the MSW posse. I’m bringing $$ and a big bag to hold all the books. LOL. I didn’t get a pitch session and I think I’m not too disappointed. I suspect I might be too nervous about that to relax and enjoy the rest. I’ve purposely not bought new releases so I can get them from ya’ll up close and in person!
I’m going to make a sign that says, “Where I come from, jeans and boots ARE professional dress.” LOL.
The DH is going with me, but he’s moving into the Smithsonian after we arrive. LOL. I’m so looking forward to this conference.
And Allison? I lied. I found a “formal” outfit that doesn’t call for pantyhose! w00t!
Okay. MUST get back to editing. 167 pages to go and must be turned in before I leave. See everyone in DC!
by Silver James July 7th, 2009 at 8:05 amSilver, I can’t wait to see you! And yes, I love cowboy boots and jeans!
by Debra Webb July 7th, 2009 at 8:30 amSadly, I’m missing National this year. However, in the spirit of things I will buy your book at my local store and leap around there excitedly telling others they MUST buy it. My local store has come to expect this behavior from me LOL.
by Wendy Roberts July 7th, 2009 at 8:15 amWendy, I know how you feel. I had to miss last year and I was so depressed! Yes, please dance around and shout to the rooftops–buy Deb’s new book!
by Debra Webb July 7th, 2009 at 8:31 amWhile I am not attending the conference I will be stopping by for the signing! The great advantage of working in DC – everything is only a Metro ride away! Like Silver I have been avoiding my local B&N so I am not tempted to buy new books (although in the past I have purchased a book then gotten a signed copy and donated my original to the local library) I am very excited to stop by and get new books for my vacation, two weeks later, why did everyone at work want to take off in the middle of July when I wanted to take off? Note to self – put in for time off to go to Nashville early!
by Tiffany July 7th, 2009 at 8:48 amTiffany! Nashville is only a couple of hours from where I live. Note to you and myself: let’s have a toast in Nashville in 2010! See you at the signing in DC!
by Debra Webb July 7th, 2009 at 8:51 amSounds like you have everything covered. Did you mention packing clothes for the even? AND colored marking pens to highlite different events! Have a ball, wish I could be there!
by Karin July 7th, 2009 at 9:09 amKarin, yes, evening wear! The highlighters are an excellent idea! Thanks! Will miss you!
by Debra Webb July 7th, 2009 at 9:23 amThis is my sixth national conference — and they’re all in a row. I’ve been hauling stuff to my office all morning to pair up pants and tops, skirts and blouses, to debate whether to take the swimsuit. I have business cards, my agenda is filled out (I made a Word table for my first conference and just use that every year). I’m far from ready to go, though. I still have to get this darned cast off my leg on Friday.
I’d planned to pitch for the first time but when I was a winner in the eHarlequin online pitch contest back in March and got a request from that, it sorta derailed the pitch-at-conference plans since I don’t have another book finished yet. But it will be my first conference as a PRO.
I’ll run around the room and tell everyone how fabulous you are. And you can slip the check under my hotel room door. LOL! You ARE fabulous. No check required.
by Marilyn July 7th, 2009 at 9:09 amMarilyn, you’re a jewel! I can’t wait to see you there!
by Debra Webb July 7th, 2009 at 9:25 amDeb, I won’t be there darn it! I would love to buy your book, tell you how fab you are then run around to spread the news!
My biggest advice is to keep a positive attitude and be friendly! And maybe a little forgiving–people get tired and zoned out. They aren’t ignoring you on purpose! I’ve walked right by people and didn’t even hear them call my name. Thankfully, one of my friends heard and smacked me back into awareness.
by Jen Lyon July 7th, 2009 at 9:39 amJen, that’s an excellent point! It can be overwhelming and exhausting! I’ll miss you!
by Debra Webb July 7th, 2009 at 10:03 amI’ll miss you, too, Jen! But Nashville, right? Promise???!!!??
by Silver James July 7th, 2009 at 12:36 pmi’m locked and loaded, baby!
by Karin Tabke July 7th, 2009 at 11:07 amYea, baby!
by Debra Webb July 7th, 2009 at 11:10 amHoave a great time next week at the conference. I know you will and since you missed last year’s you have to make it up this year and have double fun. susan L.
by susan leech July 7th, 2009 at 12:52 pmSusan, yes, ma’am! Making up for missing out last year sounds like a terrific plan!
by Debra Webb July 7th, 2009 at 12:59 pmHope everyone has an awesome time. LOL at the image of you at Allison’s feet doing the whole ‘I’m not worthy’ thing. LMAO as I picture Allison giving you the raised eyebrow and saying, “What are you doing? Get up from there.”
by Jill James July 7th, 2009 at 2:00 pmJill, that’s exactly what she would do! I’m so looking forward to being with “my people!”
by Debra Webb July 7th, 2009 at 2:03 pmBummed that I have to miss this one. Have fun everyone!
by Terry Odell July 7th, 2009 at 4:07 pmWe will definitely miss you, Terry!
by Debra Webb July 7th, 2009 at 5:48 pmEnjoy yourself. It sounds like you will. One of these days I will get to attend after I retire. D.C. is only 7 hours away and would have been so doable. Until I can make it, I will just have to keep reading all you wonderful ladies’ work.
by Patricia Barraclough July 7th, 2009 at 9:04 pmHave fun!
Patricia! Soon, you must come and enjoy! It would be a pleasure to meet you!
by Debra Webb July 7th, 2009 at 9:15 pm