We made it back from conference late last night, and my husband and I were up even later talking, so I'm running behind this morning. I slept in, but had to get up eventually because the hubby had to go to work.
I have utmost respect and sympathy for those Playfriends who had to get up early and head into work today. I'm not sure how you managed it!
Conference didn't actually seem like as much of a whirlwind this year. I attended some really good workshops, listened to great speakers at lunch, and just generally got to hang out with friends. I made a few new friends and ran into some old ones who actually remembered my name!!!!
But my daughter expressed my own feelings exactly when she said this morning, "I'm SO glad to have you home." And Mommy has never been SO glad to be home. I'm through traveling until October and I'm extremely glad about that.
I have a whole list of plans, not the least of which is to get moving on my book. But also on my office, since I attended a workshop on how to arrange it according to learning style. Really cool. I figured that one would be useful, since we just moved to a new house and I haven't had the chance to do much with my office. Ideas are flowing as I'm just sitting here.
I'm sure y'all will be hearing lots from all of us about conference this week, and we've planned a special article in September that will include highlights from our favorite workshops.
But for now, I'm going to cuddle with my babies on the couch. I'll check back in to talk again later today.
If you didn't attend conference, what is your most burning question? If you did attend, what was your favorite part?
Angel
PS: I hope this is vaguely coherent. I've read through it twice to correct all the typos, but my brain doesn't seem to be on high alert today. I have no idea why?!?! :)
20 comments:
Ugh! I'm exhausted. My girls are dragging a bit today as well. Don't tell my bosses (or my editor since I'm supposed to be working on revisions) but I think today is a bust. Nap time is definitely in my future. The office floor isn't all that comfey but I'm so tired I don't think it'll matter.
Instigator
Welcome back! I'm glad the conference was wonderful..and i'm so looking forward to hearing how to organize your office according to your learning style.
My burning questions? I have a few:
1. What was the most important thing you learned?
2. Who was the "sqeee!!!" that was important for you to meet and see?
3. For someone who's never been, what would be the most important thing to tell me, i mean her?
4. What was your favorite part?
5. What was your least favorite part?
6. Are you planning on going next year?
7. Why should you join RWA?
Okay - i'm off to food shop. I've noticed that my freezer and fridge are Mother Hubbards..and i can't have that.
Nini :)
Ooops.....forgot to mention that i received a cool package in the mail last week, with books and yummies!
Thanx!!!!!!!!!
Nini
Wow! That's a lot of questions :-)
1. I attended a workshop by Michael Hauge on Identity and Essence of character that was amazing.
2. Well, meeting Barbara Vey from Publisher's Weekly was pretty squee worthy.
3. Hmm, that's a bit difficult. What I love about conference is that there's something for everyone. You need help with structure, plot, characterization, contracts, marketing... There's a workshop on almost everything. It really depends on what would help you the most.
4. Attending the Blaze party (despite missing Harry Potter :-D)
5. Lack of sleep
6. Absolutely!
7. Yes they offer resources (classes, workshops, conferences, contests, pitch sessions...) but honestly, it's the camaraderie. I couldn't handle the day to day ups and downs of writing without the wonderful friends I've met through RWA. That alone is worth its weight in gold.
Instigator
My body hurts. My brain hurts. Can I go back to bed?????
To answer Nini's questions:
1. What was the most important thing you learned? In a pinch, 5 women can put together a stunning cocktail outfit. Just ask Instigator.
2. Who was the "sqeee!!!" that was important for you to meet and see? Hands down, it was Barbara Vey from Publishers Weekly. However, I did get all fangrrl over Suzanne Brockmann.
3. For someone who's never been, what would be the most important thing to tell me, i mean her? GO! The important thing is to go and then savor the experience.
4. What was your favorite part? I have to say that seeing my dear friend Rocki St. Claire win the Rita has to be at the top of the list.
5. What was your least favorite part? The prices at the hotel. ACK!
6. Are you planning on going next year? You bet your sweet bippy! San Francisco, here I come!
7. Why should you join RWA? Many reasons. The national organization is an advocate for writers. Your local chapter will be the place you can meet with likeminded souls who understand that you hear voices in your head. I've learned so much at both the local and national level -- things I'd have never learned elsewhere. And I've made the greatest friends in RWA. I'd have never met the Playfriends otherwise since without writing, we'd have run in entirely different circles.
Is it naptime yet???
PM
When my alarm went off at 6:20, I was very unhappy. I've been at work for 3 hours and I've contributed very little.
1. How important friends are in this business. They help you stay presentable (ie, well groomed and properly attired), keep you sane and tell you how great you are when you feel down.
2. It was nice to meet Susan Elizabeth Phillips. She's a doll.
3. Pack cute, comfortable clothes and shoes and don't worry if you don't make every workshop session. The networking is the most important part.
4. I loved seeing Lori Handeland win her 2nd RITA. That was great. Getting a request from an agent wasn't bad either. Or interviewing with Publishers Weekly. A good week, I think.
5. Seeing the look on PC's face when she twisted her knee.
6. Yep.
7. Its an unbelievable source of support and knowledge. Couldn't do this without it.
1. What was the most important thing you learned?
That I'm not a 17-year-old cheerleader. And to understand that statement, you'll need to read my blog tomorrow.
2. Who was the "sqeee!!!" that was important for you to meet and see? Barbara Vey from PW was pretty fun, but shaking Susan Elizabeth Phillips' hand was pretty cool too. I had my camera in my bag and didn't think to get a picture. ~smacks forehead~
3. For someone who's never been, what would be the most important thing to tell me, i mean her? Go, have fun, absorb everything you can, try not to do anything that will make you blog fodder. Also, conference doesn't end until you are safely home, so the undergarment rule still applies on Sunday morning. (yes, more on that story tomorrow as well)
4. What was your favorite part? Meeting folks who read the blog or site and having them recognize me.
5. What was your least favorite part? Being nagged to death by Playfriends and Mavens. (Yes, tomorrow's blog is shaping up to be a doozie.)
6. Are you planning on going next year? Wild horses couldn't keep me away.
7. Why should you join RWA? Because everything you need to know is available for the asking.
So the actual incident itself was not as painful as us nagging you about it? :)
SP
I know. I know. It's 11:09. I promise one response and I'm off to work.
1. What was the most important thing you learned? That I'm very fortunate to have friends who advise freely, calm me down, take time to help me relax before a very important moment and ignore my blithering stupidity when I can't seem to fathom my luck.
2. Who was the "sqeee!!!" that was important for you to meet and see? The man across the table at my editor appointment and getting a request for a partial!
3. For someone who's never been, what would be the most important thing to tell me, i mean her? Attending RWA's conference is like opening a door and entering Oz. The world is in technicolor and magical things occur.
4. What was your favorite part? Meeting the man across the table and not tripping up Angel.
5. What was your least favorite part? Watching a friend suffer pain.
6. Are you planning on going next year? Never a doubt.
7. Why should you join RWA? If you want to write, you need the contacts, encouragement, learning and advice that countless writers freely offer all year long. RWA is about giving back, seeing the new writer succeed. Join. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Kathy
Okay. Okay. It's 11:18 and I'm off. PC, I hope you got that apointment today. Instigator, I hope the floor is comfortable. Angel, have fun with the kids and working on your office. PM, I hope your brain feels better. And SP, have a great day at work.
I did make it up off the couch long enough to order in some lunch...
1. That the true friends I've made in my writing life are there to encourage me, reprimand me when I need it, comfort me, listen to me, and even tell other people how great we are (and that even includes me! Wow!).
2. Barbara Vey of Publishers Weekly! Not only was she interested in us, she was one of the nicest women I met at conference. Y'all just have to check her out!
I always experience a little squee when authors remember who I am. They must meet hundreds, if not thousands, of new people every year. Why should they remember me?
3. Don't over schedule! You don't have to attend a workshop every hour. That's what the CDs are for.
Take a nap the afternoon you "hit the wall."
4. Dressing up.
5. Flying.
6. Yep.
7. If you are seriously pursuing a writing career, there is no better place to learn and grow. RWA has taught me more than I could ever have learned on my own and connected me with women who have become essential to my life.
Angel
PS: Kathy, I hope you get lots accomplished during your work time today. I applaud you for taking the initiative even before the kids are in school!
Glad you all had such a great time. I think with all the traveling you guys have done, I'd be so tired.
PC - Friends nag. It comes with the territory. :-)
Fun as conference was, I'm so glad to be home. I'm brain dead and dragging big time, but happy all the same.
LJ
I've written short stories that have less letters than today's word verification ...
Speaking of 'squee'...i hear PM tried on Linda Howard's Manolo's????
Hmmmmmmm..........AND?????
Nini ;)
I'm so tired so tired I feel like I've got a hangover. And my husband failed to water the flowers at my front door, resulting in a brown wilted thing that will probably never recover.
Thanks for being great roomies, and showing me the ropes. It was a blast.
For Nini:
1. Write your way. Your process doesn't have to be like Nora's or SEP's or anyone elses. Do what works for you and don't sweat whether you can outline or can't write without outlining extensively or whatever.
2. I met lots of people, but probably the best squee for me was finally, finally, meeting Carla Cassidy in person. We've known each other forever, shared personal stuff, and been part of a core group of women who've been together for donkey's years. :) Oh, and hanging out in the bar with the fabulous and talented women of Heart of Dixie and thinking, "I'm so lucky to be part of this chapter."
3. Get the first timer ribbon and display it proudly. People will help you. And you can never have too many pairs of fabulous shoes. ;)
4. Uh, meeting so many great people.
5. The non-stop tiredness and the hotel food.
6. Yes indeed!
7. Because you'll never meet a better more supporting group of writers who truly care about what they do and are willing to help you find your way.
Well, I must say I'm speechless (and that doesn't happen often). I am honored to be considered a squeee moment.
It was utterly delightful meeting you ladies and I'm sure we'll be hearing lots about you in the years to come. I have your playground in my favorites, so like your playground monitor, I'll be watching. :)
Thanks for making the conference so special for me.
Barbara Vey
Welcome back! Sounds like it was both hectic and fun.
How many books did you come back with in your suitcase? That's my burning question. And which one do you prize the most? :D
JJ
*WAVES* Hey, Barbara!!!! (she actually came to visit us, OMG!)
Naturenut, I came home with approximately 25 books in my suitcase, give or take a couple (I haven't actually unpacked yet.).
I think out of those, my faves include Kelley St. John's Ghosts and Roses, Sabrina Jeffries' School for Heiresses anthology, and Dead Right by Brenda Novak.
Angel
My word verification is huntrdex. :)
Waves to Barbara!
JJ, I think I got close to 40 books. Most are in a box I FedExed back home because I would have been seriously over the luggage weight limit otherwise.
Most prized one? Probably the copy of Suzanne Brockmann's HOT TARGET. I'm a new Brockmann reader and actually read this book recently. I got the very last copy and because of that everyone else left the line and I got to talk to her for quite a bit. She autographed the book and also autographed some booklets she does about her Troubleshooter series. There's a part for writers about writing in deep POV as well as stuff about her characters. She's a neat lady and I met her husband Ed as well. She's taken a stand on an issue that divides many folks and has incorporated it into her books because this affects her son. I have a great deal of admiration for her for doing this.
Now I just have to figure out where to put 40 more books. Eep!
PM
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