Historical Romance

Historical Romance with an Inspirational Touch

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Lists to Ponder and Plans to Make

Though it is still 6 weeks away, and I have plenty of time to plan, I find myself returning to the Romance Writers of America website to review the conference line-up. I attended for the first time last year and enjoyed every last minute. There was a short time however, in the late morning on Saturday, when I sat down in the lounge with my friends and knew I could not move. I thought it impossible to add even the tiniest bit of information into my overly saturated brain. Perhaps this is why I am planning ahead now. I didn’t know what to expect last time. Now I do.


The easiest part is taken care of. I will arrive on Tuesday and meet up with my critique partners. What is especially exciting is that of the group of us going, I’ve only met two face to face – at last year’s conference. There will be seven of us this time and I can’t wait to meet them in person. We’ve spent over a year reading each other’s chapters, giving advice, cheering contest wins, editing work, and grumbling along with the entrant over poor scores. We’ve already talked about our families, work and our plans. All that is left is a face to face chat and I can’t wait.


Wednesday will be an easy day. Nothing is really required of me since I am not a chapter leader or a librarian. So, I will wander in sometime to register and then show up for the “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing. This is where the first list comes in. I’ve already read through it once and there are so many names of my favorite authors that I hope I can get to them in the two hours allotted. This was also the place where I got my first piece of advice. When it is your first conference, you have a ribbon that says “first timer”. Victoria Alexander, whose books I loved, saw the ribbon and told me to pace myself. Boy, was she right. I may not have gotten it last year, but I will certainly heed it this year. The rest of the evening is up for grabs, though my crit partners are thinking of attending the Beau Monde Soiree. We shall see.


As for Thursday and the remainder of the conference. I am at a loss. Too many wonderful workshops and so little time. I guess I will keep reading and picking and changing my mind until I get there.


How about you? Do you attend the RWA Conference? Do you have a plan of attack on how to make the most of the experience? Who is your favorite author and one I should be sure to get a book from? Having been only once I still consider myself a newbie and welcome any advice.

8 comments:

  1. Well I'm not going to this conference though it sound fun and productive. Will be attending a League of Utah Writers conference in Sept-can't wait.

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  2. I've never been, but expect you to tell us all about it when you get back! ;)

    I read your post about your critique group. You're very lucky. It's hard to find a group that doesn't break up or lose interest in critting. A few days ago, I wrote a post about critique groups. If you have a chance, maybe you could check it out and see if you have anything to add??? Thanks.

    Lynnette Labelle

    http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com

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  3. I had considered going, but realized that I had to pick one conference to start with. So I'm going to ACFW in Denver in the fall. But please let us know how it goes!

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  4. I'm going to RWA Nationals this year too! I can't wait. I've never been before. I'm lucky to belong to a local chapter, so I'll know several people there.

    And I'm going to be all over that literacy signing! Pretty sure I'll make a complete fool out of myself over Stephanie Laurens.

    Hope to see you there!

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  5. I had planned to go to the RWA conference one year, but my husband ended up in the emergency room the day my flight was supposed to leave! So I ended up staying home. :-)

    Hope you have a great time!

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  6. It sounds so exciting! Especially the part about meeting your critique partners!

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  7. Woohoo! I wanted to go to RWA too, but like Jody decided ACFW was the one for me this year. :-) Yay! I'm so excited for you and can't wait to hear all about it.

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  8. Lin,
    Have fun at the conference in Utah. You will have to share what you learn

    Lynette,
    I am very lucky to have this group. I will head over to your blog shortly and take a look. I've had issues with my internet which is why I am so behind in responding to posts

    Jody,
    I've never been to an ACFW conference. You will have to tell me what it is like.

    Jill,
    You are going to love the conference and maybe we will actually meet. It is great that you are already going to know people there. It is a huge plus.

    Melissa,
    I'm sorry you missed the opportunity and hope everything worked out well for your husband. I hope you can make it to a conference soon.

    Terri,
    It will be exciting.

    Jessica,
    You will have to let me know how the ACFW goes. Have fun

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