Posts Tagged ‘Check-in’
In four days, I’ll be leaving for New York City.
Not only is this my first trip to NYC, it’ll be my first RWA National conference. Needless to say, I’m nervous — and seeing all the chatter online isn’t easing my jitters.
In an attempt to stay sane while I get ready to go, I’ve been spending too much time online, looking for hints and tricks on how to make the most of the conference experience.
Lucky for me, there’s plenty of advice out there to be had.
First off, packing — of which I’ve done none yet. (Procrastinating at its finest.) Yes, I’ve purchased my Golden Heart® awards ceremony dress, and clothes to wear during the conference. But the thought of packing it all in one suitcase — or worse, one small carry-on bag — terrifies me.
One of the Starcatchers (the name the 2011 Golden Heart class picked), Erin Kelly, shared these great packing tips. While I doubt I’ll be able to stuff a full-length, full-skirted gown into a carry-on with enough clothes, shoes and underwear for the rest of the week, I plan to use as many of her hints as I can.
When I get to NYC (hopefully with my luggage), what do I do? Who do I see? How can I survive pitching to an agent and editor? Bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle posted a collection of tried and true conference advice.
At Once Written, Twice Shy, another Starcatcher, Kimberly Kincaid, posted The Sassy Girl’s Guide to Success at RWA Nationals. Helpful even though I don’t consider myself shy. Quiet, yes (although my coworkers might disagree) … shy, no.
Of course, the Rubies have been posting helpful info, too. They’re always full of good advice. Check out Tamara Hogan’s Introverts Guide to RWA Nationals and the indispensable guide for those not lucky enough to be going to conference: My Ruby Sisters Went to New York and All I Got Was aT-Shirt.
I normally don’t pay much attention to my horoscope.
Oh sure, I know my sign — Libra — and the signs of family. I even check my horoscope every Thursday, when I’m putting together the Sunday puzzle page for the newspaper. I’ll also read it if I stumble across it in a magazine.
But believe it? Not a chance. It’s entertainment, like a movie or a particularly hilarious Twitter stream.
Some horoscopes stick with me, though. The one I read in the June issue of Sedona Monthly is one of those:
This should be your current mantra: authentic. No matter what is coming at you, stay true to yourself. Remain centered and remember who you are. It will be hard, since people are coming at you from all sides with unexpected opportunities. As long as you remain faithful to your heart, you will be able to enjoy the attention and support you are getting from people you never imagined would notice poor little old you.”
Given all the attention I’ve been getting since finaling in the Golden Heart®, this prediction really hit home for me.
As I gear up for my first RWA Nationals, opportunities are starting to come my way — and I expect more at the conference. (The power of positive thinking at work, right?)
According to this horoscope, I just need to stay true to myself. Easy-peasy, right? Nobody knows me better than me!
Okay, not really famous … but my name is listed in the latest issue of RWA’s Romance Writers Report.
That’s right. I got the issue that lists all the Golden Heart® and Rita® finalists.
Blurry, but it's there — I promise!
There I am, right at the top of the Contemporary Series list. (Note to self: Continue entering MSs with titles at the beginning of the alphabet.)
Seriously, it’s a thrill to see my name printed alongside of all the other finalists’. Even though, as a reporter, I see my byline in print often (no longer every day, because I do more page design than writing), it’s different when my name is attached to my fiction. Don’t ask me why — I just know it is.
The countdown is on: In less than 20 days, I’ll be on a plane on my way to NYC. I can’t wait to get there and meet everyone! Win or lose, we’re all going to have a great time in the Big Apple.
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