So, it’s seventeen days until I board a plane to go to my first RWA convention ever. And I’m both excited and pretty scared. I planned to make this a family/friend vacation even when it was scheduled for Nashville–I had visions of my daughters singing in some honky-tonk and doing the boot scoot boogie. Now I see them spinning in teacups with Sadie, my two-year-old granddaughter, and avoiding heatstroke in Orlando.
I am traveling with an entourage (not to be confused with the HBO series of the same name because we are not nearly as profane or buff)–my oldest daughter (Sadie’s mom), Sadie, my youngest daughter, one of my oldest friends and her daughter. I realized I will not be having dinner with them any night because of commitments, and that makes me even more nervous. Their human shield capability is what I love about them most. 🙂 I am friendly, but I am shy. I think that’s a given for most of us who peck away in privacy.
My youngest daughter gave me a beautiful pen at Christmas to sign books with. I’ve got it in my purse already. Due to the terrifying genius of Rita-nominated Courtney Milan, my book excerpts are appearing in rather exalted company in this promo booklet.
I’m bringing pencils and magnets and bookmarks to pass out, too.
Next week my oldest daughter and I are going clothes shopping, as I usually spend my summers in bathing suits and jean shorts. Having summers off from school has left my professional wardrobe lacking in most essentials, but I’m happy to tell you I’ve got plenty of brand-new underwear in case I wind up in the hospital. 😉
So, any conference tips to pass along? Ways to beat the heat and swollen feet? Don’t forget to enter this month’s contest.
hmmm… how to beat the swollen feet from the humid nastiness we are about to endure…. well, you’ll just have to lounge with me, feet up, glass of red in hand 😉
Can’t wait to meet another of my crit partners in person! SQUEE!!!!!!!!!!!
And I bought my RITA dress a month or so ago… so glad that is out of the way. I waited till last minute last year, and it was very stressful!
I’ll add my SQUEEE to Tiff’s! I am so looking forward to meeting you in person, Maggie. When are you arriving? I’ll be volunteering at the Registration Desk Wednesday morning until 11am so, if you’re in the area, stop by and say hello.
My best tip is to take a “time out” every day. Go to your room, put your feet up or, if you’re like me, ice your knees. *g* Take a quick nap or peruse the goodies you’ve collected or, like Tiff, have a leisurely glass of Red. Though National is a fabulous experience, you’ll need to take time to recharge your internal batteries if you hope to make it through all four days.
Tip #2? Keep your smile handy and don’t be afraid to use it! Say hello to strangers. Introduce yourself to people in lines. I’ve met some of the nicest and most interesting people in lines. I know that can be very difficult to do if you’re shy but it really does become easier with each time.
Can’t wait to see you signing! I’ll be the one attached to the camera!
Hi Maggie!
I love pens and magnets, so I’ll want some! I am going shopping next week too. I can’t believe I’m actually going. So much has been happening, I was really on the fence about the whole thing, but here I go!
Glad you’re going, Gillian. Hope I get the chance to meet you!
I’m bummed that I won’t be meeting you this year, Maggie. It was great meeting PJ, Gannon & Tiff last year!
Best advice for National: pace yourself. Escape to your suite or a friend’s suite and put your feet up for a spell.
HUGE hugs to everyone going! And don’t be shy. Folks who go to RWA are some of the best people around.
Oh, and good luck on your new trilogy proposal and all!
PJ, I’ve got arthritis in both knees, and I’m counting on my Tramadol. Be prepared to see me sitting/lying down on lines, and I won’t even be drunk, LOL. We get in Tuesday afternoon.
Tiff! Squee right back! I may be drinking ice water with you, though. 😉 I wore my Rita dress on my cruise…hope it still fits.
Gillian, you finalist you! Of course you’re going to be there, and I’ll have my fingers crossed for you!
Santa, next year in New York!
As one introvert to another, Maggie, my sympathy on the shyness. But you have so many online friends that you’ll be greeting and your very own fans who will be thrilled to greet you at the book signing that I know you’ll have a terrific time. I hope you and all your entourage enjoy every minute.
Since I won’t be at RWA, I hope one of my friends sends me a copy of The Girl Who Loved Historical Romance. Not that I’m hinting or anything. 🙂
Janga, I can’t wait to get my hands on some booklets myself! When I do, I promise you one. 🙂