Saturday, July 24, 2010

Workshop Mania! Countdown to the RWA 2010 Conference


I'm beyond excited to be attending my very first RWA Nationals Conference and I've spent weeks reading over the workshop descriptions and reading comments online trying to figure out which will be the best ones for me to take.

Since I'm still so green, I've decided to focus on mostly craft workshops and because Harlequin is my target publisher I'll be hitting every Harlequin event I can. Obviously all of them except the big Harlequin party that is invitation only - although I've been advised I should try to crash it! I'd have to have a partner in crime because I'm too much of a rule follower to do it all on my own. :)

My little OCD self created a personal conference agenda with color-coded conference tracks and an hour by hour schedule. For the tracks, I've listed my 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice workshops available at that time along with any publisher spotlights. All color coded and listed in order of what I think will be my top choices.

Also on the agenda are any meetings I've set up - including a twitter/blogger meet-up at the Cabana Bar by the pool on Wed. from 7:30 til whenever...Stop by! It's open to everyone!

I'm also crazy excited to meet many of my fellow Romance Divas for a night of sure-to-be fun karaoke.

Most of all though, I can't wait to spend time with two awesome writers from The Romance Writer's Revenge who I want to smother in hugs and who have been gracious enough to let me crash in their room for a night or two. They may not fully understand why I love them so, but their support online has meant the world to me and really gave me the confidence to start this writing journey.

More than anything from Nationals, I'm hoping to meet some great writers and cultivate a few relationships into possible critique partners or writing cheerleaders! Wish me luck!
What about you? If you're going to Nationals what workshops are you most looking forward to or what is your driving goal for attending?Any tips for a newbie?

4 comments:

  1. Have a great time! I wish I was going this year, but I'll have to wait til next year. My advice is to have fun, and talk to whoever is nearby, and TRY to get rest into the schedule, but it's exhausting learning so much stuff!

    Can't wait to hear all the details when you get back. :)

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  2. My driving goal for attending? To get Terri on Pirates of the Caribbean and take a goofy picture...blackmail.

    Yes, my driving goal for attending involves blackmail possibilities.

    My professional goals? Well, to sit down with my agent and talk career stuff. And give her the button I made. "My Author is a Pirate on the Romance Writers Revenge".

    I'm sure she'll be thrilled.

    Oh, and to have you show me how to tweet.

    Busy, busy, busy! ;-)

    Maureen

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  3. Awwwwww! You're making me all sniffly. I can't wait to hug you back! And I promise I don't snore, but I have no idea about Mo. :)

    I did the color coded workshop thingy the first year. Barely used it. Last year I planned a few ahead, but by Saturday was done and hung in the bar/lobby all afternoon. This year, I've barely glanced at the workshop schedule. I need to do that at work tomorrow. (That's where I can print things. LOL!)

    This is my first year pitching, so I'm scared to death. But I'm also excited. This is the biggest thing I do all year, and I plan to enjoy it. Prepare yourself to be more exhausted than you've maybe ever been. I'm dreading having to go back to work the Monday after. I'm usually useless for three or four days after.

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  4. Yes, I snore. I will bring extra ear plugs. Clean and never used, I promise.

    Terri - Wait until you see Sabrina's color coded stuff... You and your plot boards got nothing on Sabrina!

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What did you decide today?