RWA Conference 2011

This was my first year attending the RWA conference and I was fortunate that it was in New York. I’ve attended RT twice, so I thought I knew what to expect – I was so wrong. 2,400 women (mostly), great workshops, good friends and the opportunity to meet and speak with some wonderful authors – it was fantastic!

I think the highlight of the conference for me was listening to Keynote speaker, Sherrilyn Kenyon. If you have never heard her story, it is one of overcoming extreme obstacles. After listening to her speak there is no excuse for not pushing through. If she can do it after having such a difficult background, I need to forget about any excuses I have made and get my butt in the chair.

I was really surprised that the weather in New York was so mild. It wasn’t hot. It wasn’t humid. It was quite bearable, which was wonderful. I made it to most of the signings, which was overwhelming. I still bear some of the bruises from being whacked with boxes full of books. Being skinny would have been a major advantage in the crowds. Oh well, I got up close and personal with many, many women.

There was a lot of talk about self- publishing because of the recent success of some authors. A few years ago, self-publishing was such a dirty word. Now, a lot of authors are considering self-publishing their backlist and even some new books! My, how times have changed.

Well, I had an absolute blast! I wish I could say that I will be going again next year, but that is totally up in the air. Money, day job, limited vacation time – how annoying. If I make it again, I will at least have a better idea of how to get the most out of the conference.

Cheers!

RWA - Here I Come!

Summer is finally here! Judging from the weather here lately, I don’t think anyone told Mother Nature. It has been raining in the great white north since Monday and yesterday, we had to turn our furnace on to get the chill out of the house – very sad indeed.

Friday starts the first day of a two week summer vacation for me. I drive for 17 hours with 3 beagles and my husband so I can visit family. The weather is usually way to hot for me in Southern Ontario, but maybe this year everything will even out.

In the middle of the vacation is the RWA conference in New York! This will be my first, so I am extra excited about it. Now the panic starts. Last night I realized that I have not even considered what to take with me. I’ve barely pulled out my summer clothes because of the recent crappy weather, and I’m just hoping they will be dressy enough. Don’t even get me started on shoes, because I don’t have anything suitable. I know this for a fact.

After my haircut after work, I will have to go through the very painful process of packing. It takes me hours. I learned this from my trip to Los Angeles this spring. It takes me forever to get organized and triple check my list- which as of right now is non-existent.

The whole purpose of this trip to RWA is learning about the industry, what is happening in the writing world and connecting with like minded writers. Of course, I also want to spend some time with friends.

I know I am really unprepared for the RWA conference, but I am hoping that some diligent list-making today will rectify that. I will take lots of pictures and blog about it when I get back in July. Hope to see a lot of your there. ~Stacie