I apologize, I should have put something together earlier about my RWA conference experience – except I’m still in absorb mode. Actually, I’m still on digest on all my email loops, too, so have gone dark there as well.
I learned a lot; I gained a lot; I felt like a “real” writer while I was there, and I didn’t the last time, four years ago. No, I didn’t sign anything anywhere; no, I wasn’t up for an award; no, Nora doesn’t know my name. But it was an amazing conference. I was taken seriously by publishing professionals, and by my peers.
One of the publishing professionals, the lovely and talented Caridad Pinero, actually saw me as I was working the registration desk. Recognition crossed her face, and she came over to give me a hug. WHA? Rita Nominee Caridad Pinero gave ME a hug! We’d met at RT 2011, and I was on her blog before that I think; still, it was a total thrill, and told me how gracious and generous Caridad really is, which meant so, so much to me. It also gave me a pattern card for the future.
I also saw and hugged Kristen Lamb and Jenny Hansen, blog friends (I first met Kristen at RT 2011) and it was SO good to see them! Also caught up with Jami Gold (and did I have my camera with me? Um, that would be a huge NO!), whom I met in real life at Desert Dreams. Then, of course, there was the fabulous Beth Yarnall, and the lovely Deb Mullins, who might not have recognized me in passing, but still…!
And my lovely LARA members. We were 50 plus members strong at the conference this year, and there was something so lovely about turning a corner and seeing a familiar face. Of course, after ten years of RWA, I know a lot of people’s faces just from having seen them over the years. It’s such a lovely thing, don’t you think?
As far as roommates go, I think that if you don’t room with 3 other people in beds too small for one person let alone two for at least ONE conference experience, then you aren’t really living. We had a blast. Was it too loud? Yeah, a couple of times. Was it crowded? Hell yes. Did we laugh a lot? Um – YEAH! We drank wine, too, in the privacy of the room. Didn’t get sloppy in front of other people, which in my book is ALWAYS a good (as well as economical) thing. But there you go, we were So Cal natives so it was easy to buy our alcohol and bring with.
I’ll post more later, but dinner’s ready now, so…
Cheers, y’all! Write well, read lots; there’s more updates coming. And next time I’ll mention Brenda Chin, lol.
Sounds like everyone had a great time. Must be so great to meet up with blogger friends.
Ah, roomie! The stories I could tell!! But I won’t. What happens in our room, stays in our room! I know you have many more stories to tell about the conference, as meeting old friends was just the tip of the iceberg for you. So glad you had a wonderful conference!
I recognized you! We said each other in passing so there was no hug, but I remember waving at you. What a great conference that was, wasn’t it? So great to have it on our home turf. Lots of LARA, EVA, OCC, & San Diego peeps to greet. Can’t wait till next year!
That was suppossed to be *saw*. We saw each other… sheesh.
I’m a little jealous of you lovely ladies! From everyone who has posted, it sounds like RWA12 was a wonderful experience. Hope you gained insight and inspiration for your career! And had a nice glass of wine to boot. 🙂
It was great to see you again too, Christine! And I know what you mean about a camera. I thought for sure I’d taken a ton of pictures, but when I got home, I had like, 15. *sigh*
I had the same reaction you did with Caridad when Brenda Novak recognized me. Me! The woman in charge of the awesome Diabetes Auction every year, the woman who presented the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, yeah, *that* woman recognized me. Woot! 🙂