So summer is well under way, and I'm jittery with anticipation. My vacation is coming and I'm going to ORLANDO!!
I keep wanting to blog about all this conference preparation, but I figure that everyone but me has already done this before. Still, you're going to have to suffer through because I have no room in my head to blog about anything else--unless you want my laundry list of things I have to set aside to bring with me on the plane.
I don't even know what I'm going to do when I get there. All I know is that hubby, the kiddo and I are hopefully going to enjoy a few days together doing the theme park thing before the conference starts, since we'll be arriving early. Just remind me to wear lots of sunscreen.
I think my son is at the perfect age for Disney World and I've never been before either so it's going to be a blast. I've even reserved a spot for him with the hotel childcare service for one night, so that while hubby and I are enjoying a leisurely dinner in one of the fabulous restaurants, he can watch movies, make crafts, have pizza and do kid stuff with other kids and not have to worry about looking nice and sitting quietly :)
This will by my very first RWA National conference. I'm looking forward to meeting so many of the people who I've gotten to know online, and having the opportunity to mingle and pitch to agents and editors.
I have a fresh new book that I've almost finished (and will hopefully finish within the next two weeks). I have a pretty new dress to wear, and LOTS of suitcase space to fill with books :)
Besides that, what are the must-do's at the conference? Whose parties can I crash?
Who else is getting ready to go? If you're not planning it this year, what other treats does summer have in store?
17 comments:
I'm excited conference is just around the corner. My first nationals was last year. I have to say, it was a little overwhelming. But I'm ready for anything this year! I had to take lots of breaks by myself, in my room.
And I have my dress for RITA night... that was the most important thing. I stressed last year about this until like the week before. So I planned well ahead. No flying for me... we are driving and staying with family friends one night at the half way mark of our drive.
Can't wait to see everyone there.
oh, best advice... comfortable shoes you can wear all day long! and breathable light dresses for the heat outdoors... and a sweater for indoors...
Squee! I'm going to meet Kris and Tiff! Pouting that Ely's home this year, but next year in New York! I'm slacking in my prep---still haven't gotten the discount tickets for my "entourage" to go to Disney for the day, and so many other things still disorganized. Going shopping with Sarah tomorrow, although I think I've already got enough stuff...I'm just dreading the heat tho, and I just don't do sleeveless what with my un-Madonna-like arms, LOL.
You're going to have such a good time! Like Tiff, last year was my first National. It was loads of fun but exhausting! Try to take a little time each day to find a quiet spot to put your feet up and relax.
Tips:
Bring business cards. People asked me for them left and right last year. I passed out almost 200 cards!
Bring your smile and don't be afraid to use it. Talk to people in line. Sit with somebody you don't know at breakfast. Use the opportunity to make invaluable contacts.
You'll be wearing a "first-timer" ribbon which means all kinds of people (even big-name authors) will introduce themselves and ask about your conference. I'm working the Registration Desk Wednesday morning from 8-11 so if that's when you register, be sure to say hello!
Make a list of your "must-see" authors for the literacy signing. It's a zoo in that room and you don't want to miss one of your favorites.
There's a "Bloggers Bar Bash" Tuesday evening in the Cabana Bar and Beach Club at the hotel. It's strictly informal and open to anyone who wants to drop by. Starts at 7pm.
Drop by the hotel lobby or bar when you don't have anything else scheduled. You never know who you'll run into. Tiff was walking through the lobby bar last year while I was visiting with Anna Campbell. She joined us and we spent the next hour having a wonderful visit!
Tiff, I know I'm going to be overwhelmed by all the people. It's going to be exciting, but I'll definitely need the breaks!
Have fun on the drive! We were really looking forward to driving to Nashville, but now the trip to Orlando was going to be too long for hubby and kiddo (and we calculated, almost as much money--then again, we have one less person to pay a flight for than you do)
Maggie, I've never been to Disney! I want to go to the Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom--I also want to do Universal. God, if the new Harry Potter wasn't so damn expensive...
PJ, those are great tips! I'm hoping to have time for lots of mingling at the bar and around the hotel when there aren't other things going on. I want to meet everyone! I look forward to meeting you!
I'm so excited to get to meet you and Maggie! Tiff did really well during the conference last year. Knowing how difficult crowds are for her, I was proud of how cool she looked every time I saw her.
This is my third Nationals and my first time at Disney World. I've never been so unprepared at this stage. LOL! Still working on the wardrobe and the revisions and the *GULP* pitch!
I'll throw my vote behind don't kill yourself to get to every workshop. Taking time just to hang in the lobby/bar area became crucial for my sanity last year.
PJ - I didn't know about the Bloggar Bash but I'll be there Tuesday so I'm definitely dropping in!
You will have so much fun! And Derek will love Disney. Do you think you might try and check out the new Harry Potter themepark at all?
And I expect to hear ALL the gossip.
An Animal Kingdom tip: Go early in the morning before the heat and humidity skyrocket. There's an enormous amount of foliage throughout Animal Kingdom so the humidity there is about 100 times more than anywhere else. Make sure you have plenty of water for hydration!
The Magic Kingdom has many indoor attractions so try to place those in between the hot, outdoor rides. Use Fast Pass when you can for the attractions with long lines. Take bottled water with you when you go to the park and refill them at the drinking fountains. They're all over the park and will save you lots of money. Nothing at Disney is cheap.
If any of you are going to Epcot, don't miss Soarin'. It's a fabulous ride that simulates hang-gliding in California. My favorite Disney ride!
Terri, Tiff has more guts than she gives herself credit for. I remember in Jersey--she totally ROCKED her pitch appt, showing absolutely no fear--and of course ended up with an agent!
And I can't wait to see you! Are you pitching? We have to compare pitch lines.
Ely, I wish you were going! It's not going to be the same. Derek would LOVE to go to Harry Potter, but I'm not sure we can afford it. It's uber-expensive
PJ, I'm going to have to hit you up for all the great tips and tricks for making the most out of our trip! I hope to check out this Blogger Bash too!
I AM pitching. Been trying to write it for almost a week and mostly just banging my head on my desk. LOL! (Or coffee table, whatever.) Came up with something I liked last night and once I have something I'm actually proud of, I will definitely be getting your feedback. You've got killer instincts on this stuff.
And I admit to major curiosity about your story. LOL! I'm pitching Friday, how about you?
Yes, I think Friday! I'll email you the super sekret pitch and get your feedback :)
This will be my first Nationals, too. I'm super excited, and nervous.
Tip from a friend, she said it's the rainy season, and that most every day it rains between 3-8, usually between 4-6. Sometimes just rain, but more likely with thunder and lightening. So pack an umbrella or poncho. She also said bring bug spray.
Di
Ooh, good tip Di. Thanks!!
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