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| She's begging me to chill out. |
Yes. I'm SUPER nervous. And INCREDIBLY excited.
Why am I nervous? Let me tell you a little about myself. A co-worker once said (he was an older gentleman so picture a grandpa saying this with a smile) that if there was nothing to worry about, I'd find it. Yup.
I really have no reason to be grinding my teeth at night. Yes, it's the Seattle chapter of Romance Writer's of America putting in on. But, I'm already a member of a RWA chapter and I gotta tell you, romance writers are the funnest. They don't take themselves too seriously. They joke about love, romance, men, wine, life, you name it.
I mean, all attendees have been signed up for a yahoo group thread and the emails I get on a daily basis are a hoot! These ladies obviously know how to have a good time. And honestly, if I'm gonna lose my conference virginity to anyone I'm glad it's with romance authors.
In exactly 18 days, I'll be standing on a stage in front of the conference attendees, finding out if Dark Waters won the YA division in the ECO contest. I'll also be pitching to agents and editors that day. For some reason though, I'm more nervous about the stage thing. Freaks me out. I'd rather them secretly hand me a win/didn't win card in passing.
So, I'll stop rambling now and ask you a BIG favor:
What advice do you have for me concerning conferences? If there was one thing you wish someone would have told you about them, what would it be? What did you not bring with you that you wished you had?
THANKS!!!!
Excited for you! Let us know how tings go:)
ReplyDeleteI've only been to one conference, and it's tiny (Chuckanut Writers Conference in Bellingham), but what I learned is that you need to be able to talk about what you write conversationally without note cards or anything. Have a blurb and practice it out loud before you go. Pitching in person should be a conversation rather than you consulting your note cards. An agent said this at the panel right before I pitched her, which was funny. It's kind of good that you have the contest to be nervous about b/c it takes the pressure off the pitches. And if you win, you'll get requests no matter how awkward your pitch sessions might be. Just have fun. No matter what happens, it will be great experience and blog fodder. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteMy only advice besides have fun is leave the hubby at home. I made the mistake of taking mine to the first and only conference I attend. WRONG!
ReplyDeleteRomance writers, that will be fun!
I live in the Pacific Northwest too and attended the GSRWA conference a couple of years ago. I had a great time, but since I live within commuting distance, I didn't stay at the conference hotel. I wish I had! I think I missed half the fun. At the conference, I wish I'd taken more time in advance to figure out exactly what sessions I wanted to attend. However, all the ones I did go to were wonderful and very informative. By the way, I've also attended a couple of PNWA conferences. Those were great too but rather expensive.
ReplyDeletePS: Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment on my Teaser Tuesday post.
And good luck on the contest! I'll be watching to see who won. (Standing on a stage in front of a bunch of people freaks me out too.)
DeleteYes, the ladies at the Evergreen RWA advised me to get a hotel, but I just couldn't swing that this year. :(
DeleteI still need to figure out which sessions I'd like to take and finish my pitch. Ah, so much to think about. :)
Soooo excited for you :) Best of luck with the contest - I'll be crossing my fingers for you and sending good vibes your way!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Cross your fingers that I don't fall off the stage! LOL!
DeleteHow very exciting... best of luck... can't wait to hear how it goes.
ReplyDeleteCool! Very exciting!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Rachel!
Hope you have fun at the conference! I've never been to one, so I sadly can't offer any advice....
ReplyDeleteAwesome Rachel! Have a great time!!
ReplyDeleteI'm headed your way for a writer's retreat this week myself. Well, in Salem, OR, but way closer than FLA. Can't wait!!!
Oh, I'm happy for you! It's so beautiful here. Enjoy!
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