Sunday, July 27, 2008

Thoughts on RWA Conferences

Sorry I haven't been around with a new post last week. As most of you know, the RWA National Conference starts in a few days and I've been trying to get myself prepared -- mentally and physically. Definitely a toss up as to which of those is the most difficult!

This will be my first conference as a PUBLISHED AUTHOR! Okay, so technically my book won't be released for 65 more days, but still...

I've attended two previous RWA National Conferences and each was as different as I know this one will be. In 2005 I'd recently finished my first romantic suspense manuscript and I was a finalist in the Daphne du Maurier contest! I didn't belong to any local nor online writing groups. And just days before the conference I received rejections from the first two agents I'd queried. They'd both asked for partials and I had been flying high then really hit rock bottom when both rejected me. I think I walked around that conference pretty much like a victim of shell shock. I did receive my first editor request for a partial (ultimately rejected, but oh well), made some great contacts, all other writers.

At the 2006 conference, I was a Golden Heart finalist and on top of the world! I got to meet a lot of people face-to-face that I only knew online (including many of my fellow GH finalists who eventually became Banditas). People would see my ribbon and congratulate me, which was great, and my BFF who lived in Atlanta at the time got to attend the awards ceremony with me. I didn't win the Golden Heart (but my friend and CP Jo Robertson did!), but I still felt like a winner. I even met the editor to whom I would eventually make my first sale, though I had no way of knowing that at the time. As conferences go, they don't get much better. However, the post conference let down (and not selling my GH finalist manuscript) was a real B*TCH!

This year should be an entirely new experience yet again. This year I'll get to wear my "First Sale" ribbon and bask in the glow of being published! I'll get to schmooze with My Editor, My Publicist, and even My Publisher! I have even more online friends I'm looking forward to meeting face-to-face and I can't wait to hang out with all my Banditas. Who knows what other wonderful adventures are in store for me, but I can't wait to find out!

Don't worry, you'll all get a FULL REPORT when I get back!

10 comments:

Jude said...

Congrats on earning the First Sale ribbon!

I look forward to reading your posts when you return.

jude
Blogging National

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Thanx Jude!
I'm supposed to have a blog post up at Casablanca Authors first thing Monday morning Aug. 4th. Fortunately I only live a 2 hour drive from San Francisco so I should be home by early Sunday afternoon.

Helen said...

Aunty Cindy I want to see a picture of you with that ribbon on show it with pride you deserve it.

I can't wait to hear all about the conference and see lots of pictures have heaps of fun a few drinks for those of us who can't be there and remember each day brings us closer to reading your book.

Have Fun
Helen

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Thanx Helen!

I'm sure there will be waay more piccies of me than I can stand. Banditas Suz and Foanna have already made threatening noises to everyone about their cameras. But I will be SURE to get at least one picture of that First Sale ribbon!

And thanx for the reminder... only 64 more days until Launch!!!

(((HUGS)))
AC

Terri Osburn said...

I'm so excited I can hardly sit still. My suitcase got zipped up yesterday and I don't even leave until Wed. LOL!

I'm so psyched I get to see that ribbon in person and meet the Banditas and hang with SO MANY people I've only met online. It's strange to feel so close to these people when we've never been in the same state nevermind the same room!

63 days!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

(((HUGS))) Terrio,
I KNOW what you mean! I feel so close to so many people (like you and Helen and Jane) and yet we've never met face-to-face... Happily the two of us won't be able to say that much longer!

GAH! I haven't even started packing yet! But then, if it wasn't for the "last minute" I'd never accomplish anything. :-)

AC
off to buy knitting needles for YOU

Terri Osburn said...

Now I feel bad that you're having to buy extra needles! But I've told everyone you're going to teach me to knit and I'm so excited.

However, I have to admit that the nerves are kicking in today. I'm starting to feel like I'm crashing a party I have no business attending. At this rate, I'll be completely nauseous by Wednesday!

Helen said...

Terrio
You are going to have so much fun with everyone and knitting is really relaxing and think of the things you will be able to make after you learn and to have such a talented teacher.

Have Fun
Helen

Jane said...

Hey Aunty Cindy,
Have fun in San Fran. Hooray for the First Sale ribbon. Wish I were able to go, but I'm sure we'll get to meet someday.

Terri Osburn said...

Thank you, Helen. We do wish you could be there. You'll get all the scoop as soon as any of us recover long enough to log on. LOL!