I am attending my first RWA conference in June. 36 more days and I will be in NYC, flitting around the Marriott Marquis, fan-girl gawking at authors that I have enjoyed reading for years. And I am nervous as HELL.
What do you say to the women that have inspired you to become a writer? "Hi, uh...**giggle** I love your books..." I know I will look like the biggest knob on the planet and develop either a wicked case of word vomit or gaping mouth syndrome. So I apologize now. Please ignore the basket-case behind the curtain.
On the plus side, I hope to learn a lot about the craft and strengthen areas that I still struggle with-i.e. plot, outlining. There are a gazillion workshops that I want to attend.
I am also meeting my Bestie, CL Parker, at the conference. We have been writing critique partners, good friends, and she is my 'person' when it comes to the dreaded writer's block. ACK **cough** Nasty word.
We have never met face-to-face, so I am stoked to finally meet my other half. :) Watch out, NYC!
On the negative side, I haven't finished my manuscript. Sigh. So, I have made no appointment with a publishing house. I feel guilty for that--it was my goal to be finished before June 28. **rubs at the sick feeling in my gut and eats another Tums.
I am so friggin nervous about this that I don't really have a point for this blog. Just wanted to 'type out' my jitters and squee my excitement about attending this event. SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!! There- I feel much better.
Anyone else attending this awesome event? More nervous than me? (HAH-doubtful) What are you looking forward to the most at the conference? And if you see a Southern Gal slurring her words 'cause she can't hold her liquor...that would be me. **Waves
Ciao,
C.S. Maxwell
The last time I was in NYC--'Phantom of the Opera' night with my gal pals, Megan (far left) and Kellye (far right). And me in the middle.
'Sex and the City' tour- Loved it! The parks in NYC are fantastic and I can't wait to go back.
You'll be fine. Just be yourself, everyone there is really friendly and helpful.
ReplyDeleteBelieve me authors are nervous too, some don't really like crowds, but have to be there because their readers mean that much to them.
Enjoy - I'll be there too. :-)
Thanks for the kind words...that is one of the things that I really love about writers/authors...everyone is really nice and have hearts the size of Texas. See ya there!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, authors are nervous too! I make a blabbering fool of myself at conferences! :) You'll do fine. Looking forward to meeting you!
ReplyDeleteLarissa I am so excited about meeting you too! We'll both be a couple of blabbering fools :)
ReplyDeleteTrish--you'll be fine! And everyone was a first timer at some point! Last year was my first year and I found everyone very welcoming and open to including a newbie in their group, at their lunch table, etc. Make sure you get your First Timer ribbon to attach to your nametag--it really is a conversation opener, and that's always the hard part for me, walking up to strangers and introducing myself. And there are plenty of pre-published people that attend, so don't count yourself out or less! Looking forward to meeting you!
ReplyDeleteI feel like I need to carry a clipboard around with the names of all the authors I want to meet/greet---lol...I am such a knob...
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