Conference Pins Amiss

I have arrived in VA--staying at a friend's house. Getting reacquainted with favorite restaurants and old haunts. I am vilely reminded about horrible traffic in bondage, long waits at the red lights, and general over-crowding, but I am also drooling over the wonderful produce in Wegmans, the culture, the great restaurants and the fun things to do here.

If I could live in both worlds: AL and NoVA, I would.

But that's impossible.

I gave myself a mini preconference panic moment when I realized I had forgotten my PRO pin at home. AACK--amidst all the planning and packing and hoteling and organizing, I had let that one tiny detail drop off the radar screen.

Would they let me into the PRO retreat without my tiny pin proving my rejection? Would I be thrown to the hotel's curb? Nope. My trusty friends who have attended the national conference reassured me that I would not be the only PRO attending without my pin. And I'll get a lovely ribbon and badge denoting my PRO Status. Whew.

And that's the thing: I am a newbie to the conference. A First Timer. A Virgin. Eager, afraid, anxious, excited. All the emotions that go into losing one's innocence. Will I come away from this experience enlightened? I believe so. Will all my hopes be fulfilled? Maybe. I do know I've got a huge slice of cake waiting for me to taste and I can't wait. If there's any more that comes out of this experience, well, that's the unexpected delight of frosting whipped to perfection.

I can't wait to head to the hotel and start my adventure.

PRO Pin Officially Recognized Today

I know that compared to the other accomplishments and achievements of the writers in our chapter (publishing, manuscript requested, GH finalists, RITA finalists, and more) I am small potatoes today with regard to the PRO status recognition, but I don't care. I am proud that I finally had the courage to take the next step and go for the status. I could have done it years ago, but I didn't. I'm glad I didn't, because if I had known then how hard it is to get published, I don't know if I'd have kept up my end of the bargain: writing.

Any rate, there are some who achieve their goals and dreams so much faster and I am very proud for them. But I am a slow learner. I have a lot to learn as far as my craft and my understanding of the business. I can't wait to figure out how to balance it all and make it work for me. If getting a book published takes forever, then so be it. There will be other avenues to explore along the way to publication. Just being a part of two great romance chapters and blogging on one as a guest has been wonderful. And I am meeting other writers who appreciate me and my views. I like that as well.

Well, tomorrow is Easter. I hope I can step in and be profound. If not, Happy Easter to Everyone!

Wanted: One Roommate and A New Attitude

I feel ready for the RWA National conference, but I have no one to room with me. Yet. Silly me, I thought the conference would have a mechanism for hooking me up with someone if I put it in my request for the room. But no. Being a "RWA National Conference Virgin" meant learning the hard way that I have to find someone all by myself. YIKES!!! I just moved. I have no one here, but I did put out an all points bulletin to the two chapters I joined down south with a plea for a roommate. My husband, bless him, says we can afford for me to stay on my own, but it feels soooo wrong to spend all the money for myself.

Any way, that lead to feelings of isolation, unwantedness, unpopularity, and .... well .... really stupid and negative brain patterns. At one point, I thought about not going at all. But gosh darned it, I WANT TO GO. I got my PRO pin status and I CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS. And THIS IS BUSINESS, NOT PERSONAL. I'm not going there to win a friggin' popularity contest or drink friggin' margaritas with the gals. NO. I am going to meet editors, agents, LEARN, rub shoulders with people who are there, be inspired....

God, I am such a wuss sometimes.

So now, I am going. Reserved the room, and am crossing my fingers that between now and July 15 I find a roommate. If not, one day I'll lead a lecture saying I funded my first trip to the national conference by paying myself to clean my own friggin' toilets.

Free Day Again

Wow, it was so much fun just piddling in the stores yesterday and not feeling like I had to put an hour in for the book. I also took time to pamper myself, doing my roots and giving myself a manicure. And I bought 3 new books to read. All rewards for a job well-done.

Today I am filling in my PRO Application, getting it ready to mail it out tomorrow, and I am registering for the RWA conference tomorrow afternoon. I can't wait to go in July. And I'll be doing something I want to do with MY writing friends. Wahoo.

Today is also a day filled with teens, homework, and a dinner at a friend's house. I am looking forward to kicking back and relaxing.

Tomorrow, BIAW starts!!! Starting to get anxious.

A Free Day

So I have a break from writing--for the weekend. I guess. I found myself pondering how to add about 10,000 words to the third draft. A scene here and there as well as stretching some out. I guess I'll never be "finished" at all. But I do need to let this book simmer a bit on the backburner so I can come back to it with a fresh eye.

Meanwhile, I am also mulling over my next book idea. I'm wondering if it's strong enough, funny enough and compelling enough a story. But I won't know till I start fleshing it out.

I am filling out the PRO application and signing up for RWA Conference this weekend. And I am also doing stuff around the house that I've let slide for weeks now. I just need to play a little.