Headed to RWA 2012!!!!!

I'm heading out next Tuesday for the 2012 Romance Writers of America Conference in Anaheim, CA.  I absolutely, cannot, wait!  Six days of girl time with my favorite authors.

Last night, I got together with the highly talented historical romance author, Susan Gee Heino and planned my wardrobe for the week. I have picked several very exciting and beautiful dresses along with matching shoes. In my small social sphere I'm well known for my addiction to footwear. See below picture of my must haves!

I can already see that one or two of my favorites is missing.  I really need a taller shelving system, don't I?

So, after planning what I should pack, we moved on to what goals I would like to accomplish during the event itself.  Here is where I might go a bit fan girl crazy. You see, I'm a big, HUGE some might say, Sabrina Jeffries fan. I own every book she's ever written. Even the anthologies.
I buy them on release day.
Always.


Doesn't she just look like a lovely, fun person to know?

I have made it my goal, albeit not a writerly growth goal, to meet Ms. Jeffries during those few days.  That being said...I have also warned dearest Susan that I, in all likelihood, will probably make a fool of myself and bumble my own name.  If I can even spit it out.

I have given Susan the task of getting my picture, if I am still up right and conscious. Sabrina, if you are reading this (which I hope you are!) Please do not be worried that I am one of those crazy fans who is going to stalk you right into the ladies room, nor am I going to jump up and down and scream. Well, at least I hope not, anyway. But, in all seriousness, I have read your stories for all of my adult life.  Some of them upwards of ten times! You are big part of why I have begun the monumental task of putting my stories in front of people who are going to critique my work, judge me. Decide if I can change my official occupation to Writer.

Her kind words of encouragement written on her website to her fans helped me find the gumption to dive into the writing world wholeheartedly.

I realize that I am staring into the face of great opportunity at this conference.  There are important workshops given by amazing authors. Agents, editors, publishers....the list goes on of the who's who in the publishing industry that I will be rubbing shoulders with. I plan to attend everything I can. But, from the heart of a young girl, the most exciting aspect of this coming week is that I'll get to meet someone who's words made my heart leap, sore, dive and love. I can only hope I get the chance to say thank you.

Don't forget to check back in.  I will have plenty of pictures and stories to post!

My Journey to the 2012 RWA Conference

In the Fall of 2011 I decided that to complete my current manuscript I needed a solid deadline.  So, after chatting with a few of my writing friends I set one. The December 2nd entry deadline for RWA's Golden Heart competition for 2012.

I made this decision about mid October.  I was only 40,000 words into my manuscript. Consequently, I spent the entire month of November finishing my WIP completing it at approximately 78,000 words.  Needless to say, I was mostly brain dead for the month of December.  But it was well worth the effort.  I was on fire! I made the deadline and entered my novel into the competition.

While I wait to hear if I make the finals, announced March 26th, I have been perfecting my synopsis and query letter.  Reducing my novel down to a handful of pages is the most technical and powerful piece of writing I've done.

To enhance my nervousness and anticipation my dearest husband, Sgt. Dan, encouraged me to immerse myself in the journey.  So, I registered for the 32nd Annual RWA Conference, to be held in Anaheim, California this year!  Yay me! Little did he know exactly what his encouragement would entail.


Conference registration completed.
Plane tickets booked.
Hotel arrangements made.


I am going with the lovely Susan Gee Heino.  Who has graciously agreed to take me under her wing and make sure I do not get lost or go fan girl crazy on Stephanie Laurens, the keynote speaker. I hope to get a picture with her and not pass out in the process or make a complete fool of myself.  If I can at least be coherent enough to remember my own name I'll be satisfied.

Next up on the to do list, SHOPPING!  New dresses are first, not to mention that I need an elegant number for the awards banquet along with matching shoes.

In the mean time, I'll be working on my next project.  I have the support of the man I love, my family and friends.  What more could a girl ask for?