Final Thoughts - RWA

I'm home. I'm back in my routine and have had the last five days to sort through another whirlwind trip to RWA.

Each time I've gone to the conference the night before I leave, as I finish packing for the trip, I'm always swamped with anxiety. Why am I going? Does anyone REALLY care that I'm there? Will anyone remember me? True story, just ask GG.

As has been discussed on many other blogs and forums in the past, there are both pros and cons to attending this national conference for romance writers. However, at the end of the day, for a person who does not intend to write a book, like myself, one has to decide why they would use their vacation time, money and make all that effort into going to this (or any other) conference.

More and more each year it becomes about seeing friends. Each time I've gone I've met more readers and made more friends in the romance reading world, with a few authors too. This year was no exception.

Five years ago this week (August 4, 2005) I began this little blog. If you would have told me then that I would attend an RWA conference, let alone three of them now, or that I would be making the friends I have and meeting up with a blogging group several times a year, I would NEVER have believed it. Yet here I am... Surreal doesn't even begin to cover it.

So, final impressions and thoughts of Orlando?

Sultry, swamping heat

Sherry Thomas asking me to talk to a lady at her table at the Literacy Signing about how fantastic HIS AT NIGHT is. Who knew people came to shop at the literacy signing?

Some of the most amazing FMPs I've ever seen on women of all sizes and ages.

Kristie(j)'s laugh. Especially when she's making reading lists for SL Wendy.

Chicken, chicken and more...chicken.

LB Gregg in her writing sweater, propped up in bed, munching fruit, hunched over her laptop and muttering, "But what's it about????"

Women--authors, readers, bloggers all gathered at the Cabana Bar talking about books and men.

Women shaking hands and introducing themselves.

Everything you have ever heard about how nice author Jill Shalvis is? So true! Such a nice, nice lady. She's the one person I kept running into everywhere at the conference and then on the plane coming home.

Photo booth on the Boardwalk.

SL Wendy's blue dress for the RITA dinner.

Sharing anecdotes and book commentary with Aztec Lady at RITAs and weeping together at some of the acceptance speeches.

Dancing with LB at the Harlequin party. We'll always have Orlando, and DC, and San Francisco...

Drinks in the Swan Lobby and almost every other watering hole on the property.

RWA Florida 2010 - Part Deux

Such an original blog post title. There are probably 900 other posts of the same name. I'm sitting in my room contemplating what to wear to the RITAs, I brought something, but suddenly I don't want to wear it. Call me contrary. It's okay.

Aztec Lady, Super Librarian Wendy, KristieJ, and I will be together with some others AL has gathered into the group. LB Gregg is having dinner with some other authors (K.A. Mitchell for one) and then joining us later.

It's been another fun, but exhausting conference. Every time I think I'm pacing myself better than the previous year I realize what a lie I'm telling myself. I did however really well with books this year. I bought at the Literacy signing, it's for charity after all, and was very restrained at the publisher signings. I had 3 boxes of books the first year. Last year I mailed two boxes. This year only one and am taking a few more home in my suitcase. I'm pretty happy about my restraint.

I was fortunate enough to get to the Grand Central Publishing signing early enough to get an ARC of MY IMMORTAL ASSASSIN by Carolyn Jewel. I'm over the moon with excitement.

It's late as hell and I'm procrastinating doing the girl thing for the party tonight. More when I get home. SL Wendy and I have an early flight tomorrow.

P.S. No review, spell check or grammar check of this post. I hope it makes cents, sents sense.

RWA Florida 2010

I've come to the conclusion that like any kid at a theme park I go into sensory overload each year at RWA. My brain simply cannot take it all in. I thought it might be better this year what with this being the third time I've attended the conference. Not so. I'm still a little bit star struck.

Highlights include:

1. Awesome conversation in the lobby with Sherry Thomas about one of my fave books so far this year, Sherry's HIS AT NIGHT.

2. Seeing Carolyn Jewel who has a kickin' and sassy new hairstyle. Love it. She's always so nice to me and for some reason around her I'm geeky and slightly demented. It's embarrassing. I'm a fan of several romance authors but around her I act like an idiot. Oi!

3. Meeting Ann Aguirre, Carrie Lofty and Aztec Lady outside The Fountain and catching up. Ann looks fabulous too. Love the blonde highlights in her fab red hair.

4. Speaking to Karen Rose at the Literacy event last night and asking her to sign the book to "Nath" and watching Ms. Rose's head pop up and say, "Nath? Was she at RT? That Nath?" When I answered in the affirmative Ms. Rose proceeded to tell me how she spent a lovely time with Nath at the toaster bar at RT. Way to go Nathie!

5. Nora Roberts' keynote speech was absolutely wonderful. Hopefully you caught some of the tweeted quotes. My personal favorite is "people will always be people and assholes will always be assholes."

LB Gregg (Lisabea at Nose in a Book) and I are rooming together again. Always fun times with her. We are also spending lots of time with Kristie(j) of Ramblings on Romance, Aztec Lady, AnimeJune of Gossamer Obsessions and SL Wendy.

Wendy and Kristie have had some pictures up on their blogs. How, I don't know because its taken be two days to work this post in and it's now 2:30 AM here and I'm exhausted!

F-L-O-R-I-D-A

I can't believe it's here already! RWA is next week. I'll be flying out on Monday and have a very busy weekend in real life, so I guess this is my last post until I'm in Florida. I was able to get a couple of posts up last year even though we had major connection issues in our basement room in DC and I was going 100 miles an hour trying to do everything and see everyone.

Why fix, what ain't broken?

This my third year going to this conference. I'm as excited as I was the first year. While it's always exciting to see the authors and attend some of the great panels RWA has, I really, really, really love connecting with all my blogger buddies.

My posts are linked to my twitter account. I may tweet, but I get distracted so often by the new and the shiny my tweets are usually very random. I'm @Rosemont1217.

Last Call...

Last chance to let me know what author you'd go see if you were at RWA. You never know. Come the first week in August you might get a surprise in the mail.

Give it to me straight...

Normally in the final months leading up to the RWA conference, I look at my RWA cheat sheet where I list authors that my blogger pals like and for whom I might try to get a signed book by that author. Well that has been a bit of a bust this year since I haven't been around bloglandia all that much the past six months.

So here it is. Just drop in and comment and tell me. If you could get a signed book by just one author, who would it be? You never know. You might get a surprise in the mail when I return from RWA.

If you're curious. Here's the list of authors attending the conference this year.

Thoughts on RWA

More economic issues going on here at home with my work and GG's work. It got me reconsidering about spending the money to go to RWA.

"Rosie," I thought, "you are being selfish taking this trip, maybe you should cancel while you still can."

Then something happened. A good something.

I've really enjoyed Jennifer Crusie's books over the years and I was thrilled to meet her last year at RWA. Anyway, a couple of mornings ago I read on her blog that she's getting an award at one of the luncheons at RWA this year. Call me crazy, but I was smack dab in the middle of reading WILD RIDE (not my favorite Crusie or Crusie/Mayer btw) and I told GG it made me happy to see her get recognized for her work promoting the industry, and mentoring other writers.

GG recalled (who knew he paid attention to these things) that I'd also read CINDERELLA DEAL recently and really liked it. Well stop the presses, but, you know all things considered, I figured it was a sign.

Right?

I mean for me to read the Crusie blog at the same time I was reading the book and thinking what I was thinking( about RWA) AND GG remembering about the other Crusie book I'd liked so much. Wouldn't any rational thinking person think all that was a sign?

"Rosie," I thought, again, "you know you really want to go to RWA anyway, and now you have a sign, so quit dithering already, you know you're going."

You would think the way I go on that we were down to our last slice of bread and the electricity was going to be shut off. GG, stalwart guy that he is, just sighs and goes about his business and was probably wondering why I was rhapsodizing about Jennifer Crusie getting an award. But then again, he didn't know how hard I was looking for some divine intervention.

Let's just keep those thoughts of mine between us, shall we?

Drum Roll Please...

It's official. Yesterday I got my RWA registration confirmation. I'm going. For all my SoCal Blogger buddies who said to me, "Oh, you're going... You know you are!" All I can say is, you were right, I was wrong.

Now go write that down because I hate owning my flaws and faults.

Be it ever so humble...

Home at last. Exhausted doesn't begin to cover it. I sum it up by saying SL and I talked most of the 6 hour trip to DC. We slept or read most of the trip home.

BTW, will somebody please tell me who turned up the heat while I was gone? Sure DC had some humidity, but it also had breeze, blue skies, trees and lots and lots of lovely grass. We got off the plane to 107 degree heat and wind. Blech.

Some good stuff? GG and Shmoo met our plan in Dallas and were on the same plane the last leg of the trip. I was very happy to see them both. Shmoo has left the house already to go pick up Emily who apparently didn't miss us much because she's been shamelessly spoiled all week by Shmoo's girlfriend.

Warning! What follows are random sleep deprived ramblings.

Anne Stuart was a hoot in her many guises as mistress of ceremonies for the RITAs. My personal observations about the ceremony are that RWA has a decent production value for the ceremony, and keeps it moving along. However, reading off a list of names and then announcing a winner is just boring. I have no suggestions or thoughts on how this can be improved because I don't think you can without being absurd. It's an awards ceremony. The only thing making it slightly more interesting was if you could pull for a particular author in a category. Which was one good moment for SL and I when Karen Templeton won for her SSE category A MOTHER'S WISH.

I've pretty much decided the RITAs event is filled on my dance card. Until or unless an author I know personally is nominated, I won't be attending the ceremony again. I don't think it's likely they will have a category for best M/M novel in the near future, do you?

Although if Carolyn Jewel or Ann Aguirre were nominated I'd be inclined to attend to root for them. Yes, that is obvious fan love and shmoozing, but also true.

Praise be I'm off tomorrow and except for a mammogram tomorrow afternoon will be able to catch up on some much needed sleep and other real life stuff.

Has anyone posted about the building evacuation for a fire in the middle of the day Saturday? I was in a workshop with LB and she received texts accusing her of pulling a prank. She's innocent I tell ya! Which to be truthful I can only claim because I was with her. I, of course, like the obedient robo-tron I am got up and walked out of the room we were in not noticing (d'oh!) that I dropped my cell phone on the floor.

Who does that? Really,who? I'm an idiot. (That was just for you Kati)

Fortunately the phone was under a chair in the room when we went back in. Good thing too because my phone has been giving me major problems lately and has gone from much loved to much reviled. GG would me mightily suspicious if I said I "lost" it at RWA and needed a new one.

Still no links. Too tired. SL has some great photos. I'll make an effort tomorrow to see what I managed to take with my phone.

Bare Bones & Completely Random Stuff

Yes.  I know it is the goal of all authors to sell books, so it follows they would make an effort to be nice.  However, I continue to be amazed at their kindness and generosity. For instance...

Carolyn Jewel gifted me with an ARC of INDISCREET last night.  It's the only book I'm not shipping home.  It's going on the airplane with me so I can start reading it.  How do I explain how happy this makes me?

Suzanne Brockmann was unbelievable yesterday.  Eloquent. Passionate. Amazing. Wonderful storyteller, but even better human being.  Romance genre is blessed to have her.

Eloisa James keynote speech was just excellent.  Such a pertinent message too.  Your life informs your writing.  It made me want to go out and buy all of her books all over again.  That good.  I'm not kidding.

Coolest promo item?  Tessa Dare's pins LADY, GODDESS, SIREN for her three books.  You see them everywhere.  Although I love the 'Butch' key chain Ann Aguirre was handing out muchly. Ann Aguirre, Ann Aguirre, Ann Aguirre.  Really on her way.

Got to Berkley signing late.  So many authors were gone.  After all these years of following her from the Lora Leigh message board to her e-pub books and on to her print success I was so bummed I'd missed Shiloh Walker.  Majorly bummed.

The Kate and Kati dinner for bloggers (and authors) was so much fun.  We went to a great Lebanese restaurant near the hotel.  After dinner it was pretty much a consensus we needed to hangout together all night so as not to offend innocent bystanders with our lovely garlic breath. Good food and even better company. Do I even have to say that we continued the party in the hotel bar?  It's definitely one of the highlights of the trip.  

Too funny not to note:  we introduce each by name AND blog.

Surreal moment.  Sitting in the bar with a group of bloggers and authors.  On one side a blogger on another an author. "Really," I said to Barbara, "it's not usually like this." Lovely. Sublime. I was humming with the happiness.

Oh, do you want to know who was there? I hope I don't forget anyone...

The authors were Shiloh Walker (!!!!), Julie James, Meredith Duran, Samantha Kane, Mari Freeman and LB Gregg.

The bloggers were Barbara, Kristie(j), AnimeJune, Super Librarian Wendy, Katiebabs, Kati(dom), Janine (Dear Author), Amy (Aymless), Lusty Reader, Lisabea and yours truly. Too much fun for one person to hold in their body.

So you noticed I got to meet Shiloh Walker didn't you? It made me mucho mucho happy.

Let's see what else...

Oh, the Samhain open house was a crush.  Much wine, many women, lots of merriment. Finally met Kate Rothwell. Spied Beth Williamson across the room.  Kristie got to meet her.

Had a fawning moment with Lauren Dane so I could pass my fan-love on to Megan Hart through her since they write together.  That was very cool.

Sherry Thomas has a mind like a steel trap.  She remembers people, places, blogs.  Believe it. She is also incredibly gracious.

Got a text from SL Wendy that says,"Go read Holly's personal blog. Now!"  Sitting having breakfast with pal LB and we immediately pull out our phones to read (see) her wonderful news. Should I blame the tears on being tired? Nah! Love you Holland and congratulations! 

I know there's stuff I'm forgetting but Lb and workshop await. I'm thinking I won't be posting again until I get back.  My brain is fried and I'm sleep deprived. I was emphatic with Kati last night that I'm not going to Nashville next year.  I'm thinking more like every other year.  To which she replied each and every time... "Yes, you are. You're going."  

Huh.  Wonder what GG will think about that?

Oh, if you see pictures of me out there, and you might, be kind.  

Btw, I hope to edit this later and put in links. No time right now.

A Quick Update

I saw Angela James the editor from Samhain briefly in the hallway this morning. The "rogue" digital panel was attended by almost 90 people.  That's where Katiebabs won her Sony Reader.

Janet Evanovich was funny, instructive, and evocative at the conference opening.   Her sage advice to writers is almost word for word the same as Nora Roberts...  Sit your a$$ in the chair and write.  It's a job, and Ms. Evanovich advises a writer needs to treat it like one.  Those who attended Evanovich's event got a copy of her HOW I WRITE book.

Linda Howard's keynote speech was a hilarious accounting of how she's the "Keeper of the Nuts" in her family.  After an uproarious anecdote about her brother, a riding lawn mower, a wheel chair and a bungee cord, she called her former sister-in-law a "Stupid Slut" and brought the house down.  I'm so glad I came to DC and that luncheon is one of them.  

The Avon signing was pretty busy.  I was surprised to see authors there without any books to sign.  Kelley Armstrong for one.  However they gamely stuck around and spoke with people.  I chatted a bit with Anna Campbell and got a couple of books signed by Julia Quinn.  I'm limiting the book intake, one due to the depth and breadth of my tbr and for two, I have to ship all those suckers home this year.

I even managed to get SMART A$$ signed by LB Gregg and believe me when I tell you, it wasn't easy!

A couple of other things I remember from last night's Literacy signing --  

When speaking with Robyn Carr she gave me the news saying it's not really a secret any more that she has been signed to have book releases in Jan, Feb and March the next three years.  

Jennifer Crusie was a hoot and we spoke briefly about how she validated us bloggers when she said people who write consistently are writers...  I won a book on Paperback Writer's blog by wearing that validation like a badge.  Actually I was being cheeky, but you know, I got the book so it's all good.  

I also told JC how much fun it was to check out how she transformed Anne Stuart's bright pink suitcase affectionately known as "the pig".  Too funny.  

Which reminds me, while speaking to Ms. Stuart last night I mentioned that I know a certain Canadian that only wants books signed by AS.  Ms. Stuart seemed to really get a kick out of that.

More later.  I gotta go get ready for dinner.  I've spoken about other blogger readers I've seen around the neighborhood, but I thought I'd list those I can remember off the top of my head...

Lisabea

Kristie(j)

Super Librarian

Aztec Lady

Aymless

Katiebabs

Katidom

Lusty Reader

Gossamer Obsessions (Anime June)

Happily Forever After

Jane (Dear Author)

So much stuff to say and so little time...

I will start this post by telling  you my sister from Georgia called and asked me if I was speaking at the conference.  

Yes.  She really asked me that.  I was flabbergasted.  What had I ever said or done that would lead her to believe I was a speaker at the national Romance Writers of America conference??? What? 

Of course I set her straight by telling her I was more like lint on a very nice blazer. Present and maybe sometimes a little bit annoying.  I tell  you this to humble myself before I tell you what a great day I had and to help put things in some sort of perpecitve.

I started the day by meeting Aztec Lady.  Who not only brought some delicious mango for us to feast on but who also has an actual real name.   Of course, we still refer to her as AL most of the time because, you know, that's who she REALLY is.  As the SoCal bloggers know it is very cool to meet fellow bloggers face to face and this meeting was no exception.

Then my pal Lisabea arrived.  We were starving and took off for breakfast and sight seeing. Unbelievably while standing in line waiting to order, two people come in. The new arrivals were none other than Carolyn Jewel and Megan Frampton!  Can you believe it??   I couldn't believe that we'd left the hotel and *poof* there was one of the people I wanted to see most at the conference.  

As we seat ourselves outside LB excuses herself.  The next thing I know she's talking to Carolyn Jewel inside the restaurant and I'm being waved inside too.  Apart from my red cheeks I welcomed the chance to gush a bit and promised I would be seeing her later at the literacy signing.  Which, of course, I did.  It was a very cool moment for me though.

Not as cool as sitting on a bed at a pajama party later that evening with both Ann Aguirre and Carolyn Jewel and being a part of a conversation with both of them.  Bliss I tell you.  Bliss. Of course all that was before hotel security called to tell us we were all getting a tad bit too loud. Fun and merriment was had by all.

Considering Lisabea and I also put in a tour of the Jefferson, Lincoln and Washington monuments along with the Vietnam Memorial, I've had a very full and exciting day. Oh, and have I mentioned I met Linda-freaking-Howard?  My pal Super Librarian Wendy has a photo of this momentous event from the Literacy signing.  Exciting and very, very cool.

To say I'm exhausted when it is now 2 AM and I'm getting up in a few hours to do it all over again is no understatement.  I'm waaaaaay exhausted, which, of course, won't stop me one little bit.

Well except for walking in grossly inappropriate footwear and getting blisters on my poor abused feet.  I'm so tired I'm cross eyed or I'd post pictures.

Thinking about you... 

A beautiful day in the neighborhood...

As you probably know from Super Librarian Wendy, we arrived safe and sound in our nation's capitol yesterday. The Marriott is mucho nice. Quiet before the storm... Although the teacher's conference that's in the hotel right now is very, well, you know how crazy teachers can be.

We plan to do some sight seeing today. SL, Kristie and I doing some sight seeing today. SL & I are chomping to see the Library of Congress. We also plan to take in what we can of the Smithsonian. Then tonight we hope to take in the monuments. They are supposed to be awesome at night.

Although it was a bit of a thrill for me to see the capitol building and the Washington Monument on our way from the airport to the hotel yesterday. Crikeys chicas, I'm in Washington DC!

More later...

Sisters and Brides and Packing...oh my!

My sister is here visiting. She came without her husband and the Stair Steps because my niece's bridal shower was yesterday. Which, by the way, was loads of fun.

Now I'm not particularly a "shower" type of person. Generally speaking I can think of no worse torture than being trapped somewhere and having to play bridal/baby shower games. My only solace is knowing that most women feel the same way and we all secretly agree to endure the ritual for someone near and dear to us to have her rite of passage.

The theme at this soiree was BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S. Yours truly won the BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S movie trivia game. My prize? A truly awesome set of dessert plates which helped mitigate the torture aspect of the event immensely. Truth be told, we had a lot of fun which was helped along with some tart and spankin' raspberry martinis. And, more importantly, it was great watching my niece's enjoyment of the event. That says everything.

Now I'm off to run a couple of errands with my sister and then it's cramming my stuff packing for me. It shouldn't take long. Hopefully. I'm pretty organized. Then it's early to bed.

The adventure begins tomorrow. I'm up at the butt crack of dawn to catch my plane to Washington DC and RWA.

The plan? See everyone. Do everything. Miss nothing. I'll be blogging. I also plan to have my tweets on my sidebar like last year.

Any last minute advice? People you think I should see?

What every traveler needs...

...an ear infection before they get on a plane. I'm on ear drops and antibiotics and can't hear squat out of my left ear. If you see a woman with an ear horn at the conference... be kind.

Let's Clear the Air

I've been a very bad blogger for the last couple of months. I do however see some light at the end of the tunnel. I'm actually hopeful. Of course that might just be the glass of wine I had with dinner so we will have to see what the future holds.

For instance, I plan to do my June book list. Soon. However, first I had to finish a post I have up over at Access Romance Readers Gab. I'm palavering about going to RWA. Yes, I've condensed RWA to THE ESSENTIAL 3 E's. Makes you wonder why I'm not writing books, doesn't it? Har-har.

Other distractions include weddings. I'm officiating at my first wedding tonight. Pray. Light candles. Dance naked under the moon. I'm beggin' ya here. Do whatever it takes to send me some good ju-ju... My arms are wide open because my nerves are frayed. It's a small group, but some of them are people I work with. Holy crap what was I thinking?

All of which lends to the realization that I may not be cut out to be the Right Reverend Rosie marrying people thither and yon. This is likely to be an adventure of short duration.

Gotta go. More later...

Lawsy, but I miss you people.

Countdown RWA!

One month people. One month from today I leave for Washington DC. I simply can't believe it! In many ways it is a surreal experience because one person's brain almost can't process meeting all those people in such a short period of time. Sensory overload anyone?

OTOH, I do know that under the skin we are all just people and I'm not really one to deify someone I admire and respect. OTOOH, holy crap I'm excited!!

I've already shared I want to meet Carolyn Jewel this year. I also want to see Ann Aguirre again, she's awesome. Ummm...oh, of course, the reason I made the decision to go in the first place...Linda freaking Howard! I've heard through the grapevine that Anne Stuart and Jennifer Crusie are going to be there. That's pretty cool. I will eventually make a list so I don't miss anyone I may never get a chance to see ever, ever again.

What about you? Whether you are able to go to RWA or not, who would be on your 'must see' list? What would you say to them if you could meet them?

As for what I would say to all these authors I admire so much? I'm usually speechless. Anyone who's met my chatty self probably doesn't believe me, but I've found that while I do want to compliment an author or get a signed book, I DON'T want to be obnoxious or intrusive. There's a fine line between fan and stalker. Heh.

So tell me my little chiquitas, inquiring minds want to know:
1) Who would you most like to meet and why?
2) What would you say to them?
3) What's the line between fan and stalker?

Silly and Superficial

It's the little things in life that make all the difference. I mentioned earlier in the week I'd gotten my purse and some great gad-about shoes for DC. Here in their superficial glory and my over-the-top giddiness are the goods.

The purse...

This was a splurge and obscenely affordable at a recent Macy's sale. It's officially called the Dooney & Bourke Medium Lucy Bag (Sunflower) with Twisted Strap. I call it my yellow purse with the awesome red insides. BTW, if you go to the link don't faint whenyou see the price. I paid less than the sales price listed. Much less. Gotta love a sale!

Totally superficial. Totally silly. It fits my shoulder, it isn't too heavy and can hold lots of stuff. These are all the prerequisites of a good travel purse for me.

The Shoes... SANUK Sidewalk Surfers. Love 'em! Comfy light and an impulse buy. So far so good. I'll let you know how it goes. I hate when my feet hurt. Ask anyone whose had the misfortune to be with me when I'm complaining.

Of course, just like last year I'm struggling with finding something "nice" to wear for evening type outings. Don't have a clue as yet. Also don't have anything to wear either. Despite my excitement over this purse and shoes, I really don't like shopping...

Well, except for books.

Research: Washington DC - The List

As it turns out I'm going to go to DC a few days before the convention starts and will have one single day to see stuff. There are a couple of people in my life who have been to DC recently who have my head spinning with where I should go and what I should see.

It occurred to me that I'd like to get some other people's opinions about what they would see in DC. If YOU had only one day to see the sights in DC what would you absolutely have to see before going home? Tell me in the comments and help me make a list.

If you happen to live in the DC area (or thereabouts) what's a cool place to eat, have a drink, see something that most tourists don't get to see? Tell me, tell me, tell me...

The final word: Decision RWA 2009

I've had more angst over this decision than one woman should. Normally I'm not a ditherer. I might take a while to decide, weigh the pros and cons, but I make a decision and stick with it. At least that's what I do most of the time.

This time last year I think I'd already registered to go to RWA. I'd been saving money since the prior July. I had stash money. My only anxiety was over whether I'd fit in. What I'd wear. Oh, and to school myself not to be a total fruit loop when meeting authors.

I came away with some thoughts on what a reader should and should not expect from an RWA experience. While attending RWA is a wonderful experience, it's also a professional writer's conference and a reader who attends should take that into consideration before going. Consequently, I'd been thinking that going every other year would be more than adequate. I'm not an author that needs to network and make contacts, but a couple of things gave me pause this year and had me reconsidering that decision.

For one, I love seeing all my blogger pals. Not everyone makes it to RWA every year. OTOH, some people do go each year, and holey moley, I don't want to miss seeing those people the one year they might be going. Yeah, that's convoluted thinking I know, but it's how my brain works.

Secondly, and this is the real corker, I saw that Linda freaking Howard was going to be there. Linda Howard. DIAMOND BAY, HEART OF FIRE, MACKENZIE'S MOUNTAIN, SHADES OF TWILIGHT... That's without looking at my bookshelf. I could go on and on. Love her books. Love 'em. If there was a fire or disaster and I had time to grab something, after getting my family out safe, it would be her books. Swear.

To add further to my angst Janet Evanovich and Anne Stuart are also speaking. *dramatic swoon* Turmoil thy name is Rosie.

Lisabea and I made a sort of pact way back last year that each of us would go to DC if the other went. Originally this plan included spouses. When Lisa was here last month neither one of us had made up our minds, but knew if we'd be going, our men wouldn't be. Lucky for us both of our G's were nudging and urging us to go. In fact, GG was so encouraging that if I didn't know he'd miss me and how expensive the trip is I would be suspicious he was trying to get rid of me.

Anyway a couple of days ago, on the very same day, LB and I emailed one another and just said, "Let's do eet". So we are. We are both going to RWA . If we do things right neither Washington DC nor we will ever be the same. Roomies. Pals. Buds. Cell mates.

Some things never change. Even though I'm excited, I find I'm still also, you know, a bit freaked out. Just like last year, I'm wondering what to wear, whether I'll fit in, and wondering if I won't act like an idiot if I get a chance to have a book signed by Linda Howard. Believe it or not I find comfort in my neuroses. It keeps my mind off the really scary stuff.

For now, I've stuffed my Mother's guilt in a hat box in the closet and I'm ready to bring on the gin, scotch, good times. Here we come DC! Anybody else make the big decision this week? I'm taking names and making plans.