July 27th through August 1st I'll be in Orlando with a couple of thousand other romance writers. So what's the draw? Mickey Mouse? For some maybe, but for me the draw is the National Romance Writers of America Annual Conference.
I was in Orlando with the family doing the mouse thing in April. Though I do plan to visit Epcot my favorite. Mostly I plan to be at the Swan/Dolphin Hotel Resort attending numerous workshops to perfect my craft.
Last year I discovered the benefits of volunteering. This will be my 4th conference.
The first one in Reno in 2005 was a bewildering adventure. I learned quickly to slow down before I overloaded my poor brain and it exploded. That year I tried to hit a workshop every hour, on the hour with no breaks. I did not want to miss anything.
Then I attended Dallas in 2007, I slowed it down a bit, but still overdid. Still the information and networking was worth it.
2009 D.C. I finally decided to volunteer. I moderated two workshops and helped with the agent/editor appointments. One of the workshops was Susan Elizabeth Phillips, talk about an awesome opportunity. Then I helped on Saturday morning with Agent/Editor pitch appointments. Yes I missed a lot of workshops, however, I met a lot of very nice agents and editors. Mmmm... did that help my career? You bet it did.
I suggest a couple of things so you don't burn out and you get the most of your conference. First go online and check the DVD's from last year and if available still the year before. Are there workshops that were offered both years? I know that Susan Elizabeth Phillips one that I moderated is offered again this year and I highly recommend it but if you miss it, most likely you'll be able to catch it next year.
If you know you'll be attending next year, this is the way to go, pick some for next year. And give yourself a break once in awhile. You can't remember everything, and sometimes you brain needs a free hour to assimilate what it's just learned.
The second thing I suggest is--Volunteer, you have some very good opportunities and it is worthwhile to help out.
Did I miss anything? Oh yes, I hope to see you there!
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14 comments:
My first conference was Dallas, and then DC. I am especially looking forward to Orlando. This is the first year I am giving a workshop with the fabulous Christine and Hollywood Director Doug McKeon. I am soooo excited and a bit nervous. I am also volunteering and moderating 4 workshops. There are some definite "business" workshops I want to attend as well, and when I'm not at any of those...you will find me in the bar networking with my favorite peeps!
Have fun! My first conference was the lastone in Orlando. Must be 10 years ago, I think. Did Disney and Epcot! Okay, so maybe I was more into the newbie-fangurl-socializing aspects of the thing then. After all, I had to take time off from my real job, so it was a vacation, right? Next year, Anaheim! More Disney.
Kari, Can't wait until you workshop. I think you'll do great! I haven't gone over the workshops yet, I usually have them all figured out by now. But they didn't send them in the RWR this time. I like them in hand so I can highlight them in order of preference. It's usually pretty colorful!
Mary, good points. I love conferences and can't wait for Orlando. Matter of fact, in my blog on Monday, I'm gonna tell you the top ten reasons why. Be sure and stop by.
Like you, I tried to get in ALL the workshops my first few times there. It is a killer. This year Im going to my first mystery writers' conference, the Crime Bake in November. I will probably kill myself there, too, getting to see all the really cool mystery authors.
And do come out and hear Kari's workshop. I'm moderating, and you can watch how I need oxygen to talk!!
It's going to be great fun to get together. The workshops are fantastic, but I have a confession to make. I really love the chance to see my buddies, meet new people, and not get too worked up about needing to learn more. Yes, I learn lots each time. But just being with you all, hearing about your work, and talking about what we do is a huge portion of why I go.
Thanks, Mary. Great topic.
If colored text was an option here, my message would be in BOLD GREEN text!
Yup, I'm green. I had considered the conference this year but trying to be wise and grown up - which doesn't come easily - I decided that I'd only fork out the bucks (which have other duties) for travel if I was a finalist for the Golden Heart.
So... I have big plans for next year instead! ha ha.
I will be watching the blogs and twitter, eating up all the little bits everyone is sure to share (this was hinting ).
In the meantime, I'll store away all your con. advice for when it's my turn.
Thanks!
Hey Katt,
Forget Golden Heart. Think RITA. If you're going to wise BIG then wish BIG. Like me.
Cassy I'm with you, I've done a lot of the workshops the last couple of time I've attended. This year is more to network and meet friends.
Lindsay and Katt both of you will do other things for your career. RWA Conference is only one part. We all have to do what works best for us.
Mary,
That's one reason I'm going to Crime Bake this year. Trying a different venue.
Crime Bake is a great conference. Small, intimate with lots of big name people who are willing to talk with you. As for our "group," Christine Witthohn, Liz and I will be there. Lindsay, be sure to find us.
I'm sure there will be lots posted about RWA Nationals, so those who can't make it this year will be missing only the late nights and the tired feet.
And where would the best place be to meet you ladies.
I'm really looking forward to this year. Can't wait to see everyone, learn, network and just have fun.
Kari, I can't wait for your workshop. I think it's going to be awesome.
Lindsay, are you talking about at Crime Bake? The hotel is not that big. We'll find each other! But I'll send you my cell phone number to your private email. I'm coming in on Saturday morning, not Friday night.
Cassy,
Got it. I'm getting in on Friday
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