A National Virgin

Since we’re talking about conferences this week, I have a confession to make. I’m a RWA National Conference virgin. Yep, never been to the “big one.” Oh, I’ve been to many smaller, regional conferences but this July will be my first foray into the National realm. I hear it can be quite overwhelming so if you see me wondering around looking dazed and confused, please be nice to me.

So where might you find me? Well, I was too slow on the draw to get an editor appointment, so you might find me hovering around the agent/editor check in area hoping to pick one up. I did manage to snag an agent appointment with none other than uber agent Roberta Brown – SQUEEE! But I’m not too nervous about it (yet). I’ve done my share of pitches so I think I can speak for 10 minutes without totally embarrassing myself. Maybe. I hope. Oh, who am I kidding? I’ll probably be a quivering puddle by the time my appointment rolls around.

I also plan to hit a few of the Publisher Spotlight sessions. I’ve had the chance to listen to many of them from the conference CDs my chapter purchases each year and they often provide a wealth of information. But it looks like there are lots of good workshops going on too. It’s going to be hard to decide between some of them.

And, if any of you are going to the FF&P Gathering on Thursday night, I’m going to be there with my National co-virgin roommate in tow. I’ve been a member of the FF&P chapter for over two years and have yet to meet anyone face-to-face. I can’t wait to see who’s going to be on the editor/agent panel. It should be a fun night. I’m hearing through the grapevine that there will be a lot of ladies in red in attendance.

Speaking of which, the thing I’m most stressing about is what to wear. I’m a stay-at-home-mom who lives in sweats and t-shirts. Guess I gotta go shopping. Now that’s the thing that terrifies me most!