Jul 20, 2015

Count Down to Conference

By the time you see this post I’ll be in New York! That’s right, with the Romance Writers of America conference happening next week my husband and I decided to squeeze in a little sight-seeing.

This will be my second trip to New York but my first time attending the conference.

What am I most excited for?

The Harlequin Black and White Ball
This is a special event for all the Harlequin authors and it’s going to be held at the Waldorf Astoria!!! I love old school glamour, so this is right up my street. The idea of black and white events always appealed (Derby Day, anyone?) and of course I had to by a new dress. You know, it’s for work…right?

The “Readers for Life” Literacy Signing
This will be my first time signing books at an event! Seems like all those years practising my signature on my school books is about to pay off. The great thing about this event is that it’s raising money for three different literacy-based charities, so it
Exciting events mean a new dress!
’s for a good cause.

Meeting up with all my writer friends
When all the people you chat to day in and day out on Facebook are scattered across the globe, any event that brings them together is a good thing! I’m excited to catch up with my fellow LoveCats who’re making the trek over as well as meeting a ton of people who I only know online. For me, writing is never a lonely task as there’s always an email or message from a friend to respond to, and plenty of people willing to lend an ear or offer a kind word when things get rough.

Meeting my editor and agent
These people play such an important role in an author’s career and it’s easy to go years without ever meeting them in person. I’m taking advantage of everyone being in New York for the conference to put a face to the name (or should that be a face to the email address?)

Learning and growing
Conference is a hugely busy time. But I’m promising myself to make it to a few workshops on the topics I’m most interested in. I’m also playing the role of moderator in one session, which will be fun as it’s been a while since I’ve had my public speaking hat on.


Have you ever been to conference for work? Was it a good experience? I’d love to hear any funny stories of things that happened while you were there :)

7 comments:

  1. Hi Stefanie

    You are going to have so much fun I really would love to be there as well and I have never been to a conference for work but I have been to 4 ARRA conventions and can I say what a fantastic time I have had at all of them woohoo.
    I am loving the photos so far keep them coming :)

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  2. OMG OMG OMG - I'm packing right now. RIGHT NOW!!! Soooo excited! Catch you on the flipside tomorrow night, Stefanie!

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  3. I am soooooo jealous of you all being in NY. It is going to be fabulous fun.
    I always enjoy the NZ and Aussie writers conferences. They are the best, and this year I have to miss the Australian one - for a good reason. Grandbaby is due and daughter wants me here.
    Have a blast.

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  4. I have to say I would so love to be in your shoes. I haven't been to New York for years and I love that city! Been to lots of conferences in my time but the romance writing ones have been the most fun!

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  5. Am absolutely pea-green, Stef! Both New York and the American conference are on my bucket list. I hope you have a fabulous time (am looking forward to photos and gossip). And I'll agree with the other Cat -- the RWAust conference is the best I've ever been to. Am really looking forward to attending next month. :-)

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  6. Can't say I've ever been to a conference for work. However RWA(merica) conference is on my bucket list if the medium term future. First step actually attend RWNZ conference first and on a semi-regular basis. Then ARRA and RWAust conferences, then think about the many various conferences in North America.
    Oh and write on a regular basis so that attending these conferences makes any sense what so ever.

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  7. I went to the RWAmerica conference a few years ago and loved it. Must make it back one year. Hope you have a ball, Stefanie!

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