So, in a little more than a week I’ll be on my way to my second RWA convention in my old stomping grounds, New York City. It amazes me that I’ve lived in Maine longer now that I ever lived in New York. I was a suburban baby, growing up in Hempstead and commuting (I could walk!) to Adelphi University. I used to know the city well, teaching second grade at P.S. 64 on E. 9th Street for two years and later visiting corporate accounts all over Manhattan every day as a service advisor for New York Telephone, where I trained people how to operate equipment and say “hello.” Seriously, there is a business-proper way, LOL. I lived on E.13th Street and E.88thSt., so I was both a downtown and uptown girl. I knew the hot spots and Who was Who.
I know nothing now, LOL. Recently I bought two books that tell what to do with kids in NYC, because some of my family is coming with me. I figure I’ll be too busy to go to the Central Park Zoo, but my granddaughter Sadie should love it.
I’m nervous already. Do I have the right clothes? (Some of them are black.) Will I get blisters wearing real shoes after staying indoors barefoot for months writing? Will I stammer when I introduce the fabulous Janet Mullany at the workshop that I’m moderating? Will anybody come to my table at the literacy signing? Will people be shocked that I have way more wrinkles in real life than I do in my photoshopped head shot? You get the picture.
I was pretty nervous last year too, but my critique partners took care of me in public and my family did in private. I know more people this year and have had five books come out under both my pen names, so it should be easier, right?
Do you get excited over events like the RWA conference, or would you really rather hide at home? What’s your big-crowd strategy?
Maggie,
Sorry I won’t be there this year to meet you. Maybe next year in Anaheim.
Have a great time!
Joan
Joan, I’m looking forward to meeting you too sometime! I haven’t been to California in a zillion years, but man do I hate sitting on a plane for any length of time. (Altho we flew to London this spring and I didn’t go totally stir-crazy, LOL)
Hope you have a lovely time and especially that you’re able to relax once you get there.
Myself, I have a hard time dealing with events and crowds of people. Lived in small rural places too long, I guess!
Dani, I live down a long twisty dirt driveway in the middle of the woods now, so New York will be a total shock to my system, LOL.
Have a great time, Maggie!
I did my share of academic conferences when I was teaching, but I’m finding that the older I get, the more the introvert is in control. There are many online friends I’d love to meet in person (you among them), but the thought of attending a conference makes me hyperventilate. I am trying to make part of
M & M in September-October.
Janga, I know exactly how you feel! I realize most writers are introverts and are feeling as shy as I am, but it doesn’t help. They all seem to have taken sparkle pills by the time they get to conference, LOL. Tiff says to just drink wine.
RWA Nationals 2003 in NYC was my first ever writers’ conference. I was unpublished, unrepresented and more than a little intimidated. I didn’t know a soul. Even though I soaked up the craft workshops, I felt there was a “shadow conference” made up of industry insiders going on around me and I didn’t know the secret handshake.
Turns out that feeling was correct. Networking was the real name of the game and I had no clue where to begin. Now that I’ve been to this rodeo a few times, I make it a point to look for perplexed newbies. If I can help someone else feel more comfortable, it lowers my blood pressure too.
So if you’re in NY, look for me at the Literacy Signing, the Kensington signing and my workshop BREAKING IN… AGAIN. Let’s hang out. I still don’t know the secret handshake, but I prefer hugs anyway.
I’m ready for my hug already, Mia.
You’re so right—when you are concerned about someone else, you stop worrying about yourself. I’m a pretty friendly person who usually never shuts up, but wow did I feel tongue-tied last year. And Orlando was hotter than hell—I think I was awash in what my grandmother would have called ‘dew’ all day. If only I could go sleeveless, but I do not have Madonna-arms. In fact, I’d buy a bathing suit with sleeves if they sold them. 