The dog days of summer are here, and I confess to a certain wistfulness at knowing that as I type this in my office at home, the annual Romance Writers of America conference is in full swing in Orlando, Florida. I’ll miss the excitement of going to the airport, the hugs of seeing old friends in all the subgenres of romance, the Wall of Noise that is the Literacy Signing (tonight), miss meeting with my wonderful agent Elaine English and wonderful editor Melissa Endlich, and the fabulous Harlequin party. Sounds like they’re going to do their best to keep the party crashers out of the latter this year, an improvement which has long been needed. For too long any wannabe with enough chutzpah has waltzed right in and availed themselves of free food and liquor, not caring that attendance to this fabulous party is a right to be earned by actually SELLING to Harlequin, Silhouette, Steeple Hill and all their various other imprints, not something to be seized. But I digress.
Yes, I’ll miss all of the above, but I made a choice not to go because I don’t have a book out currently, am not up for an award, and have already had a great vacation this in Wyoming and Montana–see a coupla blogs ago. I’m consoling myself by reminding myself what I will NOT miss–the expense, the stress of airplane travel (it’s just NOT fun any more), the lines, getting up before my body clock is ready, and the feeling that I should be home writing.
Because as soon as I’m done with this blog, I will be working on COURTING CARO. Maybe you’re one of these marvelous souls who can write at a conference, and I have tried in the past, and got a little done, but not much. Have a good time, y’all! While you’re partying, I’m going to try and forge ahead. Nah nah nah nah nah nah! <beg>
Blessings, Laurie