Thursday, July 29, 2010

Orlando, FL - July 29, 2010 - Day Four

Words written: 0                                                             Weather: 93 High
Hrs. writing: 0 (unless you count this blog!)                                     79 Low
Hrs. shopping and sightseeing: 0                                                     82% Humidity (They lie! feels like 98%)

Today was the first full day of conference. My. Brain. Is. Full. Already. The luncheon speaker was Nora Roberts. Now all the hype and hyperbole aside ... she's a hoot! She had us laughing, had me crying (nobody else would admit to it) as she talked about 30 years of friendships because of RWA, and it made me realize that I want to be her when I grow up. Not the fame - that would be a pain in the ass ... okay, maybe the fortune - but better than money and accolades, I want to grow old with my friends by my side. In good times, in bad times, in doubts and when they're cheering me on with glasses raised.

I wouldn't have those fantastic friends in my life if it wasn't for writing, RWA, and our local RWA chapter, the Rose City Romance Writers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The PRO Retreat was fantastic as always. After thanking the PRO organizers and volunteers, we heard from industry professionals: editors, agents and the incomparable Donald Maass, who was also a hoot! He made a vampire funny without even realizing it. He had some interesting things to say about the industry as a whole and where it is going. And good advice (IMHO) about digging deep into your own passion to put into your characters, to give them passion that leaps off the page.

Dinner was at The Fountain Cafe, I had the chili & cheese cup on a recommendation, plus a side salad. A few of Su's french fries might have reached my mouth, but except for saddlebags on my hips, there's no proof. Good food is an understatement. Didn't have room for any of the ice cream, shakes or floats. Oh, well ... there's always tomorrow.

5 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing about Nora. Every time I've heard her I've liked her more. She's down to earth and tells it like it is. I'm glad you are having a great time. Wish I were there.

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  2. Maggie, I agree, Nora is a straight shooter. One of the attendees said NR helped her daughter get into writing, gave her the name of her local RWA chapter, etc. She's a class act!

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  3. Keep it coming!

    30 years with your writer pals--wow! That is awesome. What are we on now...?

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  4. Dar, thanks so much for the updates on your DisneyWorld and conference experience. Bummed I'm there with you guys this year.....
    Can't wait to hear which workshops were stand-outs and worth listening to the tapes. Hope tonight's award ceremony is worthy of a Disney production.

    Wen, you signed Oh Baby for me in 1994 and I met Su and Dar when I moved to Portland in 1998. When did you join us, around 2000? So we've got 10 - 16 years together. Yup, I can see us still going strong another 20 - 30 years!!

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  5. Wen & Ginger, Yeah, I knew the number was in the double digits :-) I met Su in 1996 or 1997, we both can't remember exactly. You're great friends, even though we don't see each other as often as we'd like. Next year is NY, you're already planning it, right?? RIGHT??

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