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.