I’m taking off for Atlanta this weekend to attend the RWA National Conference and I’m super excited. I’m going to spend a week with 2,000 other romance writers – sounds like heaven, right? In a hotel with an entire floor/lobby dedicated to mingling (okay, there is a really big bar at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis), and I guarantee I will be informed, inspired, surprised and exhausted within 30 minutes of checking in. And no, I’m not trying to make anyone who is not going jealous – but I’m excited and want to share.
Speaking of sharing, I volunteered (two years in a row:) to serve as the official Waterworld Mermaid reporter blogging LIVE daily from Hot-Lanta! But expect some of the other Mermaids to pop in, too. A bunch of us will be in town, and will either post here or on our own blogs – so stay tuned.
But I said ROAD TRIP in the headline – so yeah, I’m getting from here to there by jumping in my car and taking off on Saturday! Joining me is my long-time friend, writer, poet, singer Xio Axelrod, who will be attending her first RWA National Conference.
We plan to make stops in North Carolina (visiting my mom) and Savannah, GA (because it is one of the most beautiful cities in the USA and I haven’t been there in 10 years), with our arrival in Atlanta set for Monday.
If you’re traveling to RWA Nationals let us know if you’re packed:) – so I can be jealous – and if by chance, you too, are doing the ROAD TRIP thing. If you aren’t attending Nationals in 2013 – what would you like to read in the Waterworld Mermaids’ daily blog post? Although, if I’m reporting, you’re going to have to deal with my FRANTIC schedule (will share more about my first year as a PRO and a finalist in two contests, both to be announced in Atlanta!).
You may have noticed that every now and then throughout this post, I’ve felt like shouting (ie, the CAPS sprinkled throughout), but I am excited so a little shouting is a good thing, RIGHT!
COUNTDOWN TO ATLANTA! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.
I don’t have to make a road trip since I live about 20 minutes from the hotel, but your trip, with the stops included, sounds like a lot of fun! Safe travels and maybe we will be able to meet and I can say “Welcome to Atlanta” to you in person!
Lucky you, but then again, I’ve battled traffic in Atlanta and 20 minutes can take a while:)! Thank you for dropping by and congrats on your GH nomination. And yes, I do hope we run into each other in the melee! The other great part about Nationals is meeting people in the flesh. Looking forward to meeting you next week!
I am also road tripping with Mermaids Avery and Robin! I’m setting things aside to be packed. So far, the shoe count is ten, but Mermaid Robin says flip-flops don’t count (I love her extra for enabling my flip-flop addiction!) Can’t wait to see everyone there!
I must admit, I’m a copycat:)…Avery mentioned your Road Trip to me a few weeks back, and I was like, yeah! So now all I’ve got to do is go shopping for more shoes (including sparkly flip-flops)!
Not packed, but Atlanta and what to pack is weighing not so gently on my mind. Doing a road trip, too, with Emelle Gamble, Evie Owen and Lavinia Kent, but it’s going to be an express road trip. We’re making the journey in one day. Still, it’s going to be an adeventure.
Sounds like a fun carload:)! And I’d better run into you there, too! Have safe travels and see you in Atlanta!
The more I hear about it, the more sad and jealous I am that I can’t go! But hopefully I’ll see everyone in San Antonio next year!
Denny-Mermaid, make sure and go to the PRO retreat – it’s one of my favorite parts of Nationals!
San Antonio will be a hoot! But both of you will be missed in Atlanta – but we must do a get together this fall – where ALL of the MERMAIDS can fit it in their schedules, you know?
You bet I’m going to the PRO Retreat. I’m on the loop and there is much discussion about it, and much excitement. But I’ll talk all about it next week:).
Woo hoo! I’m FLYING to Atlanta, and my wonderful, darling, recentyly-divorced (yay!) daughter is driving us to the incredibly close airport I insisted on. For a direct flight (also insisted), where my luggage will be *checked*. Yeah, sister, winning a free ticket to RWA13 means I’m checking my bag. Yee haw! See you there!
That’s right Mermaid Susan – you won a trip to Nationals. Well, congrats and see you there! And congrats to your daughter, too!
I’ve thought thought about packing, does that count? 😉
Gail Hart
It should. That’s the way I like to do it. Lots of thinking, and then dropping a pile of clothes into the suitcase (and seriously, that’s how I do pack sometimes…:).
I think it should count, Gail!!
I’m going – I’m one of the Virgins! I’m flying in, since I have a business trip to Boston directly after the conference. Hope to see you guys there!
Mermaids will be wearing mermaid pins (or some of us will:), but also check out our bios to see the real us:)! See you in Atlanta.
I can’t decide if I’m more bummed that I’m not going to Nationals or that I’m not ROAD TRIPPING it to nationals! All these Road Trips sound like a ton of girly fun. Be safe everyone and ENJOY yourselves!
I know the entire road trip thing when I heard about it inspired me to add it to my must-do list. Hold down the fort while we’re away Mermaid Carlene. We’ll miss you!
Uh! I’m married to a Georgia boy so I’ve done the road trip thing more times than I want to count. I’m flying in this time. And no, I’m not packed. In fact, I’m working on a deadline so I’m likely to just throw stuff in a suitcase on Monday night. So if you see me wearing the same outfit twice, you’ll know why.
Stay safe and have fun!
I actually considered driving, but in the end decided flying would be faster (although apparently not nearly as much fun as the Mermaids plan to have). The only thing I’ve packed so far is my toiletries bag and, believe me, that’s the longest part of the pack for me! All of the lotions and potions and creams and sprays. It’s hard working being a girl. See you there, Denny and all other WRW’ers.
I’m nowhere near the packing stage. Still shopping. 🙂 This is my first RWA conference and I’m beyond excited.
My first RWA conference was the last one held in Atlanta. And I remember I was excited, but I didn’t know anything about romance. I was a fanfiction writer who decided to see what the original fiction writers were up to:)…Hope to see you there!
I am not reading any RWA hype because we are moving from Honolulu to Baltimore. Sobbing that I am missing it! I’d love to read about what the luncheon speakers say … and the crowd’s reaction.
It’ll be great to have you so close.. in Baltimore though!! Fun.
So soon you will be “Kim in Baltimore.” Yippee! Look forward to having you back with us, Kim, although it’s a bummer that I won’t see you next week.
I’m not packed yet, but I did get all my swag shipped to a friend that will bring it to the hotel for me. That’s half the battle right? Now…the hard part….shoes. Cute would be great, but comfortable is going to win. I’ve learned my lesson!
smart about shipping that swag in advance! And yeah, shoes are fantastic on the shelf, but they have to practical for the feet:)!
Hell yeah to Road Trip! Mermaid-Pintip and I are jumping in my minivan on Monday. We’re stopping in Charlotte, North Carolina on Monday and arriving at the hotel on Tuesday! Woo hoo!
I have an extra bag for shoes. Seems like there are many in WRW with a shoe problem. The problem? Not enough room for all of your favorites…:-)