RWA National Conference

Posted by Kimberly

I’m getting ready to leave for the RWA National Conference in Orlando.  It promises to be a big event this year as it’s sold out.  I’m not sure how many people that will be, but I’d guess it would be in the 1000-1200 range.  That’s 1000 published and unpublished writers, editors, agents, and hardcore readers wandering around the mega-sized hotel.  It’s an interesting dynamic given that writers, by nature, are introverts.  Agents, on the other hand, are the extroverts.  Unfortunately in this environment, hungry writers tend to hunt down agents and editors with single-minded intent.  Everybody’s wanting to make contacts and sales.  Agents and editors are, meanwhile, hurrying everywhere while trying to hide the color of their name badges.  See?  It’s fun.

There will be a lot happening in those four days.  There will be countless workshops, one of which I’ll be moderating.  (I hope it doesn’t get out of hand!)  Publishers will be having parties for their staff and authors.  Authors will be gathering in the bars to share gossip.  Ahem… “industry news.”  It’s always great to see friends or make that chance encounter with a big name author.  You never know when you’ll run into Nora Roberts in the elevator or end up sitting at a luncheon table with J.R. Ward.

Anyway, it’s the one time of the year where authors come out of their writing caves.  It’s a fun time, and a lot of good things happen there.  I, for one, am ready to go.

Rude people

Posted by Kimberly

I had a really bad meeting today.  A gentleman (and I use the term loosely) scheduled a meeting with me.  I thought we were going to work through some issues like adults, but he came in attack mode.  What is it with people who feel superior to others?  Why do they feel they can treat others with no respect, yet be respected in return?  People, don’t do this.  Beating others down does not elevate you in any shape or form.  It simply shows how low you’ve let yourself become.  I took the higher road, but I’m no doormat.  After 10 minutes, I indicated that the discussion was not productive and it was time for it to end.  Yup, I kicked him out.  Politely, though — and I told him to have a good day.

Already I’m envisioning him as a villain in a book…  an ugly one with a mole on the side of his face… with hair growing out of it…