What's Love Got To Do With. Conferences Part 1by Barbara Gale The following appeared in the May 2006 issue of From The Heart Romance Writers' Words From The Heart. Permission to reprint is granted to sister RWA Chapters with full credit to author and chapter. I haven't had much to say lately (who would have guessed, huh?) but I do lurk. So, here is my welcome to all the new members, and congratulations to all the sales I've been seeing. I am sure that a great deal of it has to do with the support of this terrific chapter. I am regrettably not going to National this year (my daughter is getting married) but I encourage everyone who can to do so. Networking there is *sooo* invaluable, not to mention the workshops and panels. The boost you get from hanging with other writers is priceless. Although I have seen much activity on various loops about National, if anyone wants to pick my brain about conferences-I've been to maybe half a million-do feel free to email me. Then I will feel I'm attending vicariously. Any question, no matter how silly it might seem, is worthwhile, and the advice could be helpful. Like, *No heels! Except maybe Saturday night, and that's a big maybe. Your feet will **never** forgive you*! On the other hand, if you cannot attend National, I have some advice: (see, I warned you). First, it is not the end of the world, or your career. There will be others. Secondly, attending your chapter meetings is of great worth (even if you lurk). My local chapter has an outing every July, in lieu of a meeting. Maybe that's a good plan for your members. Third, there are *always* mini conferences (day/ weekend), or luncheons to attend, which often serve the same purpose. Team up to drive with someone (the host can *always* find you a fellow traveler), or take a train (it's an adventure, and they pick you up!). Sometimes, smaller *is *better. For instance, if you can, try attending the LIRW luncheon this June (I live in NYC), where sooo many editors and agents attend for the purpose of meeting writers. But I am certain that within your tri state area, there are dozens of alternative chapters. As well, belonging to a number of chapters gives you access to a wider spread of information, and an opportunity to meet new people. And of course, you *could* write! You could take that quiet week
in July, when email will be minimal, to get some extra writing time
in, finish/start a project you've been stalling or stalled on (but
*not* if it's in the nature of house keeping!), or work out your
schedule for the rest of the year (or next five!). If you planned
this now, you would be ahead of the game. Whatever you do, I wish
you success. Again, congratulations and Barbara Gale lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family, and most of her books take place in upstate New York. She likes waving the east coast flag, she guesses. She has attended many, many conferences, so everything she learned for the article was first hand. Conferences are fun, but primarily business, so she owns many suits. The fun part is in dressing up for the evening parties, so she owns quite a few gowns, also, but they only come out of the closet once or twice a year-for conferences! Check out her website: www.barbaragale.com.
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