I didn't blog last week because I was at the RWA conference in Orlando. I'd intended to update from there, but I was busy, and while the hotel was lovely overall, suffice it to say the wifi wasn't the greatest.
I met some great people and attended some informative workshops, but The Moment for me was having my name checked off on the official invite list and walking into the festive and lavish Harlequin party on Friday night. I'm still three weeks from my release date, but at that moment I felt like I'd Arrived-with-a-capital-A. To quote Bull Durham (because it's the most quotable movie ever), "Yeah, I was in the show. I was in the show for 21 days once - the 21 greatest days of my life. You know, you never handle your luggage in the show, somebody else carries your bags. It was great. You hit white balls for batting practice, the ballparks are like cathedrals, the hotels all have room service, and the women all have long legs and brains."
Hopefully I'll manage a long stay in the publishing world's show...but I don't think anything ever beats that first moment. First kisses are thrilling even when you bump noses and teeth, I got more of a rush from finishing my first manuscript, flawed mess that it was, than any of the ones I've completed since, and I doubt I'll get as excited if I make it to my 20th publisher party even if by then I'm a star.
I'm so envious. I would have loved to go to the Harlequin party. Did you go to the digital event?
ReplyDeleteVery, very briefly. That was the evening I had a mild round of food poisoning or something, and I decided it'd be better to curl up in my room till I felt better, all things considered.
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah. Getting checked off the list was great. But I wish I had seen you, or SOMEONE I knew. I guess I should have arranged it ahead of time!
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