1. Monday:
Morning:
- I’ve got plenty of time until Friday. But it’s becoming a little more real that I’ll be talking to an agent and an editor about my work. **breathes in and out** **Kind of like Lamaze for writing conferences**
- I should probably make a list of all the things I need to do so I’m not freaking out Friday morning, trying to get everything done.
- Puts head down, into the wind, to get revisions done. Forget the list.
Afternoon:
- I’m really glad for The Twitter Game because it’s making me laugh. And I need to laugh. Maybe I’ll go back and reread it tomorrow. Just to make sure I didn’t follow any of those #badquerytips like writing my query letter in pig latin by accident. Or who knows? Maybe if I squeeze some pig latin into my manuscript, the agents would think that approach is creative. And I’ll be one of those lucky ones to break the rules and get away with it.
Night:
- I glance at my closet with clothes that need to be weeded out, wondering what I’m going to wear over three days. I have a couple good outfits that will make me feel cool. Okay. Not really. But should I go for just me? Or try to look artsy and more like a writer? You know the type, right? **puts it off ’till later**
2. Tuesday
Morning:
- Starts to panic about clothing a little bit. I ask my daughter if I can borrow her white lace headband that looks good on her. Not sure how it will work on me.
- I make my kids laugh and convince myself that my humorous YA might be a little bit funny.
Afternoon:
- Feels a little bit guilty about leaving for the weekend #notreally so I scrub the toilet. I receive an epiphany. Who cares about the agent and editor – that’s not why I’m going. I get to celebrate with my crit partners about Kris signing with an agent. And we get to talk shop for three days! Woo hoo!
- In the back of my mind though I’m wondering how many more times I should practice my pitch. Just in case.
Night:
- Trying to ignore my stomachache caused by either missing lunch or stress of getting everything done this week.
- I’m being a crab to the kids and I blame either the upcoming conference, missed lunch, or the fact that my kids have sports, games, or a concert every night this week. When will they eat dinner?
3. Wednesday
Morning
- I finished any revising on my story for the week last night. No more. Because I actually do have to bring clothes and a toothbrush to NESCBWI. And in a few minutes I have to lead a reading group at my son’s school. #notprepared #maybetheycangivemeclothingadvice #ortellmeifmydaughter’sheadbandmakesmelooksilly
Afternoon
- My mind wanders away from the conference as I think about the awesome opportunities that e-publishing offers writers. Hey, if published/agented writers can call self publishing – e-publishing, then so can’t all writers.
- I think about all the hard work that it takes to successfully e-publish or any kind of publishing.
- #thankGodforsocialmedia
Night
- I have tomorrow to pack. That’s it. I’ve put off opening the doors to my closet all week. Flirting with Twitter won’t get it done.
- Eek! Can’t wait. #talkingabouttheconference #notaboutpacking
4. Thursday
Morning
- Finished last chapter crit for friends.
- Marveling at the fact that the grass is finally a brilliant green. #latespring
- I’m about to walk the long mile up to my closet to pack. #prayforme
Afternoon
- Phew. Done. Packed for the most part. #ididit
Night
- Wow. I leave tomorrow. I’m ignoring the excitement fluttering in my stomach.
- And in case you were wondering – my kids did get fed all week. #miracleshappen
5. Friday
Morning
- I’m blog hopping for a bit.
- Finishing up packing.
- And I’m leaving! See you Monday!
See you…TODAY!!
I guess you won’t have blogging to distract you now. 😀
Have fun! I can wait to hear how the pitching goes and what tips you have for me. 😀
Have a great time!! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Haha, this was great. I’ll see you this weekend! 🙂
I’m not really pitching just getting feedback on my query letter and first ten pages. I go into things with low expectations. My goals are to get some great feedback that I can apply to the rest of my manuscript and know that my query letter has been approved. 🙂
I’m most nervous about being a handler, which means I have to introduce the speaker. What if I mess it up?
Laura, you’ll do fine this weekend, I’m sure! I hope that you get some very constructive feedback from your critique too.
Plus, you’ll be there with your pals! You’re going to have a fabulous time!
LOL at cleaning the toilet.
You’re going to do great! And I’m excited for you. #conferencefever #Igetsit
Okay so I’m totally not blog hopping! But I am getting some cleaning done before I leave! And sorry the post was so long. I think it was therapy for me. 🙂 See you all next Monday! 🙂
Have a blast! Conferences are so much fun. #justalittlejealous
Good luck and have fun! Tell us all about it when you get back!
LOL! I can relate to all the fretting and getting ready before a writer’s conference. I, too, have learned not to have high expectations at these things. I go to get the most out of it and have fun. I hope you and your crit partners have a blast and that good things come from it.
P.S. Blogger has been down all day yesterday and still this morning. Good thing I get your posts by email.
LOL – Have fun!!! And relax. Funny and true story? I was at a conference lately where I had an opportunity to pitch to an editor who seemed interested. I freaked. I didn’t have a pitch ready. I stayed up all night going over and over it in my mind. Finally the opportunity for a few minutes came. My mind went blank. I blurted out a rather ineloquent sentence that might be what I’d say to neighbor’s kid when they asked what I’m writing about. Then I cringed. And waited. The response? That sounds like fun! Me: IT WAS REALLY FUN TO WRITE. DUR. Ok I didn’t say Dur. But it’s how I felt. The outcome? IDK, but she did ask to have my agent send her the manuscript. *shrugs* I guess the lesson is just relax and be yourself.
You are so REAL and HYSTERICAL! I love it!!! ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY!!!
That’s so exciting. I hope you have a fantastic time at the conference. I’ll be at a writer’s festival all next week. I’m looking forward to it.
Those hashtags were totally funny! I hope you had a great time at your conference and made a few contacts!
LOL! omg, I can only imagine what I’d be like. How nerve-wracking! GOOD LUCK!!!
Can’t wait to hear all about it~ <3
OMG that is hilarious! You’re there now, so I hope you’re having a great time. And be sure and let us know about that headband. Inquiring minds and all.
lol – i hope you relax when you get there 🙂 Have a great time!
I hope you’re having a wonderful time!
Hilarious, and validating. I go through a crazy process before a conference as well. Here’s hoping you shine for the editors etc.
I am looking forward to hearing all about the conference!!
Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse
I hope you had the time of your life at the conference.
I mention you and Heather Kelly and your Twitter Game toward the end of my new blog post!