This time in 2 weeks I’ll be in Melbourne, Victoria for the Romance Writers of Australia conference. This close and I’m starting to cycle through a whole range of emotions:
- excitement – at seeing my friends
- nerves – at how my workshop will be received
- happiness – at some down time from the family
- sadness – at some down time from the family
- stress – at getting everything ready in time (home and work)
But overall I can’t wait for conference to get here. I’ve enjoyed every conference I’ve attended; this will be my 11th, although I’m not actually participating in conference this year, other than presenting my workshop. My workshop is titled Face Off: Understanding Biometric Technology. I am using the time as a writing retreat and putting the money I would normally spend on conference towards my writing retreat cruise next year. Can’t afford everything so that’s the balance.
I always find that conference is a weekend of inspiration, and I think I’ll still get that, even though I’m not participating. I’ll still hear how it’s going from others, hear success stories, immerse myself in a weekend of writing chatter and spend the weekend writing. I have a writing goal – I’m doing something different that weekend so I’ll see how it goes. I plan on trying to write a short story. I’ve never been good at short length but I haven’t tried for many years, so maybe it will go better this time around. If it is not working I will switch to editing my draft manuscript.
I’ve never needed motivation, I have that in spades, but conference gives me a renewed sense of belief that I will succeed. I think it still will this year. I can’t wait.
Do you have something that renews your spirit?
July 25, 2019 at 8:21 pm
Honestly, just a day to myself renews my spirit. Like sometimes I just have to be at home and do nothing all day but watch movies and be bored out of my mind and then I’ll feel better lol
July 26, 2019 at 11:08 am
Oh, a day to myself! Don’t remember what that is but I bet it is blissful.
July 26, 2019 at 11:15 am
Lol it’s completely boring but definitely needed sometimes!
July 26, 2019 at 12:22 pm
Don’t say that, GF. A day to myself could never be boring!
July 26, 2019 at 12:22 am
I have the same reaction to conferences. They inspire me. I didn’t go to any this year, missed them, but have my eye on a few next year. I look forward to hearing how this one goes for you.
July 26, 2019 at 11:08 am
Thanks, Jacqui. I’ll definitely report back here.
July 26, 2019 at 5:29 am
I’ll carry your bags on the cruise. By then I’ll be itching to get away. Have a ball at the conference.
July 26, 2019 at 11:09 am
Haha, I’ve had a few offer that. Not sure you’ll be itching. You’ll be nicely settled into your new space and loving it.
July 26, 2019 at 9:43 am
Where in Melbourne is the conference? If you have time for a cuppa, get in touch.
July 26, 2019 at 11:10 am
Hey Sue, I was planning on it. =)
July 26, 2019 at 8:23 pm
Excellent! Email me when you know what’s happening and we’ll swap phone numbers.
July 27, 2019 at 9:25 am
=)
July 26, 2019 at 8:29 pm
Apparently I don’t get the option to reply to your last comment directly lol but I love the boring! It’s the best part! It’s how I’ve planned my Sunday. I’m moving Saturday and unless the guy makes plans, I’m just going to be lazy and unpack a little on Sunday and be super bored. It will be great.
July 27, 2019 at 9:26 am
Good luck with the move, GF. Wow, so this weekend really does close a chapter! I think you’ll have earnt a day of nothing (although a day with the guy would be just as nice).
July 27, 2019 at 9:38 am
Thanks!! I just finished packing up everything I think! I’m a little nervous about it and don’t think all my stuff will fit in my place but we’ll see hehe the blog will be updated with the details of course!
And probably no day with the guy. He did make sure I confirmed my van rental (which I didn’t think to do but I did it!) and he’s helping his mom unpack in her new place this weekend. He is so amazing and supportive with her!
July 29, 2019 at 8:05 am
It’s always nice to get away. And then to get back. Hope you have fun at the conference/writing retreat.
July 30, 2019 at 9:54 am
Thanks, Liz. I’m sure I will =)
August 3, 2019 at 12:41 pm
What a great opportunity. Your workshop sounds really interesting. I wish I could be there! I attended a one-day conference last weekend–short and sweet, with some good information. It’s always fun to be with other writers!
August 3, 2019 at 8:25 pm
It is fun to be immersed with others who “get” you.