RWA National

job · Feb 3, 2008

Hi All --

Does anybody else know yet whether they'll be going to National?

JoB

Susan Gable · Feb 3, 2008

Me. I'm giving a workshop: Story Superglue: Make It Stick with Readers.

I'm registered for conference and hotel room. Just still in the process of making flight arrangements. Oy.

But I'll be there!

Susan G.

job · Feb 3, 2008

You're giving a workshop? Wow. Cool.

JoB

Crinklish · Feb 3, 2008

Me too...just made my hotel reservation, but I'm not sure what day I'm going to arrive yet. Depends how many people I have to schmooze

.

JackieA · Feb 4, 2008

Susan Gable said:
Me. I'm giving a workshop: Story Superglue: Make It Stick with Readers.

I'm registered for conference and hotel room. Just still in the process of making flight arrangements. Oy.

But I'll be there!

Susan G.

too much water in between here (UK) and there

otherwise I'd be the first to sign up for your workshop. Hope you have a fantabulous time.

smlgr8 · Feb 4, 2008

They priced it too high for little ol' me and I live in the state. Sigh. Oh well. I wanted to go.

Irysangel · Feb 4, 2008

I'll be there! Probably following Lisa Kleypas and gibbering in a high-pitched tone about how much I love her books.

Susan Gable · Feb 4, 2008

Irysangel said:
I'll be there! Probably following Lisa Kleypas and gibbering in a high-pitched tone about how much I love her books.

The thing at Nationals is, there are so many people you can follow and gibber at. <G> I love Lisa's books too, but I would easily be diverted by numerous other writers who will be there, whose books I also love. <G>

It's like an all-you-can-eat buffet for booklovers. LOL. Well, for romance novel lovers, anyway.

And it's hysterical to try to play it cool, and not act all gushing and fangrl. <G>

Last year at Ninc I stayed one night with Jo Beverly because we both stayed on an extra night because of plane fares. And I was like, I'm ROOMING WITH JO BEVERLY!!! LOL. Delightful lady. I adore Jo, and I adored her books long before I ever met her in person.

So it's loads of fun to do these conferences.

Susan G.

Cathy C · Feb 4, 2008

Sigh... no national for me this year. In fact, the only thing on my plate other than a couple of local single-day cons I can drive to is ThrillerFest in New York. That's going to take my entire budget because we're staying extra days and visiting the agent, publisher, etc.

Sonarbabe · Feb 4, 2008

smlgr8 said:
They priced it too high for little ol' me and I live in the state. Sigh. Oh well. I wanted to go.

I know what you mean. I was all set to go.

Time off: Check
Transportation: Check (Live in WA, so it's driving distance)
Place to stay: Check (Hubby has family in the Bay area)
Money: Er, not so much. I read $400+ and the dh had to close my mouth for me.

*Sigh* Oh well. As always, I'll be the one waving everyone off and telling them to make me jealous.

Susan Gable · Feb 4, 2008

Next year will be in Washington, DC. I encourage anyone who really wants to attend a National to start saving for it NOW.

Seriously. Tell everyone in your family that all you want for any kind of gift is cash money for your National fund. ("Forget chocolate for Valentine's Day, dear, gimme the $15 bucks instead. It's going into the National stash!")

Even if it takes you two years (two years from now, I believe it's going to be in Nashville) or more to save up for it -- if it's something you really want, make a plan to accomplish it. Don't wait until this time next year and wonder how to make it happen.

I mean, this is a much better gift than, oh, say, new pajamas for Christmas, right? Perfume for your birthday?

Put all your pocket change in a designated jar. It's amazing how that stuff adds up.

Skip the Starbucks, put the money in the jar.

Sell some stuff on eBay.

I want to see YOU at National sometime.

Make it happen!

And you do get a discount for the registration if you give a workshop. Actually, it's more of a rebate -- you have to pay the full price upfront, and then you get money LATER, after the conference. (That's so they make sure you actually showed up and gave the workshop.) I don't remember what the rebate is anymore. It doesn't cover the whole thing. But consider submitting a proposal. There's no guarantee you'll be selected, but if you are, that can help defray the costs.

Susan G.

smlgr8 · Feb 4, 2008

Well in my case I have been to three previous ones, including one in NYC. So I know how cool they are.

I thought, great, San Francisco, I can drive to that. But of course gas prices are outrageous and then I heard about the daily parking rate and went, okay, flying would be better. Of course the hotel is outrageous, the cabs are outrageous, and that doesn't even count eating. So, scratch that.

I've been to the city several times, so that isn't that big of a deal to me. I've never been to DC though so that would be a very cool one to go to.

bethany · Feb 4, 2008

I'm planning to go. I don't write romance, but I did go the year before last, and I have lots of friends who do write romance, and lots of the stuff is good for anyone. Plus this year I get the pink first sale slip, so I do plan to go. Tax write-off, right

Erin · Feb 7, 2008

I'm going. I only live 65 miles away. This will be my 2nd national conference so I'm looking forward to it. I'm hoping to pitch my urban fantasy if I can get an agent slot.

Susan Gable · Feb 7, 2008

bethany said:
Tax write-off, right

Yeppers. <G> (Note: I am NOT an accountant, nor do I play one on tv. For serious tax advice, please consult a professional. <G>)

And congrats on the PINK RIBBON!!!

Susan G.

lrs · Feb 7, 2008

Dear god! I can't believe how expensive the rooms are! Why would they have it somewhere so expensive? How do people afford it? Do most people room together and share the expense of the hotel? Or get another cheaper hotel nearby? Obviously, I've never gone and am curious as to how it works.

Erin · Feb 7, 2008

lrs said:
Dear god! I can't believe how expensive the rooms are! Why would they have it somewhere so expensive? How do people afford it? Do most people room together and share the expense of the hotel? Or get another cheaper hotel nearby? Obviously, I've never gone and am curious as to how it works.

I agree, it's expensive all around and San Fran's a particularly expensive city. I can't believe the horrible parking rate at the Marriott, something like $50 a day (and I'm driving in). A lot of women share rooms, sometimes 3-4 in a room. There are some over at Romance Divas who are staying at a hotel across the street that's cheaper. My preference is to room it alone in the same hotel as the conference.

dragonjax · Feb 8, 2008

Sadly, no. Too expensive, AND we have a wedding that Saturday night about five hours north from SF.

I am going to RT in Pittsburgh -- I'm driving to that, so I'll be spending $$$ in gas, but that's still going to be cheaper than airfare and taxis.

Susan Gable · Feb 8, 2008

lrs said:
Dear god! I can't believe how expensive the rooms are! Why would they have it somewhere so expensive? How do people afford it? Do most people room together and share the expense of the hotel? Or get another cheaper hotel nearby? Obviously, I've never gone and am curious as to how it works.

RWA is severly limited as far as the number of hotels countrywide that can serve our groups needs. We need a lot of "classrooms" plus a very large ballroom with capacity for at least 1500 (or so) for lunches, and 2000 (or so) for the night of the Ritas.

The membership in the past has always said that they want one place -- not, for example, a seperate convention center and then a variety of hotels. That could change in the future, who knows?

Yes, some people do stay in cheaper hotels nearby. There are pluses and minuses to that arrangement. Pluses -- cheaper! <G> Also, if you really want to get away from the chaos that can be RWA National, having a different hotel is an advantage. Minuses: You're out of the mainstream. You don't have a room right in the conference hotel to run to when you want a quick break, or a nap, or to drop off some books. Or grab the sweater you forgot to bring with you and the meeting rooms are artic.

A lot of the conference stuff is the casual "hanging around" with other folks in the hotel.

Yes, many (in fact, the vast majority, I would say) people have roommates to help defray the cost of the hotel room.

Susan G.

lrs · Feb 8, 2008

Yeah, I figured it was something to do with needing conference rooms. If I could, I would definitely want to stay with all the action, but I'm sure its still wonderful even if you have to get a hotel across the street. Only way I'd think about going is if i finaled in the GH. Now when its in Tenn, I'll definitely be there!

Irysangel · Feb 8, 2008

The rooms are expensive. I'm staying with two other authors and we're splitting costs. I think most people do that.

It's a good tax write-off, though!

VickyH · Feb 8, 2008

Susan,

Remember the crazy Englishwoman you met at Pennwriters' last year? Well, she's hoping to come to the RWA National this year! I'm working on flights, hotels etc, as well as trying to persuade my friend in Pittsburgh to come with me. (She originally lived in S.F - so its a chance for her to see old friends.

Josie · Feb 8, 2008

Heads up everyone!! :e2Order:

I saw this on the Chicklit Yahoogroups forum about the San Francisco RWA
Conference this year.

[SIZE="1"]Hi, everyone! Just thought I'd share a piece of information for anyone else going to National in San Francisco this year. Be aware that the annual San Francisco Marathon takes place on the day we will all be heading to the airport to fly home--Sunday, August 3rd. I've spoken to the Marriott hotel and they suggest that you try to avoid booking flights home that are before 10am, due to both the crowds (even though the route goes around more of the outskirts of the city) and the street closures in affect, as the race will be underway from early morning until around 10am. Basically, the marathon web site states that the city will be "closed down" (though obviously not literally) for a good part of the day, so it might be a little more tricky getting out for an earlier morning flight. Just thought I'd share, so everyone can be prepared. Great coordinating of dates, right? Sheesh! Here's the marathon web site if anyone wants to check out any more specific information: http://www.runsfm. com/race/ traffic.htmlChri stina[/SIZE]

I'm sure it's all right for AW Romance writers to see!!!
I think we're all in this together!!!

I can't go but you all need to know.

Susan Gable · Feb 8, 2008

VickyH said:
Susan,

Remember the crazy Englishwoman you met at Pennwriters' last year? Well, she's hoping to come to the RWA National this year! I'm working on flights, hotels etc, as well as trying to persuade my friend in Pittsburgh to come with me. (She originally lived in S.F - so its a chance for her to see old friends.

Lovely! I adore crazy Englishwomen. <G> I hope your plan works out. It would be terrific for your friend to get a chance to visit her old home and see old friends.

Let me know if you get everything in order.

Gosh, that would be a horrible plane flight, though! Ick. Bad enough from here for me. <G>

Susan G., hoping to see you in San Francisco this summer!

Kasey Mackenzie · Feb 8, 2008

I would LOVE to go to RWA National, especially since I just finished my first year in the organization. But, alas, the funds just don't allow for it. I hope that everyone who DOES make it has a ton of fun!

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