Being a writer & a busy working mom, life zooms by pretty fast. Last time I blinked it was Christmas. Now, suddenly it’s July and I find myself two days out from Romance Writers of America’s annual conference (#RWA17).

And holy cheese and crackers, Batman, am I excited.

Because of work, life, etc etc, I didn’t have the head space until today to even contemplate that Nationals was around the corner. Now? I’ve downloaded the conference app; poured over the amazing line-up of events, workshops, and attending authors (and maybe drooled just a little bit); dragged my dusty suitcase out of the basement; and booked my shuttle to/from the Orlando airport. In short, THIS IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING! I’M GOING TO NATIONALS!

This isn’t my first writers conference, but it will be my first time at RWA’s national conference. My hopes for this experience are floating somewhere near cruising altitude. What do I want to get out of it?

Connect with other writers. Writing can be a lonely gig. Typically, it’s just me, my computer, and the ideas bouncing around my brain. Which is why I love meeting other writers. It’s so much more fun to share the journey with like-minded friends, don’t you think? Plus some of my favorite authors will be there (squee!). I’m going to try very hard not to fangirl-out when I spot them, but I make no promises.

Learn, learn, and learn some more. Goal: Hoover up any and all information I can about craft/publishing/the business of being a writer. Since there’s way more on the schedule than any one person could do, I have a feeling my special challenge this week will be pacing myself. At least conference audio recordings will be available for most sessions after the fact, whew.

Have fun. As much as RWA Nationals is about networking and learning, it will also serve as a much-needed break from the daily grind. Plus Disney. And RWA Kiss of Death’s Death by Chocolate party (mmm, chocolate) & Daphne award ceremony (I’m a finalist this year, huzzah!). And the Golden Heart & RITAs. So much fun to be had in Orlando, ya’ll. Bring on the #RWA17 good times!

Be inspired. One of the things I love best about romance is that it’s a genre written largely by women, for women. So now, I get to attend a multi-day event with other (mostly female) writers who are poised to make a difference to societal norms and in women’s lives by crafting empowering fiction? Um, yes please.

With #RWA17 starting in two days, I’ll find out soon whether the experience lives up to the hype. For now? Time to pack. Check back in the coming weeks for my #RWA17 thoughts and take-aways!

What else should I be looking forward to at #RWA17? Share in the comments!