...well, I'm not actually leaving today, but I will be on my way to New York, New York pretty soon for the RWA National Conference. The last time I was in Manhattan it was in the summer of 2003 for my very first RWA conference.
A lot has happened since then ;).
I knew very few people in the publishing world eight years ago -- mostly just a handful of Chicago-North RWA members that I'd chatted with a dozen times or so in the nine months leading up to the conference. I'd completed just two manuscripts at that time -- my first (so dreadful it can't be saved!) women's fiction book and my first (eventually, after a lot of revision, not too bad) contemporary romance novel. It would be almost 4 years before I'd win the Golden Heart and another year beyond that before I'd finally sell a book. Back in 2003, I hadn't even thought of the premise for According to Jane yet...
Sometimes I get too caught up in the trials and tribulations of the present day. I'm overwhelmed by the challenges with the current WIP or with the proposal I recently finished (and, yes, those are two different projects -- publishing has such long, long timelines), the ever-shifting changes in the industry, print sales and ebook sales and upcoming bookseller orders and advertisements and reviews... Sometimes I can't see the forest OR the trees -- just lots and lots of leaves with details I know I'm supposed to pay attention to right now.
But, sometimes, like this week, I'm reminded of how many steps I've actually taken on this thousand-mile journey. Too often, I'm focused on looking ahead -- at all the perilous hiking yet to come. Today, though, I'm taking a moment to glance over my shoulder and sneak a peek at the path I've already walked. To say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who's been walking with me over these past several years.
You're appreciated.
Next week, I will wake up for several consecutive days in "the city that doesn't sleep" (and, depending on the reception my temperamental cell phone gets at the hotel, it may also be "the city with severely limited Internet access"), but I will be back. And I will bring stories and pictures to share with you. Until then, hugs of gratitude to you all...
What will you be doing next week?
p.s. I just saw an absolutely lovely review author Joan Reeves put up on her Sling Words blog today for On Any Given Sundae -- thanks so much, Joan!!
16 comments:
Have a fantastic trip to NYC Marilyn! Looking forward to the stories & photos!
Judy, South Africa
Have a great time in NYC, Marilyn! It's good that you're taking time to look back at all of the hard work you've done over the years & appreciating all of the wonderful accomplishments in your publishing career (so far!) I'm so proud to know a "famous author" ;-) and I can't wait to start reading On Any Given Sundae!
I'm going to Milwaukee next weekend....I'm sure that will be just as exciting as a trip to NYC. ;-)
Thanks, Judy!! I promise to collect a lot of both ;).
LOL, Brett, you know I'm hardly "famous," but I'm glad to know you, too! And Milwaukee is awesome (!!), even if it's not quite a city that *never* sleeps... Hope you have a wonderful time there!
Happy and safe travels, and yes, like Judy said--stories and photos!!!
Next year in Anaheim, my friend...
Pamela, it's not going to be the same without you there :( -- but I've got something to look forward to next summer now...
Have a GREAT time, Marilyn!! I look forward to hearing all about it!
Thanks, Robin!
Wish you were going to be there... xo
Last year I got to meet you in person at the book signing. I'd love to go just to meet you and my other writer friends, but instead I'll be at home.
I'm actually looking forward to a quiet week so I can get some writing done. The week after that, my sister and bil will be staying with us, and I'll be having a family get-together at my place. It will be nice to have one calm and productive week.
Edie, I would love a quiet, productive week... I know you'll get a lot done without so much online chatter and distraction, let alone the conference chaos, but I'll miss getting to see your warm, smiling face in NY... xo
I hope that during this RWA conference, I'll see you more than just in passing on the escalator or elevator, Marilyn. Travel safe and I'll see you next week!
Pamala, I'm looking forward to seeing you, too -- in and out of those crowded elevators! Hugs, my friend, and safe travels as well ;).
Ah, I have such conference envy! :)
I hope you have a great trip with wonderful stories to relate and remember.
I hope you're having a fantastic time! I so wish I could be there, but we'll meet up next summer in L.A., right???
By the way, I LOVED your post, and how you detailed how much everything can change in just a few years. Sometimes when you're unpubbed it feels like it will never happen. It's nice to know that you went through that, too, and now look at you! You're an inspiration.
Kate, thank you! We just got back last night and it was a really good conference--but exhausting!
Caryn, I'm so glad you liked it and that it helped in some small way. Being in NY this week really brought back the memories for me of those early writing years. I bet you'll have a similar experience in Anaheim and won't believe how much you've learned in just a few years ;).
Marilyn, it is refreshing (though not surprising) to see you reflecting with gratitude on your journey thus far. Inspiring to me is you can now see that the years it took to accomplish everything most writers strive for, i.e., completion, publication, etc., were well spent. Thanks, once again, Soul Sister, for the perspective.
Jill, xoxox!!
Glad to help, sis ;).
In no time, you'll be reflecting back, too...
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