On My Way to RWA! by Anna J Stewart & Friend

Hi there!  I bet you're surprised to see me posting* this blog for Heartwarming author Anna J Stewart who is currently under deadline AND getting geared up to attend her 14th RWA conference.  This will be the first she's attending as a published author. I think she's going to bronze that "First Sale" ribbon she gets to wear this year.  And as someone who lives in the same house as her, I can tell you, it's been a loooong journey to get her to this day.

Oh, who am I?  Good question. I don't actually have a name. Yet. I'm hoping you can help me with that a little later. Yes, I know, who knew a doll could type, but as I'm sure you've seen in the stores, I actually have held SO many jobs over the years I can do just about anything.  You've seen Toy Story, right?  Between you and me...shhhhh....it's all true! And the even better news is I'm heading to RWA in San Antonio with Anna and her roomies.  I know what you're thinking.  Why on earth would a doll want to go to a writer's conference?  Well, let me tell you...it's all about having fun, meeting new people (and seeing old friends) and, most importantly, this year, networking and marketing.  Oh, maybe I forgot to mention this. I'm acting as Anna's ambassador for the Heartwarming line. I'm going to have my own "sweet and Heartwarming" sash (it's on its way now) and I'll be wearing it all over the place at conference and posting pictures on her FaceBook and Twitter feeds during what I hope will be a really fun and busy few days. All those fabulous lectures? Lunches and breakfasts with fellow authors and friends?  The parties?!  Here I come!  I only hope all the stuff I have set aside to pack will fit.  I know Anna is attempting to get everything she needs into a carry on for the first time (this could end up as an epic disaster, but should be quite entertaining to watch come packing day).  I bet she's going to have the same issue I do with the shoes. 
Only three pair? Seriously?  Little does she know I'm sneaking in a fourth pair. And is there some way I can wear slippers all the time?  My tootsies are going to hurt.  Did you see the fabulous silver suitcase she made for me?  It's made out of a small Altoids tin, toothpicks and snaps for wheels (I think she's procrastinating again). My "checkable" bag is backup and it's one of those Mickey Mouse collectible tins from the travel item section at the grocery store. 
One thing about making miniatures in any scale--you never look at things the way other (normal) people do.  To me, that's a Q-Tip tin. To Anna, it was a suitcase.  Ha! But I digress.  Packing for conference seems like one of the most stressful things ever.  What if I forget something? Oh, I know, it's not like we're traveling off planet. And being right near the Riverwalk means there will be plenty of stores to save me should I need a last minute rescue (hope there's a toy or craft store nearby).
 
So here's my real dilemma. I'm nameless!  Out of all the dolls she has (and let me tell you, this girl has A LOT of Barbies), all of them are named after her characters in her books. They each have their own "look", their own attitude. She says it helps her figure out what makes them unique, but I think she just likes shopping for dolls and having an excuse to buy new ones.  She needs to buy Mattel stock.  But do I have a name?  Nooooo. And I can't get on that plane without one (something about legal IDs and all).  So please help me!  Make name suggestions in the comments below and Anna and I will choose our favorite one.  Oh, and the winning "namer" will receive up to 5 miniature book pins (you've seen them, right? If not, check out some of your fellow Heartwarming authors during conference). Anna won't be able to get them to you until after conference, but they'll be something to look forward to when you're decompressing from RWA.  So please chime in and help me find my identity. And make sure you're following Anna on Facebook and Twitter.  She'll be watching for shares and RTs on her conference posts...you never know what you might win (hint--I bet it'll be small!).  Safe travel everyone! See you in San Antonio!

(*Disclaimer: this post by "nameless plastic doll", ahem, Barbie, was ghost written by Anna J Stewart. All opinions stated are hers and not the doll's or the doll's manufacturer.)

Comments

  1. How about whatever the "J" stands for in Anna J. Stewart?! Admittedly, I am much better at naming animals than people. Please let me know if you adopt one, and I would be happy to offer some suggestions.

    As for the carry on . . . good luck with that, Anna!

    I loved the post! Thank you for making me smile.

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    1. That would be Jolene, actually, Kate. :) What a fun suggestion! And thanks for the good wishes on the carry on--it'll be a miracle if it happens, LOL. See you soon!

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    2. I think that would be a great name for her! You could tell people you named her after a character in my book, SILVER LININGS. :-)

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  2. I'm so looking forward to meeting you and your majestic doll. What fun. I hope you find her the perfect name. It takes me forever to choose what I think is the right name for any of my characters. If I had to name a doll I'd be sunk. I'll come back later and see what you decide.

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    1. :) Thanks, Roz...she's anxiously awaiting her name .

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  3. I shall name thee.....

    Victoria.

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    1. Ooooh, love this suggestion, Marcie!! Thanks so much for posting--it's going on the list! :)

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    2. I feel like I need to add a disclaimer because Liz mentioned 'editor'! LOL!
      I chose the name because of her shirt!

      Oh - and I love the slippers she'll get to wear.

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    3. LOL, Marcie--don't they look comfy! Why don't they make doll sized things for real people? :)

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  4. I have two visuals. One, Barbie getting frustrated because her little fingers won't stretch to the w. Two, Barbie dancing over the keyboard to the tune of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

    I'm so looking forward to meeting Mini You and You!

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    1. LOL, Pamela--and there's our earworm for the day! :) And how did you know "she" was dancing on the keyboard

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  5. What a great way to start my morning! I'm going to offer two suggestions..."Connie," the conference doll. Or "Rita," which you (and Connie or Rita) just may win someday if you keep writing like this! Love it, Anna!

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    1. Hey, those are great, Carol!! Glad you enjoyed "our" post. :) Becoming a Harlequin author was on my "to do" list--now that that's marked off, maybe I"ll replace it with that RITA nom...now that would be awesome. PUtting these on the list right now. Thanks for posting!

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  6. I like Marcie's suggestion (Victoria, Vic, Vickie - love nicknames), but before I read her post I was thinking Taylor (Hey, Tay!). Loved the post. I'm looking forward to sharing a room at RWA with the nameless one - mostly because I've never seen anyone wear slippers like that at a hotel! #GoHeartwarming!

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    1. Hey, Taylor! Loving these suggestions (and so is "no name). :) Just hope those slippers will stay on her feet!! Thanks for posting, Mel!

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  7. Anna - I'm with Carol. RITA is the obvious choice - put that out into the universe and see what happens. Can you stop by Astoria on your way home from San Antonio so I can meet you, too? (A little out of the way, but I make great peanut butter cookies.)

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    1. Hi Muriel!! I'm all for putting things out into the universe--and if I was driving to conference, I'd LOVE to stop by and see you (cookies non-withstanding ). We'll meet soon! Thanks for posting!

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  8. I loved your post. I like Victoria. I have a different editor, too, so I really like Victoria Charles...

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    1. Noted, Liz! Thanks so much for stopping by today. :) Hope to see you in San Antonio!

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    2. Not me--but I'll be there in spirit. :-)

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    3. :( Bummer! Hopefully next year--in NYC!!! Have a great weekend.

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  9. OMG You are so hilarious, Anna. Naming characters is my least favorite part of writing. It takes me forever to get it right. I will leave naming the doll to those who are much better at it than me! Can't wait to hang out in San Antonio!! (You make me feel like I should start packing now)

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    1. Glad we could make you laugh, Amy! :) And naming characters is one of my favorite parts! Can take me forever, but that to me is when things finally start "clicking"--and there's nothing worse than the wrong name, LOL. Have to admit, the suitcase is already out and ready to be fed! See you soon!

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  10. Anna, you're so creative and funny that my kids always ask me what I'm smiling about when I read your posts ;). I LOVE Barbie! I dedicated half of my closet to her as a kid. It had sliding doors and build in shelves. Well, each shelf became a different room in her multi-level condo lol.

    I love and am torn between Victoria and Rita. Such great name ideas! All I can think of to add would be Harli/Harley or whatever spelling you prefer...as in Harlequin ;).

    Now, we all know how members of the Barbie family are about fashion, so my big question is what is Nameless planning to wear to the Harlequin Party and the RITA ceremony? She should be prepared just in case she lands a red carpet interview ;).

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    1. Happy dance! I'm not the only Barbie fan! LOL. Up until a few years ago, I still had ALL my Barbie stuff (all the way back to early 70's) but realized they were very sad sitting in my closet and garage--so I packed it all up and shipped it to one of my best friends for her daughters for Xmas. Best thing I could have ever done--they're still playing with it.

      I'm leaning in one particular way on the name...we'll have to discuss further before we decide and I'll announce it before Monday. :)

      And OF COURSE she has her RITA dress picked out! Actually, she's bringing two because we couldn't decide which we liked better, LOL. Thank you for posting!

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  11. Cute post. I LOVE the luggage, lol!! She looks like a Heidi to me for some reason. The name Heidi always makes me smile, I don't know why. Have fun at the RWA conference.

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  12. Thanks, Laurie!! Love that name suggestion, too. This is going to be tougher than I thought. :) Thanks for posting.

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  13. Okay, everyone, she has a name!! After much deliberation (it was tight between two names)...meet Tory Quinn! :) Thanks to everyone who suggested names and for the winner of the 5 miniature books, Marcie, that would be you! Email me privately when you get a chance at authorajstewart@gmail.com and we'll work on getting you those pins. :)

    Thanks again everyone and see (most of) you in San Antonio!

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  14. Oh hey! I won. Email on the way.

    Thanks!!!!

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