Whee! The Romance Writers of America Conference is Here! by Melinda Curtis

I know I've talked about the tizzy romance writers get themselves into planning their wardrobes for conferences. I won't bore you with a rehash. But here's what I'm thinking about with two days left before departure:

Suitcase(s): Must be big enough to load all my necessities, expandable to bring all my freebies home, and yet not so large that loaded it would be more than 50 pounds (the limit on most airlines, checked or not).

Notebook: I always get a new one for conference.  Must have a pocket, must be small enough to fit in my purse, must have character.

Wardrobe: Down to the wire now - comfy, stylish, layered.  That's my motto.

Shoes: An annual challenge. No one told me when I was a kid that my feet would grow until I die (your nose and ears too, in case your wondering - wouldn't mind more cleavage as I age, but that's another blog). My feet no longer fit comfortably in my zebra striped flats that were so comfortable last year.  Really? Yep, really. Getting over it. (And watching to make sure Tally doesn't sneak off with a shoe that fits.)

Toes: There was a time when I actually paid attention to my fingernails and got manicures. More practical now (I never could get the hang of typing with long nails), it's my toenails I stress over - purple, green, pink, metal gray. I gave each toe a different coat here (How quickly did multi-colored toes go out of fashion?) to help me decide.

Promo: That practically requires a suitcase all its own. By now you've all heard about the Sweet & Heartwarming promotion - comment here
(#GoHeartwarming) or give us a tweet or share on Facebook with that hashtag. It's been so popular we ordered more bracelets. Here's Tory's attempt at #Kaepernicking - yes, some of us are 49er fans! Look for her to photobomb your favorite authors at the conference starting Wednesday! (Search for the #GoHeartwarming hashtag on Twitter or look for the Harlequin Heartwarming Authors on Facebook).

Let's hear about your packing experience, your good travel mojo, your love of Sweet & Heartwarming!  See you in San Antonio!


Melinda Curtis writes the Harmony Valley series for Harlequin Heartwarming.  Book #3 in the series, Season of Change, was released May 2014.

Comments

  1. I'm so jealous because I'm not going! I'm not good with luggage. I'm always so proud of packing lean that I end up borrowing from my roommates. I think Nan Reinhardt is so used to it that she packs for me, too. Of course, the truth is that as long as I have my laptop and clean underwear, I'm good. (Maybe it's a good thing I'm not going to National.)

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    1. I don't know, Liz. There's something to be said for clean underwear - especially in the muggy south! We'll miss you.

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  2. After reading the posts by you, Anna and Tory, I am beginning to wonder if I should use a bigger suitcase for this trip!

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  3. I haven't started to pack yet, but I began setting out those "don't forget" items. My sister came by yesterday to get the key to my place so she can pick up my mail and she said I need a bigger suitcase. I'm determined to get it all in the one I have out. So expect me to look wrinkled. I remember after my first conference too many years ago to give you the year, I said I thought you could walk naked through the Rita Award banquet (yes they were sit-down-dinners then, and no one would notice. So I hope since I have no room to take a steamer that people don't mind my wrinkles.

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    1. Roz, they always include an iron and ironing board in the rooms now. You'll look lovely

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  4. Waaaah! Wish Liz wasn't so far away so we could commiserate on having to stay home. I'm going to miss chatting with all of you - I'm sure you'll all be too busy for the blog. Will wait anxiously for all the news! (Mel, have you checked your shoes against Jen's to see whose will stop traffic?) Truly wish all of you a wonderful, wonderful time. Somebody hug Victoria and her staff for me.

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  5. Suitcases have been packed and repacked three times now lol. Roz, I hate ironing, so I'd be wrinkly too if my husband wasn't coming along LOL. He loves to iron, so feel free to stop by with your wardrobe lol

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  6. I did it! I managed to get everything into 1 carry on and a separate tote (for under the seat). Coming back will be another matter, LOL. So can't wait to get this week started and looking forward to meeting everyone.

    For your toes...I like the purple or the pink. :) See you tomorrow!

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  7. I loved this post, Melinda (and your nailpolish selections!) I'm with Muriel and Liz, though - I'm bummed I won't get to see you all. But can't wait to hear your adventures! Safe travels and have a great time! :)

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  8. Loved your post. Getting prepared for San Antonio today. Now I'm thinking two suitcases? LOL. See you all soon!

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  9. I need to finish packing. I don't love the purple polish I have on my toes (it's a bit darker than yours), but a rafting mishap last weekend makes it too difficult to repaint them. I'm really looking forward to a long flight with a sore tailbone. I figure I'll just show up late to the workshops so I can stand in the back.

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  10. OMG thank goodness I have until Wednesday night to get my act together. I don't think I have thought this through. Looks like I need a professional packer for this trip ;)
    Can't wait to see everyone in San Antonio and for those not coming - let's do this next year, huh?

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  11. Hope you all have an amazing time!

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  12. Packing mojo - make a list before you have to pack (course it's too late now, but maybe next year).

    I'm gonna put in the draw for a bracelet - #GoHeartwarming!! And if I was Tory, I'd have pom-poms in my hand as I said it.

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  13. Aww, snap. Wish I were going too! Would love to meet y'all. And I'm so glad Melinda that you've confirmed what I believed--your feet do keep growing. I just had to buy a bigger size. lol Next year is New York. Hope I can go!

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  14. Well, I remember when I was promoting my inspy cozy mystery, Trouble Up Finny's Nose. I prepared nose pencil sharpeners for giveaways. Let us just say, the TSA people get a bit uppity when they think you're traveling with body parts in tow. Have a super time!

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