tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349124532504569358.post5905677928385360382..comments2023-10-15T04:48:43.554-04:00Comments on A Writer's Rush: RWA National VirginsRula Sinarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703015110251843280noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349124532504569358.post-72156178116598060062010-07-13T09:24:05.548-04:002010-07-13T09:24:05.548-04:00Great point, Ellen! Finding yourself amongst so ma...Great point, Ellen! Finding yourself amongst so many 'stars' is inspirational, tummy-twirling, and grounding all at once. <br /><br />I remember leaving Nationals last year completely wowed by how warm and friendly everyone was. I'm bummed that you won't be there. I'll try to post pics and give the low down when I get back!Rula Sinarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01703015110251843280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349124532504569358.post-17041881169530483402010-07-13T08:27:52.126-04:002010-07-13T08:27:52.126-04:00Eek. I think I just lost my comment. Hope it doesn...Eek. I think I just lost my comment. Hope it doesn't double post.<br /><br />Anyway, I think your list is so complete. I wish I were going this year so I could meet you!<br /><br />I have one little tip. Read name badges. At my first conference 3 years ago, I couldn't believe how many "famous" people walked around just as if they were ordinary, everyday writers like me. That year I chatted with Susan Elizabeth Phillips and met Julia Quinn, two of my writing heroes.<br /><br />The elevator is a great place to get in a quick introduction. RWA really is full of warm, friendly folks.<br /><br />Have fun!!Ellen Hartmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14157536256687246821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349124532504569358.post-59864049468352751902010-07-12T20:07:50.515-04:002010-07-12T20:07:50.515-04:00Hey Kaily! I can't wait to see you there. Hard...Hey Kaily! I can't wait to see you there. Hard to believe it has been an entire year!Rula Sinarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01703015110251843280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349124532504569358.post-35968210136727490382010-07-12T12:33:14.352-04:002010-07-12T12:33:14.352-04:00Only 16 days!! OMG! Awesome advice as always, Rula...Only 16 days!! OMG! Awesome advice as always, Rula. I'd like to also emphasize the importance of the first timers orientation. I researched a lot before I went to DC last year (yeah, I was a virgin then too), but the one thing it did was show me I wasn't the only person there for the first time. I too saw all the people chatting and hugging and greeting each other. Everyone seemed to know someone except me! Of course, that's not the case. I certainly didn't feel like I belonged or had the right to be there either. The feeling did ebate throughout the conference, but when I first arrived I thought 'what the heck am I doing here?'. You do need to go out of your way to make eye contact, smile and chat. Assume everyone's friendly and interested. In my experience, they were. I'll also be on the lookout for the 'first timers' ribbons and I'll be sure to say hello!Kaily Harthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05986029808181756915noreply@blogger.com