Did you notice my countdown calendar on the right? The conference date is getting closer! I’m can’t wait to get to Dallas and hug my cyber friends, who’ll be there from all over America. I went to the one in Indianapolis a in 2010 and loved it. The entire conference hotel sizzled with the excitement of newbie and wannabe writers taking their first serious steps toward their goals, their first steps toward being professional. And there was the quiet hum of the old hands at the game, paying forward to us what was cheerfully given to them before they became “big.”
My first conference was fun. I’d hear calls of “Linda!” in the halls outside the conference rooms and feel like a rock star. Friends almost always saw me before I saw them–one of the benefits of being a redhead is being recognizable. But I remember being star-struck with the real “rock stars” of the conference–getting tongue tied, putting my foot in my mouth, all sorts of stupid stuff that comes with me just being me. Like telling James Scott Bell he’s taller than his picture. “Let’s hope so,” he said. “Everyone should be taller than their Twitter picture.”
So, I’m counting down to this one. MSB and I leave on the 19th. Before then, I have a call to jury duty I have to answer, and a mother who is due a visit, and a few book signings I’m looking forward to. But I also have to shop. At least I think I do. I’ve lost some weight and may not have the business attire needed for the conference–much less the formal gown, or anything resembling one, for the awards banquet. I’ll definitely have to shop for a gown. And MSB will probably need a suit.
We aren’t suit and gown folks around here. We’re more of a shorts and t-shirt couple.
I have to admit though, as strange as it sounds, something I appreciate about the conference is the dress code. I even appreciate the expense of the conference itself. Once you start paying dues, paying all the costs associated with conference attendance, and dressing up to attend seminars, the word “professional” sinks in and brings with it a sense of dignity. Yes, I can do my job in my pjs with my cats hanging all over me and covering my keyboard with fur, but I am a professional, dang it!
One thing I wish is that the “powers that be” had chosen another hotel besides the Hyatt Regency at the airport–there is nothing near the airport, and I was looking forward to seeing a bit of Dallas as a tourist, just as I got to see a little of Indianapolis. MSB said he’s okay with it though. He’s been working twelve-hour days all summer, including many weekends, and he intends to sleep during much of the conference. Can’t say as I blame him. We’ll have two meals together, at a party hosted by my agent and at the awards banquet. Otherwise he’s on his own.
He’s a big boy. He can handle it.
So, the countdown has begun. The excitement hasn’t hit the full-roll boil as it did the first time in 2010, but it’s there, simmering, simmering, simmering.
Several years into it, and this blog still refuses to be categorized. It's eclectic and includes everything from writing posts to snippets from my ordinary life. 
Linda W. Yezak 
Guess I’ll be seeing you there! I still have a LOT to do to get ready!
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Looking forward to seeing you, Linda! It’ll be fun and hectic and exhausting, and I can’t wait! 😀
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Hi,
Have a great time Linda, and enjoy yourself. I am happy for you. I am sure that the joy of just listening to others and learning from them, and the pure pleasure of being among others writers, and not just conversing with them on the computer, is a big advantage.
It is also good you have to dress sharp. I am also one of those jeans and tee shirt people or in the winter, jeans and pullover. So it is a good feeling when I have to put on a dress for my concerts, or for a formal occasion of any kind. So have fun and make yourself look like a knock out!
Be happy and blessed.
Ciao,
Patricia
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Okay–something I didn’t know about Pat: Concerts? What kind of concerts? I knew you were a writer, but concerts??? Cool! I know a celebrity!!!
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Not a celebrity but a woman who has a song and loves to sing. I get the chance to do both of the things that keep me alive and hopping, writing and singing. I sing here in Europe with a band named Pat Garcia and the Circle of One. My guys are great guys and play beautifully. We go into jazz clubs, theatres, auditoriums, wherever we are invited. You can hear a some samples of my music on my website http://www.pgs-patgarciaschaack.com. I have six or seven songs on the web.
Have a great time at the ACFW congress.
Ciao,
Patricia
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HAVE A GREAT TIME !!!!
[please excuse my yelling]
I just hope your jury duty doesn’t interfere with your plans. The worst thing to happen now is to have the trial go longer than anticipated. Have you tried asking for a brief delay in you having to serve?
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Heeheehee! I don’t mind your yelling! Funny thing about jury duty here. I’ve been called for it here more than I ever did back home, but haven’t had to serve yet. MSB rarely gets called, but when he does, he usually has to serve. He got off last time because my biopsy was the following day, but that was the only time.
I hope the trend continues for me, though. Although things like this are great fodder for stories, I don’t have time to mess with it this month!
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I’m looking forward to seeing you! My dh will be arriving Friday night and he’ll be content to relax in the room and be my eye candy for the banquet Saturday night. 🙂
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Oh–it would be great if you and your DH can meet with us for lunch or something on Saturday. Maybe the guys can do something together. MSB surely should be rested by then!
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Wow, Michael Hyatt has a hotel named after him? Who knew? :p
Have fun at the conference. Can’t wait to hear the stories!
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Ha!!! If Mike Hyatt owned the Regency chain, he certainly wouldn’t have had time for Thomas Nelson!
Rest assured, I’ll tell have tons of stories to tell! 🙂
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Looking forward to meeting you face to face! Woohoo!
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See you Friday night at Terry’s party! *Excited*!
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