This was my first RNA conference, and as a published writer,
I must admit to feeling some trepidation before I left home. The last time I
went on a holiday involving other writers, the moment I mentioned I’d been
published, it was as if a veil came down. I was no longer a considered a
struggling writer or ‘one of the crowd’.
Thankfully at an RNA conference, there is no such
demarcation line. Published or unpublished, we are all in this together, and
that spirit was very much in evidence.
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| Charlotte McFall, Sally Quilford, Sarah Watkinson and Kate Jackson |
It was also a bit like speed dating. There were so many
people there to talk to, so I usually managed no more than five minutes with
each person and sadly didn’t get to speak to everyone. Maybe next time we
should turn it into an event, where we all sit at tables then a bell rings
every five minutes telling us to swap over!
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| The contents of the goody bag |
Particularly thrilling for me is that my book, Take My Breath Away, made the conference
goody bag. And let me tell you that the goody bags alone are worth the price of
entry!
I loved that my badge had a sparkly flower, to denote me
being a conference virgin. The moment people saw it, they took me in hand and
helped me to find my way around, welcoming me to their tables in the café and
generally just making sure I was okay. However, there was no pressure. I could
take part if I wanted to, or I could choose to go to my room and chill out.
I had opted for a quiet block, because I do sometimes need
to escape and be alone with my thoughts. I only regretted this decision once
when I opened my window on a sweltering evening in Sheffield, and could hear
fabulously raucous renditions of Secret
Love and Oklahoma coming from one
of the community kitchens. If anyone is planning a ‘Night of the Musicals’ in
their kitchen next year please invite me. I’d be a great asset because I know
all the words, honest.
An important lesson learned was that it’s perhaps not a
great idea to try and attend talks for every session. I ended up playing hookie
from a couple because I was so exhausted. I may pace myself a bit next time.
The perfect end to the perfect weekend was that I won the
Kitty Charles hamper! We all had to wear a badge saying ‘I Am Kitty Charles’
and then we were put into the draw. It was only when I got home that I realised
I could have bored people all weekend with a Pythonesque ‘I am Kitty Charles
and so is my wife’. Maybe next year.
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| A kitchen party in full swing |
All too soon it was time to leave. I am now no longer a first timer as
far as attending the RNA conference is concerned. But next year I will be
paying it forward by looking out for other conference virgins and helping them to have a wonderful time.
You can find out more about Sally on her website...
13 comments:
It was lovely to meet you, Sally, and what a fabulously well-written blog post! You're right about the RNA being inclusive, and even more so now than when I joined, ahem, many years ago :-)
Sounds absolutely wonderful! I wonder if I'll be able to go along next year; it really seems like something I'd enjoy :) Loved the blog too, and the goodie-bag ... wow!
It was equally lovely to meet you, Henriette! I only wish we'd all had longer to chat. Mmm, maybe we need a month long conference... (though I fear I may not be married by the time I returned!)
Terri, it would be fab if you could be there! I've wanted to meet you for such a long time. xxx
That sounds fantastic. I'm hoping to come to the November party and was a little nervous as I'm a newbie, but your post is inspiring.
You'll be made very welcome, Kate. I know lots of people who would love to meet you.
Glad you enjoyed your first time! It can be nerve wracking but everyone is so friendly. Hopefully I'll make it next year.
Look forward to seeing you there, Angela! I was nervous to begin with, but everyone is so easy going and friendly, those nerves soon passed.
Sounds great! I am now very much looking forward to coming to one of the parties or conferences soon.
Hi Sally, it was lovely to put a face to a name...had a great time and can't wait for next year! Fab post.
Womag, I'll look forward to seeing you at the parties or a conference!
Linn, next year seems a long way away, doesn't it?
Glad you had such a great time, Sally - I was sorry to miss it this year (have only been twice).
I wasn't able to come this year - does anyone know what the location is for the 2014 Conference?
With any luck you can go next year, Rosemary and we can finally get to meet.
Anon, it's at Harper Adams University in Shropshire next year, as far as I know.
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