Jul 14, 2009

Conference Envy

It's not a compensation thing...I promise!

I am super jealous of everyone going to RWA this week. And insanely envious of those going to Blogher 09 the week after that. And although I don't really write Christian Fiction, I still really want to go to ACFW in September. I'm usually not one to break out the Big Green Monster BUT I am totally wanting to go to a conference of some sort even if it is just the AAH (ok so I probably wouldn't get much out of an Art History conference...but STILL!) . There are a few reasons behind this recent urge.

1. I want to learn! I want to soak in all the knowledge to become a better writer and blogger

2. I want to meet more people in the industry(s) I love networking with others who get what I do. It's relieving to know I'm not the only one lacking sanity who loves to write!

3. I want to get away from my children. I am in need of a small break and would like to get out and see more of the world.

4. I love hotels and conferences and anything that has to do with big social events where I can get to know new people and socialize.

5. I want to get in front of the Important People! I want to be able to send a query and say "We spoke at so and so conference."

6. Did I mention that I want to get away from my children learn more about writing and craft?

7. OMG they have Karaoke at Blogher 09!!! (Sorry...that is just a large selling point for this former Karaoke DJ!)

8. Seriously! I really DO want to learn more!

9. Chicago, New York, Washington DC!!! Seriously!

10. And I really want to learn more about writing and blogging of course...

So to all of you going to conferences this year, You suck! Istick out my tongue to you!

Next year....next year friends!

17 comments:

MeganRebekah said...

I feel for you, and take comfort that you're not the only one. I want to go to a conference too, but it's just not feasible right now. I try not to focus on it so that I don't get jealous too often.

Katie Ganshert said...

You are halarious, Marybeth. I love it.

N A Sharpe said...

I feel your pain. I would love to go to the conferences (I was positively green with envy for all those getting to attend BEA). Have you registered for the Muse Online Conference? It's free. They offer a ton of online classes and networking. It's in October and one week long. The online chats are time specific, but everything else is open to drop by, do the class and get feedback 24/7. I'm blogging about it Thursday (if you want the link) or you can google it. You have to register by August 1.

Nancy, from Realms of Thought…

Unknown said...

Yeah, my husband and I are shooting for next year with attending conferences. Although I would like to go this year :) Alas, funds are too low.

Thanks Katie :)

And Nancy I did sign up for that a few months ago. I can't wait!

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

You crack me up!!! Seriously funny! Now I will say that I also have the little green monster sitting on my shoulder. I'd really love to go to ACFW and RWA, but alas, it is not to be. Maybe next year. I want to learn and would seriously love to meet some of the wonderful people I've met online!!!

Jody Hedlund said...

It's a TON of money. I don't think it would have been worth the money last year for me. I wasn't far enough along to spend that kind of money. But this year, I look at it as an investment that I'm definitely ready for. So even though there's a lot of conference hype right now, I think you're wise to wait until you feel completely ready to meet agents and editors before going.

Unknown said...

We need a place to lock up these little green monsters! And I totally agree with you Jody. As much as I want to go, I know I'm not ready. I just WISH I was.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

There's another big online conference: http://ppwebcon.com/about.html, sponsored by the Poisoned Pen pubs.

I'm probably going to Malice next spring, but it's complicated. I have to make sure my husband is home with the kids, have to get a hotel room ($$$), have to drive there ($$$), etc.

These online conferences are going to work well for me, I think. But I understand your conf. envy! :)

Elizabeth
http://mysterywritingismurder.blogspot.com

Danyelle L. said...

*hugs* I would love to go to conferences, but it's not going to happen until the kidlets are older. But one day. :)

Krista Phillips said...

*sticks out my tongue* Na-nanananana! I get to go to conference and YOOOUuuuuu don't!

Wow was that mean? Sorry....

*grin* Seriously, I'm with Jody. Go when you're ready. I was *almost* ready and went last year, and whereas it didn't really *help* my career... it gave me one under my belt and I'm hoping to be in a much better position THIS year!

And I can SO relate to the money thing. It was totally a God supplying thing this year, originally I hadn't planned on going.

Sorry for my original meanness. I can be a brat some days:-)

Jill Kemerer said...

I wish you were going to RWA too! I could lie and say how excited I was, but reality is, I'm a nervous wreck. Last year, I envied all my friends who were off to RWA Nationals, and this year I'm lucky enough to be going! So you'd think I'd be floating in a happiness bubble, right?

I'm floating in a bubble, alright, but it's more of a vomit-y thing!

Seriously, though, I completely know how you feel, because I've felt it for two years.

Wish me luck!

Unknown said...

Oh dear Krista....you just wait lady! You just wait :)

I hope the conference is a blast and VERY beneficial for you. I hope you tell us all about it!

Um Jill..floating bubbles with vomit in them...not so attractive...you should at least keep the vomit OUT of the bubble :)

marymac said...

I feel your pain. would kill to go to BlogHer- let's go next year for sure!

Unknown said...

Absolutely!

Inspiration for Writers, Inc. said...

We hope you get to be at a conference soon.

Inspiration for Writers, Inc. said...

We hope you get to be at a conference soon.

CMOM Productions said...

Maybe next year we can both go!