August 9, 2008 – Stringing Beads

As you may have guessed by previous postings, I LOVED touring San Francisco and my experience at 2008 RWA National. Here are a few things I learned while there.

Chinese take-out tastes a whole lot better in California than it does in Pennsylvania.
All major cities are NOT alike.
San Francisco’s culture is unique, undefinable, and exhilarating.
The temperature of a city does make a difference. To me, San Francisco’s is heaven on earth.
When going to a conference, check in early (but try to avoid those pesky power outages).
A hotel lobby filled with women’s voices is very loud.
Quiet spaces are available, even in a hotel filled with 2,000 women (and a few men) in a city the size of San Francisco.
Every conference has a different mood.
The San Francisco Marriott has the best staff I have ever encountered in a conference hotel.
Conference lunches may taste the same everywhere, but extraordinary service, good company, and a great speaker can make you actually enjoy the chicken dish.
Late night and early morning talks are the best.
Networking is little more than talking and listening to other professionals – a whole lot of listening.
An author’s name is her brand (thank you, MH!).
Opportunities for success don’t come around that often. When they do, be ready.
Holding your published book takes persistence and raw grit, but if you want it and are willing to work for it, it will happen.
Getting published is only the beginning.