Sunday San Diego Fun

Pictures from the Marina: 

I love to walk through outdoor malls and gardens and take pictures with color or just a cool image. How about these crystal dragons and the windsocks?  

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WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU RETURN FROM A TRIP?

Saturday San Diego Fun

Jan & Super author Pamela Hearon

Jan & Desire author, Lauren Canan

Friday evening was the annual Harlequin Party for its authors and I managed to snap a few pictures of me with some familiar faces. There was great music, fabulous chocolate creations and an open bar. What more could a girl ask for??

Jan & Super author Janet Lee Nye

Jan & Super author Nan Dixon

Larissa with Harlequin

Thanks to Harlequin for another fabulous party. I love seeing and dancing with all my friends. Okay, the deserts aren't too shabby either.

It's glam time. Special. Made so more by those who organize and work behind the scenes to make it seem effortless.

Olivia Gates

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Nancy Robards Thompson

Shirley Jump

Friday Fun in San Diego

THANKS FOR ALL THE AUTOGRAPHS!!

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Ever had a FANGIRL moment?

Thursday San Diego Fun

HAVING FUN IN SAN DIEGO!!

Jan Schliesman & Jen Arnold
Pick up a hat and hand it to someone.

Yes, I suggested my roommates would look great in sombreros. Hey, they do.  The national Pro-Literacy book signing was exciting to me. It was very humbling (and exciting) to have many friends and colleagues stop by and congratulate me for being chosen the Pro Mentor of the Year. It's a wonderful honor.

More to come about the award tomorrow.

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Linda--my first autograph at the
RWA Literacy Book Signing.

Wednesday night I was thrilled to be a part of the RWA Literacy Book Signing...my very first! Too much fun for me to even put into words but I managed to snag a few pictures of me with Linda, who asked for my first autographed copy and Angi, the PRO Mentor of the Year!  I could go on and on about how much fun I had but one smile is worth a thousand words.

PRO Mentor of the Year,
Angi Morgan.

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Jen Arnold & Nora Roberts

Let's talk about first times.  No, not that first time!  As an RWA Conference "First Timer", there's a lot to absorb and for a self proclaimed introvert, it can be a little overwhelming.  Though I've already found inspiration from things like the First Timers Orientation to casual conversations with fellow authors, the Literacy Signing tonight was awe inspiring.  An entire room filled with talented authors.  Advice from Lori Wilde.  Getting my picture taken with Nora Roberts.  (Eeeek!)  

It's ALL part of the experience.  Though I do have to say, I am a little luckier than most newbies.  My roommates for the week are Jan Schliesman (not an introvert) and Angi Morgan (PRO Mentor of the Year), I have unlimited access to any information they are willing to impart.  And they don't hold anything back!  So while I am confident that will leave this week knowing I can do this, I also know that it couldn't be done without the support of those around me.  

On behalf of all the newbies this week, thank you to all of you who keep pushing us forward- you are making a difference in someone's life!

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Wednesday Fun in San Diego

An uneventful trip from Dallas to San Diego.
Friends on the plane. Friends greeting me at the door. Friends at registration. Friends. Friends. And more friends who all have the same (yet different) voices in their head.

What do I love about being with other writers? Just being with other writers. Discussing the ins and outs, the journey, career paths, what's new...all important. But there's a vibe, a camaraderie.

Or it could just be those voices playing a trick on me.

Here are some pictures from walking around the Marina.

My trip was a bit longer than Angi's but I had the pleasure of sitting next to Sarah Hegger, a Denver author who was also on her way to San Diego. The funny thing about RWA is that I can pretty much talk to anyone about anything. No one is ever a stranger for long.

After checking into the room, Angi and I went downstairs to grab our registration packets and ran into even more people we knew. It pays to take the time to stop and say hi because when the hotel is packed with 2000 attendees, it's hard to find someone you met the first day.

We also spent some time outside near the fire pits. There was comfortable seating and great conversation that honestly helps you learn more than the workshops! We're packing it in for tonight but are ready to tackleWednesday and the PRO Literacy Book Signing being held here at the Marriott Marquis in San Diego from 5:30-7:30. If you're in the area,stop by and meet a few authors who would love to autograph books for you. All the proceeds go to PRO Literacy and RWA is on track to hit one million dollars in donations in the last twenty years!
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What's the first thing you do when you get to a hotel?