RT: Yet Another View

I’m getting ready to head off to the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. I’ve got a bad case of the last minute crazies…running around trying to get everything done, make sure I haven’t forgotten anything, pack, try to remember what I’ve forgotten, remind myself that as long as I have a credit card it doesn’t matter what I’ve forgotten because I can replace pretty much anything else.

This will be my very first RT. I have some idea what to expect, due to the generosity of other ECPI authors who’ve share their experiences and advice.

I’m both looking forward to it and dreading it.

I’m looking forward to meeting many people I’ve known on the Internet for ages, putting faces to names and email addresses. I’m looking forward to sharing stories and jokes and business information over food and drinks. I’m looking forward to meeting readers I’ve corresponded with by email or sometimes snail mail.

I’m looking forward to the ECPI party on Wednesday night, where I’ll get to wear my long gown as I parade across the stage and try hard not to trip on the high heels I rarely wear.

On the other hand, I don’t know about the rest of the parties. Parties are just not my thing. And I know I’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of people and noise and…everything. I’m not especially shy, but I am an introvert, and anything that involves new situations and a lot of interaction with people other than close friends and family tends to leave me flattened. I’m already planning in retreat time in my hotel room or the gym. Even with that I know that I’ll be totally exhausted well before it’s over.

But I’m betting that once I recover from the shock and fatigue, I’ll totally vote it worthwhile.

-- Katherine Kingston