Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Thursday 13: Getting Ready for RT

I realized that in less than a week, RT is starting. It completely snuck up on me--I think I was in time-crunch denial. I know there are more than thirteen things to do before then, but here's my list:

1. Finish my Steampunk costume: I didn't order my accessories from Amazon (*facepalm*) so I'm getting creative and heading to Goodwill and Michael's tomorrow. I'm going for a kind of explorer-ish look; I have my boots, pants, and awesome velvet jacket so far. What kind of accessories should I bring, other than my "ray gun" (Phin's nerf gun spray painted silver...maybe I should have asked before appropriating it :P)

2. Find a mask and wings for the Venetian Faerie ball: Hello craft and year-round Halloween stores!

3. Pack: Lordy, deciding what to wear for the parties is hard enough, and now I have to dress myself for the rest of the day? The Nine have talked about this, and we're torn on whether or not to wear jeans. I'm currently in favor of them, mostly because I really don't want to go clothes shopping this weekend :)

4. Gather promo items: Since I'm in the LA area, a lot of our promo items have been sent to me--and they're beautiful! You should definitely be jealous of our Romance Trading Cards, but lucky for you, they're easy to get into your hot little hands. Work a little email magic, pray the USPS doesn't lose them, and--voila!--all yours. Just ask!

5. Go to the salon: Haircut, nails, etc. Gotta look pretty for the other writers! And by "other writers," I really mean "hawt cover models."

6. Whittle down the shoes I'm bringing: monumental task, I gotta tell you. I love shoes, and they just won't all fit in my suitcase. Anyone else have this problem?

7. Write: Oh, the world doesn't stop because of an impending conference? Damn. Work still needs to be done.

8. If we're talking about work...I have editing to do!: When I'm not writing or reading, I'm editing. My own work, others'...I freakin' love this part of my life. And as the new managing editor at AudioLark audiobooks (or a-books, though I'm still waiting for that one to catch on, lol) I do a lot of written and sound editing, the latter of which is new and shiny for me.

9. Write some more: ah, the pressures of being a writer. Woe is me? Never.

10. Create a "honey-do" list: Enough said. Does anyone else live by these?

11. Decide whether to bring my netbook: Would I like to write while I'm there? Of course! Will it happen? Not likely...And traveling light is the name of this game, as much as humanly possible (No, I'm not looking at you, PG, I swear!)

12. Run to Costo: Must. Have. Wine!

And finally...

13. SLEEP: Five days of author-reader craziness? I'm stocking up on the shut-eye now.

Are you all ready? I won't be (too) jealous, I swear! Or if you're going to another conference, what is the one thing you have to bring with you?

24 comments:

Ivelisse said...

OMG I have the same problem with shoes lol, one of my bff's called me crazy I seriously was taking about 15 pairs lmao

Unknown said...

OH yes, must have wine :)

Did you say hot cover models? Count me in!

Missy Maxim said...

There are hot cover models there?

Michael's and Jo-Ann's definitely make crafting easy. Have you ever Googled professional made Venetian masks? OMG gorgeous. I can't remember why I did, but I spent hours drooling.

Good luck whittling your list down!

Shelley Munro said...

I bet you'll have fun. I hope you take lots of photos since I'm not going to any conferences this year. Living in NZ has a few disadvantages.

Skylar Kade said...

@Ivelisse I'm getting those same looks from my bf, lol.

@Bratty There will be a cover model at Naughty Smutty Hollywood, the reader party we're throwing with the Smutketeers. And on Saturday, the Mr. Romance competition will pit all those yummy guys against each other--only one can be crowned Mr. Romance!

@Missy I found some totally drool-worthy masks, but they were in the same *doh* category as my unordered steampunk accessories. Didn't buy them in time :( I'm hoping to find something awesome, though.

@Shelly There will most certainly be photos! Are there any smaller writers' conferences in NZ?

Sandra Collins said...

sounds like it will be a fun time - Happy Thursday Thirteen

Journeywoman said...

Sounds like a great time. Have fun!

Unknown said...

I'm totally green with envy. I'm sure you'll have a blast. Looking forward to some pics.
Happy T13!

Heather said...

I haven't been to a conference in years, and while I myself am not big on costume parties, I hope you have a ball!

Maddy Barone said...

I am sooo jealous! I wanna go to RT!! Maybe next year. Hope you and your shoes have a great time!

Darla M Sands said...

Best wishes! Sounds like a blast.

PG Forte said...

traveling light does not mean you get to leave your computer home. lol! Or is that really just me?

No matter, laptop's a must, wine's a must, shopping 'cause I still need more jeans is a must, finishing my steampunk costume and praying my mask arrives on time (otherwise, it's hello craft stores for me, too *g*)...

Sigh. So much to do, so little time.

Alice Audrey said...

So... pictures? *hopeful smile*

Skylar Kade said...

@Sandra, @Journwywoman, @Darla, @Paige @Heather I'm so excited to be going--thanks for the well-wishes! And yes, @Adelle and @Alice there will certainly be pictures!

@Maddy, with a steampunk costume like you've made, you'll have to go!

@PG, I'll bring my laptop, even if it means I have to omit a pair of shoes *cry*

Janice Seagraves said...

I have really wide feet, so I don't have many shoes.

Anonymous said...

I hope you have a really good time and share all kinds of pictures with us (especially if you get to see any of those hot models *grin*) Wish I could be there. *Hugs*

Happy T13!

Skylar Kade said...

@Janice, I know there are some great shoe stores online that sell wider shoes--I have trouble with finding heels that don't pinch my toes.

Skylar Kade said...

@KS, I'll be sure to take extra model pictures! Hopefully next year we can connect at one of my myriad conferences.

kelly said...

Yup same problem with the shoes. But the laptop MUST come (even though it's true I probably won't do any writing). But did you see the price of wireless internet at the hotel 0_0 Hopefully there's free wifi somewhere in the hotel because WE'LL BE SENDING PHOTOS AND STORIES BACK TO KATE AND SYDNEY FOR OUR "HOME ALONE" PARTY!!!!

Kinsey Holley said...

Netbook: Yes. I'm bringing my brand new one - can't wait! Dreading tomorrow, when I start trying on all the stuff I want to wear before I pack it.

Skylar Kade said...

Ooh Kinsy, can't wait to see it! And I do hope for free wi-fi because I'm definitely not paying for internet while there.

Sky

Debbie Mumford said...

Sounds like you're going to have a great time!

Jennifer Leeland said...

When I went to RWA, I took six pairs of shoes (all I own) and wore.....two. LOL!

Kimberly Menozzi said...

Wow. You've worn me out just reading this!

Have a great time!