The days are ticking by, bringing the RNA annual conference ever closer, I can't wait! With each passing year I am a member of the RNA, the more knowledge I acquire and the more friends I make. I have been a part of this wonderful organisation for seven years now (with a two year absence in between) and since then the confidence in my writing as well as personally has increased ten fold.
Last year was my first conference and I was SO nervous, it was bordering on the ridiculous! But this year, I feel entirely different about it. I am looking forward to meeting the many, many new friends I have made online through Twitter & Facebook as well as catching up with old ones (as in existing, rather than age - although you would wonder about that if you'd read a recent article in the Daily Mail about the RNA' Summer Party! We were portrayed as the largest group of ageing, rain bonneted, support tight wearing writers in the UK).
The RNA offers a great New Writers Scheme to unpublished authors offering the opportunity for their entire manuscript to be read and critiqued by a successfully published RNA member. These critiques are in-depth, encouraging and totally worthwhile. And after you're published? The ongoing support, laughter and mutual understanding is invaluable.
The conference is a great chance to socialise but also learn a huge amount from the numerous lectures running all day every day. Agents and editors abound, walking amongst us mere mortals, daring us to step out of our comfort zone and charm the pants off them with our sparkling new story! Pants aside, these women are a great credit to the industry and our futures.
So all I have left to say is bring on the 8th July when this writer will be headed to Caerleon ready for a weekend of fun...and wine!!
Rachel x
Me too, me too! I'll be there, and I can't wait either! See you there...
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of the RNA before. I'm a member of the RWA... I'll have to Google this to know more!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing you + catching up, Jane - you were one of the ladies that kicked my nerves into touch within minutes of meeting you xx
ReplyDeleteAre you in the UK, Tara? If yes, join now! If not, I'm a member of the RWA too and they have been equally as valuable in my career, believe me!
R x
Oh, I'm so envious, Rachelle! I do wish I was going, but it's for the best of reasons I'm not, as my son is getting married at the beginning of July.
ReplyDeleteMy first (and only) RNA conference was a couple of years ago at Penrith and I'll definitely be going there again next year, all being well. Maybe we'll meet up there!
I should go. I really should... :)
ReplyDelete(Rachel, I'm in the UK too.)