As I arrive home from the annual national conference of Romance Writers of America, I am weary but bursting with joy. I have learned much from the huge variety of engaging workshops and have filled my creative tank to maximum capacity.
I am still high from riding the waves of excitement that swell throughout this event. There is an unexplainable joy that settles into my soul when I am among like-minded individuals all pursuing the same goal; people who understand the ups and downs of this business we call writing.
I am hung over with the giddiness that comes from meeting new friends and reconnecting with others I see less often. A plethora of social events provides many opportunities to hear amazing stories of people who overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles on their way to success.
A rejuvenating optimism courses through my body and I return home inspired to dig a little deeper in order to achieve that next step on my journey.
Until next year, I shall endeavor to raise the bar on the quality of my work, my relationships and my life.
The following short poem, by Tiffany Prochera is an accurate reflection on my current state of mind. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
http://www.inspirational-poems.net/short-inspirational-poems/404-be-inspired
How about you dear readers – what inspires you? Where do you go, or what do you do when you need a little pick-me-up? Do conferences inspire you? Does nature inspire you? (Obviously it does me, ergo, the photos.)
Word of the Day: Winze
Fun fact about me: I love lighthouses.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, July 2014. Original poem by Tiffany Prochera. Photos courtesy Google Images.
So glad you had a great conference, and I echo your vow to raise the bar. We can do this.
I’ve got to ask: Did TSA swab you for explosives on your way home?
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No swabbing this time Pat, but I did get my butt patted down. And when I got home (at the hellish hour of 1 a.m. this morning) I found an inspection notice in my suitcase. I guess women traveling alone are targets now.
Either that or the woman TSA office just couldn’t resist my awesome backside. Yeah, let’s go with that one.
It was soooooo nice to meet you and spend some time enjoying your company. Despite the heat, it was a very enjoyable evening. Thank you so much for your generosity.
Patricia
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So glad you got so much out of the conference. We all need those fill-the-well moments. My favorite is driving through the Rocky Mountains. My Muse goes nuts. 🙂
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Hi Sheila, so glad to see you here this morning. The Rocky Mountains are indeed majestic and if someone does’t look at them and feel awe, well, there’s just something wrong with that person. Nature has so many awe-inspiring moments.
Thanks for visiting today.
Patricia
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Wow, Patricia – your enthusiasm is kinda inspiring me on this Monday morning. It’s awesome to see how a weekend of workshops and connecting with people who “get” you rejuvenates your creativity and energizes determination. Can’t wait to go next year!
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Hi CJ. I am completely worn out, exhausted to the max, but so full of energy at the same time. Attending conference is something that can only be experienced in person to fully understand the magnitude of energy that bounces around everywhere. It can only be felt.
Alas, I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend New York next year, due to the expensive nature of that area, but I am looking forward to the following year – San Diego I believe. Takes me 2 years to save my meager wages to get to go.
Thanks for visiting. Now go put those positive vibes I’ve given off to good work.
Patricia
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Sounds like you had an awesome time at Nationals! I know when ever I’ve attended Nationals, or any writing conference I come home excited to be a writer. We meed those moments to fill our tanks. Getting out of the house fishing, having lunch or walking inspires me to, but in a more casual way.
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Hi Diana and thanks for stopping by. Conferences are the best get-away a writer could ask for, especially when among other friendly writers. It’s amazing to me how many “introverts,” come out of their shells when they talk about their books. It’s so fun to see people talking about their stories.
And we are like-minded when we say we enjoy the chance to get out into the natural world and experience some relaxing time.
Patricia
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The TSA only wanted to touch my knees. I feel so let down!
I found the conference inspiring as well. I wrote out an action items list and I think there is about 3 months worth of items on there that I want to do in a month’s time. It was so completely wonderful to be surrounded with so many wonderful authors and women who are interested in the same things for several days. I am so glad I went. It was great to meet you and put a voice to you as well.
Glad you got home safely.
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Hi Jean and thanks for taking the time to stop by today over here at the Edge of Eternity.
I am glad we got to meet and share a few lovely minutes. One of the best things about this conference for me was meeting some of my on-line friends and sharing a few special one-to-one moments.
As far as the TSA swabbing incident, please don’t feel as though you’ve missed out on anything. It certainly has a way of making your feel like a hardened criminal. I will definitely be adding that little tidbit to a book real soon. It was such a weird experience.
And I’m thinking they wanted to touch your knees because you have lovely legs. That should be your story. Stick with it.
Patricia
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Yes, I’ve been properly kicked in the pants with inspiration. 🙂 Ready to tackle my WIP with new fervor after my RWA National experience. Best wishes!
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Hi Julie. So nice to see you. A kick in the pants is indeed what I felt too. I have so much to go back and re-examine in my WIP.
Here’s to a whole bunch of awesome new books next year from all of us!
Patricia
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I enjoyed reading about your trip. Glad it was so enjoyable and inspirational. I look forward to reading your next transcriipt!
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Hey Nikki – thanks for visiting. My trip was totally exhausting, but so worth it. So much fun and positive energy.
I have printed out a manuscript for you and Norm to read, we just have to make the time to get together. I’ll be in touch.
BTW – Both the agent and the editor I pitched to (for On Hallowed Ground) requested to see the full manuscript and both my long and short synopsis for the story. The editor was especially interested because she is actively acquiring mysteries for a new line they’re getting ready to launch. Keep your fingers crossed.
Take care. I’ll be talking to you soon. Love you guys.
Patricia
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I am so jealous! Hearing about all the fun and seeing pictures of the social events on facebook makes me long for the day when I can go to a conference. As soon as I’m done with school, I’ll be joining y’all. I think the time with writer friends is what I look forward to the most. It sounds like you had a great time. And if you went to the dress up events, you should post pictures of that. 🙂
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I went to the dress up event but had issues that unfortunately meant I was running in at the very last second, sweaty from hoofing it across the street in 5 inch heels and 100 degree heat. Nobody wants to see that photo. I do believe there is a picture of me floating around somewhere. I’ll see if I can find it. It’s not that flattering.
I’m looking forward to meeting you at one of these awesome events. We’ll share a hug and a girl squeal. Thanks for stopping by today. It’s almost as good as being there.
Patricia
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Welcome back! I saw a pic of your fabulous shoes at the conference. On another note, if you love lighthouses, try to make a trip to the historic lighthouse at Pensacola. It has one of the best views I’ve ever seen from the top. I put a picture of it on my author Facebook page. Maybe next time you go to DisneyWorld, you can wiggle in some time to tour some Florida lighthouses.
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Hi Suzanne and thanks for the warm smokey California welcome home. The shoes were a hit I guess. Actually they were quite comfortable, albeit a little on the dangerous side. Escalator boarding was an adventure to say the least.
I shall make an effort to get to the Pensacola lighthouse. I will not however cut into my Disney World time to do it. That’ll be a whole independent trip.
Thanks for stopping by my friend. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.
Patricia
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Love the awesome pics you chose for this post. I’ve also heard nothing but fantastic stories from both the RWA and BlogHer conferences. As for what inspires me? People inspire me…on so many levels.
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Thanks, Kitt. I love awesome pictures of natural things. Humans are so blessed to live on this beautiful planet and beauty is everywhere.
People can indeed be very inspiring. I was reminded of that last week at conference. Just being in the same room with a bunch of positive thinking people can have a huge impact on your soul.
Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts.
Patricia
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Sounds like you came back truly inspired! Things that inspire me are random. A person. An event. A beautiful summer morning. Dogs. Food. Etc.
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Hi Phil. It’s nice to know that you are so open to the goodness around you. Beauty and inspiration are everywhere, especially if you’re open to receiving it.
Thanks for stopping by.
Patricia
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Good morning – interesting word – a steep passageway in a mine….hmmmm…. it sounds like you had a wonderful time at the conference and came away inspired and full of ideas …. keep the momentum rolling…. as for my inspiration, it varies, I am sort of like Phil.. sometimes it’s a photo, a scene, a memory, or just food… I try to keep my focus on what I am writing about and why it matters, but I am sort of eclectic with my stories and somewhat random….I hope you have a wonderful week. Welcome home.
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Thanks for the welcome, Clay. It makes my heart smile to know that people who follow my blog are completely aware of the wonderful things surrounding them. So many people go about life with one thing in mind – them. That’s sad because they miss out on so much.
I have been inspired by memories as well. And the crazy thing about that is that they strike out of the blue sometimes. Just – bam. That’s cool.
Thanks for stopping by and being positive and encouraging. I love that.
Patricia
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Sounds like you had a great time. I loved all the updates from you and other SVR ladies. I really missed being there, but I’m glad you enjoyed and came back ready and raring to write!
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Good morning Suzanne. I did come back with a full tank of gas that’s for sure. I also realized that I have some serious work to do to whip my books into shape.
I met some truly amazing people and connected with a group of ladies who have given me courage to go that extra step and take that risk that needs to be taken to get to the next level. It’s amazing on one person can make all the difference in the world.
Thanks for your continued support. I truly appreciate it.
Patricia
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Great arltcie, thank you again for writing.
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The conferences was amazing, informative, and career enhancing. Plus it was in a town where the people were friendly. Met some really cool people, including some of my favorite authors. What more could I ask for?
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Hi Katie and thanks for visiting. It’s hard to go home from these conferences, but it was definitely time. Can you say information overload?
How’d the pitches go?
Patricia
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How awesome! I’ve always wanted to attend a blogging or writing conference, but I just haven’t found the time or money to do it. Maybe next year. Glad you had a great time, Patricia!
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Thanks Jessica. It was exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. I strongly encourage you to attend a conference if you can – especially if you’re a writer. It is so amazing.
And, I’m having so much fun reading about your recent trip.
Thanks for visiting today.
Patricia
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I just got back from a research trip, and definitely got some inspiration from nature there! It’s been a few years since I’ve been to RWA, but the creative energy around conference is astounding. Good luck putting yours to good use–and with your requested submissions!
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Thanks Jennette. I’m hoping someone in the industry will recognize my talent soon. It’s all about making the right connection at the right time.
Research trips can be a blast as well. I leave for Alaska in a few weeks and I’m going to take copious photos and notes for a potential setting in a book down the road.
Thanks for stopping by. Maybe some day we’ll be able to meet up at a conference.
Patricia
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So glad you had a fabulous time Patricia. RWA is such a huge event. You should be buzzing from this for months to come. It sounds like it’s better than caffeine. And look at all the lovely peeps that you got to meet. Jealous is the first word that comes to mind. Thanks for sharing your experience! 🙂
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Hi Karen. The conference glow is quickly dwindling as the reality of everyday “real” life takes over. But, the information I took in and the friends I made shall forever be carried in my mind and heart. Each conference I go to gets better and better. I wish I could afford New York next year, but alas I am afraid I shall have to wait 2 years.
Thanks for stopping by. You can look forward to more conference posts in the future.
Patricia
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Stellar work there evnryoee. I’ll keep on reading.
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