So, yeah. I’m off to the RWA^® National Conference in a couple of days. A week from today, I’ll be sitting at the Awards Ceremony watching the RITA^® and Golden Heart^® winners being announced. Nervous? Me?

Hell yeah! (Which could be why I’m awake at 5:30am on a Saturday writing this post)

Honestly, though, I think I’m more nervous about the pitching than about the award. After all, the results from the final judges have been in for weeks. It isn’t like there’s anything I can do to change that. But pitching? That’s totally under my control to screw up.

Then, of course, there’s the fact that I’ll be visible. Because I’m a Golden Heart finalist. I’ve attended three previous National conferences and always flew under the radar, so to speak. I’m an extreme introvert when I’m by myself, and at those other conferences, I was mostly by myself. I never know what to say to strangers and tend to trip over my own tongue. I’m a bit terrified I’ll make a fool out of myself.

Still, that wouldn’t be as bad as the flip-side — where I’m still invisible, even with the final. Wouldn’t that take the cake? I’m all worried about having to conquer my shyness, only to not have anyone talk to me anyway. LOL.

I’ve decided to adopt a que sera sera attitude about the conference and just try to enjoy the heck out of it. If I mess up my pitches, well, so what? It won’t be the end of the world. And no matter what, I’m going to love meeting my fellow Firebirds in person! (I think I just talked myself down from the ledge…I hope)

Now for something completely different.

Today’s Moment of Zen: Roses from my garden. Enjoy!