There’re are one or two tips I’d like to share with you. Any similarity to the marvellous advice sent out by RNA conference organising supremo, Jan Jones, is entirely intentional. Are tips copyright? I first posted this blog on 7th July 2014 and it still seems relevant.
Tip One Do not bring extra reading material. Goody bags are awaiting your arrival and they contain reading material. Also, there is a pop-up book shop on site.
Tip Two There are tenners and fivers in circulation or available from your bank. Get hold of some. The bar staff will be very pleased to see you.
Tip Three Yes, dressing-up on Saturday night is fun. the original of this one was made with insect wings. The copy uses plastic fingernails. Wouldn’t put either in the wash though.
Tip Four Do bring extra coffee, tea-bags and fresh milk. (Jan Jones, see above.) When it comes to food, I miss cheese and fresh fruit that isn’t a rock hard apple, too.
Tip Five Remember the quiet person in the corner is probably a really important editor, agent or author, but they still want to be loved for themselves. Do spare a moment to talk to them.
Tip Six A small paper fan is really useful for creating a breeze in an overheated room. (thanks to Melanie Hilton).
Tip Seven Do keep to your ten minutes in ten minute slots at 1-2-1s Saying it once with feeling and commitment is good.
Tip Eight Think up a few pertinent questions to ask if the speaker invites them. It’s a horrible experience as a chairwoman looking at a sea of silent faces. Chances are if you want to know then others will appreciate the answer, too.
Tip Nine Never mind the photo opps, You can never have too many pairs of comfortable shoes. Slip-on and offs are particularly good as the days pass.
Tip Ten Relax. Enjoy the moment(s). Go home. Apply lessons learned. Write best-seller.
Till next year…
http://goo.gl/pASdjp Mariah’s Marriage amazon US
“Oh, Mariah, let us not quarrel. We will be married within the month. At least your papa’s house contains plenty of books. You may practise throwing them.” anne stenhouse
http://goo.gl/NxYxj5 Mariah’s Marriage UK
http://goo.gl/PKptQg Bella’s Betrothal US
…a solitary figure ahead among some gorse and shrubs. Charles thought she made a beautiful picture in her riding habit with the exquisite hat Jenny Menzies wished to inherit. He thought the girl might get it sooner rather than later if he followed his instincts. At that precise moment, he wanted to shake Bella hard. Then he would lock her in the castle in Strath Menzies and hold her forever. anne stenhouse
http://goo.gl/5RBzIm Bella’s Betrothal UK
https://www.omnilit.com/product-bella039sbetrothal-1312055-162.
html https://www.omnilit.com/product-mariah039smarriage-1173550-149.html
Thanks for the tips, Anne. Look forward to seeing you soon!
LikeLike
Hi Helena, I’ve been practising with the Jacob’s Ladder and spillikins this morning! i don’t think I’ll make it competitive or I’ll be cleaned out of the Edinburgh Rock I’m bringing down in 10 secs. Hope you and Marie are pleased to be cover girls! Anne
LikeLike
Hi Anne,
Thanks for the tips. I particularly like the fan one – I do have a beautiful one somewhere but knowing me I shall end up improvising at the last minute with a couple of sheets of typing paper!
Allis
LikeLike
Hi Allis, yes, we used to do that in school – as well as making ‘perfume’ from rose petals. I’m taking one that came out of a Xmas cracker! Anne
LikeLike
Really looking forward to it all, Anne!
LikeLike
Hi Ros, yes, it’s tantalisingly close, now. Look forward to seeing you there. Anne
LikeLike
excellent tips. Still bricking it though. I’ll be a newbie, both as a member of the RNA and it’s my first conference. Nervous as heck. Will def be packing extra tea bags, milk, sugar, apple rounds and maybe a small bottle of mother in law’s killer sloe gin!
LikeLike
Hi Manda, thanks for dropping by. I’m sorry you’re feeling so nervous. People really are very nice at these events and you don’t have to do anything except listen if you don’t want to. Looking forward to it. See you there, Anne
LikeLike
Thanks for the tips, Anne, but unfortunately I can’t go to the conference this year. I will however do my best to attend the next one, and put your tips into practice!
LikeLike
Hi Marie, that’s a pity. The photo illustrating the post first time round was of you and Helena! Hope to catch up somewhere. Anne
LikeLike
Are you going to the York tea in September? I have booked my ticket! It would be really lovely to see you again.
LikeLike
Hi Marie, august/September are really busy family months this year and I don’t think I’ll make the York tea. working on it, Anne
LikeLike