Two Weeks...And Counting Down.

Oh my... with only two weeks to go (yes exactly two as I sit here) I'm heading off the Romance Writers of Australia Annual Conference on the Gold Coast. I can't wait.

It's going to be my first!! (Though it isn't my first conference ever, so I'm not really afraid)... But...

In the last week, I've been thinking, very hard, about exactly what I need to pack. Being organised as I am, I have a One Sheet... want a peek??

I know... I'm being awful, but I'm only showing part of it... I promise to show more after the conference...but it has the concept of the book I'm pitching so I better not right now :)

So that part is a check.

I have my dinner gown for the formal event and my gown and wig for the fun night... Shoes, bag and even jewellery...

Fabulous new boots - lacing up to the knee (always wanted a pair like that). A spare power cord for my laptop and internet dongle (how can a girl get by without that?)

Room is booked, provision made for the kids to stay with family and hubs is taking care of organising my baby (the pup you know) cats, chickens and sole remaining guinea pig...

We are driving, so I don't need to worry about excess baggage (all those yummy books to bring home...)

It's coming together finally, as I have received details of who I am pitching to... I'm thinking a box of panadol, oh my... what else?

It's so exciting... bring it on!

Imogene

Pitching

Well, it isn't exactly a secret. Conference season is now upon us.

American authors are gearing up for the RWA in Anaheim (Gee... how I wish I was going) and the Aussies? Yes, our Gold Coast conference is looming. Even the New Zealanders are in final countdown.

Can't wait. Hanging out at the QT with my writing friends, a behind the scenes tour of Palazzo Versace and then High Tea. Dressing up like a 50's film star and the night of nights. Oh and so much to do!

But an essential part of any writers conference (well apart from the socialising and networking) is the Pitch. My previous experience of pitching has been internet based only, so I'm a little confused and nervous about the face to face action. But then, I reckon most of us will be. (RWA hope you have some scantily clad men ready to take our minds off our nerves...oh did I just say that? Naaaahhhh!)

Like many others, I have asked for a pitch appointment. Scary days ahead while I push through to finish that manuscript (because as anyone would know I've been tied up with my Warriors...)

Never fear though! I am about to go back into Vampire Head Space! Da Da Da Daaaa! (so be afraid. Be very afraid!)

But to prepare myself, not only in having a completed manuscript, I've been looking around the internet for resources which can help me prepare. Or not, as the case may be. Anyway, Fliterary has this fabulous you tube video that I just had to share!


I mean, I know that this isn't best practice, but hey, it is amusing and takes my mind off the level of anxiety I am currently feeling about the whole pitch process.

So today, I am asking what you think are the most important things a first time pitchee needs to know about pitching.

The best response wins a copy of my book Starline!

I'm going to leave this open until Tuesday 24th July. So start sharing those ideas!

Imogene