I’m leaving in a few hours to drive down to Atlanta for RWA’s National Conference. It’s always one of my favorite times of year, especially when so many of my friends are attending. National is something to behold. 2000 women (well there are a handful of men mixed in there) converge on a hotel and eat, sleep and breath romance writing for 4 days. It is, at times, overwhelming, moving, exhausting and exhilerating. And regardless of how little sense it makes, we all work very hard to primp and polish until we look all shined up for each other. Case in point…in the last few days I’ve had my hair done, my teeth cleaned, my eyebrows waxed and my fingernails and toes done. I’m coordinating my jewelry and bringing far too many pairs of black shoes with me. Yep, multiple pairs of black shoes. I know you ladies understand. I also know that no one at the conference will care one ounce how I’m dressed or whether or not my earrings match perfectly with the print in my blouse, but we’ll all have on our finest. And for a group of people who rarely make it out of work-out pants and bathrobes, this is a vast improvement. Some have gone on their annual pilgrimage to Wal-Greens for a 4-day supply of pantyhose. I chose open-toed shoes instead. Because, frankly, it’s too hot to wear hose in the south. Regardless of the fashion parade, National is a wonderful experience. No matter if you’re a new writer who’s still a little wet under the collar, or if you’re a seasoned multi-puliblished author, being with other writers is a special time. So while I hate to leave you all, I must go and finalize my packing and get myself to Atlanta. My sisters are calling…