Nope. Not Christmas. (Though, don’t get me wrong. I’m a big fan of that too.)

And–despite those brilliant office supply ads–I’m not talking about school starting again either. (My daughter starts kindergarten this year, so I’m more tramatized than excited.)

The most wonderful time of the year that I’m talking about is the RWA national conference. That magical time when two thousand or more romance writers descend on one unsuspecting city and spend five days geeking out about writing and books. Yes, most of us are women. And all of us in a room together can be pretty deafening.The air is always thick with the scent of body lotions and Starbucks coffee. Not to mention buzzing with creative energy. The conversations you over hear at national range from strange to downright bizarre.  And I’m pretty sure more murders have been planned there than anywhere else in the country. Except maybe James Paterson’s house.

I leave tomorrow and still have a ridiculous amount of packing to do. In fact, I’m pretty sure there’s no way I’ll get it all done. And, my house is a mess. Oh, and I have a conference call with a new editor get notes about some revisions. What genius set that up? (Um … me. I know, not my

smartest move.) Oh, and my nails aren’t done. But it will get done. Some how it always does. (Though two years ago, I was so behind on my packing, Robyn and her mom drove up the night before to help me get it done. I’m in  better shape this time. I think.)

I know some (maybe most?) of the other Quills will be there too. What about the rest of you? Are there any other writers out there who will be heading to Orlando? If not, what is your favorite time of the year?