For the first time since I started writing, I’m taking a pass on the RWA national conference.

I thought about this long and hard. I enjoyed the conferences in both Dallas and San Francisco, but I asked myself what I really “got” out of both those trips. When I weighed it against the escalating fee for the conference itself and the price of the hotel, meals, etc., I decided against it this year.

Please don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying the conference is a waste — not by a long shot! I made some great connections, learned a little about the business, and spent time with friends. But both times, I was not only physically exhausted but mentally spent. The conference is always at the end of the summer, which means I’m gearing up for school to start again. The summer is supposed to be when I get healthy. I try not to let my lupus run my life, but after both conventions, I needed some major rest and didn’t have time to get it before I was facing those three scary words — back to school.

I have to admit to still feeling a little angry over the Rita and Golden Heart problems. I don’t think that is why I decided against going, but it did factor into my decision. I am in hope that this will all be solved by the next round of RWA contests, but… As it is, I’m in no-woman’s-land with RWA. I’m pubbed where Golden Heart is concerned. I’m unpubbed where Rita is concerned. Still a bit bitter over that fact.

So what I will do instead is travel to the Big Apple. My sister and I have always wanted to take a trip together, and New York is our choice. I’ll get to meet my fantastic agent and her wonderful assistant face-to-face. My sis and I are going to take in a Broadway show. And we get to simply enjoy a vacation.

It sounds like just what the doctor ordered.