The only reason I'm not a society/gossip reporter is that I have the attention span of a flea. I set out to take a photo of each of Nora's RWA shoes to post here, but by Friday morning, I was over that thrill. I did capture some of the best for you all.
RWA is a full week for Nora. She likes to arrive on the Monday of conference week and settle into the hotel before the media/workshop demands start. She was in her suite at the Dolphin by early Monday afternoon. Once she unpacked, she set to figuring out the media system so she could do a power yoga workout that evening.
As I'm sure you all want to know, I took Monday as a rest day because I prefer to be normal rather than dedicated.
Tuesday was a mixture of foreign press and shopping. For our South African, Australian and New Zealand posters, Nora did 30 minute interviews with magazines from each country. I did not get the name of the South African publication, but she talked to the Herald on Sunday (NZ) and Woman's Weekly (Australia). Once I know pub dates, I'll post them.
In between interviews, we hit the Mall at Millennia where Nora made several Neiman Marcus' departments monthly sales quotas, while I delighted the team at J Jill. When we got back to the hotel Ruthiebabe was there so the party truly got started.
Wednesday morning we all went down to the conference hall to register and get the very substantial goody bags. Nora and I stopped into the press room to check on the timing for that day's interviews and the reporter from Channel Six was there to promote that evening's Literacy signing.
Here's how it looked later that day:
Channel 6 I've created a shoe album and the link to it is further down this post.
The formal interview for the early afternoon was canceled, so Nora, Ruth and I decided to have lunch since dinner would be late. Before that, we passed the Barnes and Noble book room and I suggested that Nora had the time to sign the books on display. The young sales person was delighted and she got moving helping me flap books while Nora signed.
People were wandering in and out, but word spread pretty quickly that Nora was there signing. I saw one woman walk in the door just before her friends who caught sight of Nora, whirled around and made the hand motions that clearly signaled, "OMG it's Nora!!!!"
One of her friends confirmed that the woman hyperventilated a little, but she regained her composure enough for a photo. So Nora made the day for about 20 conference attendees before she even uttered a word by posing for more pictures.
We went back to the press room to talk to Channel 13 and lovely, enthusiastic reporter. Here's how that ended up:
Channel 13 Orlando Unless you live in Orlando and get that cable service, we can't get the clip from Channel 300, so check the album for the Wednesday evening shoes.
The signing was fun and busy, as always. Nora did her bit for the SBTB video just before the crowds poured in. She was delighted by the result.
Thursday was Keynote Day. Nora looked stunning in black and white. Her message was just as strong. I heard "We eat hard for breakfast" for the rest of the weekend. She told some fabulous stories about her pals and wove in the message that writing is not easy, it never is, but being hard is what makes it special.
The crowd loved it. Nora must have posed for 30 photos afterwards along with accepting the thanks and good wishes from at least another 20 people.
The shoes for the keynote were Chanel -- check the album.
Thursday evening was a casual one. Nora, Ruth and I headed down to the WRW party that was organized by the lovely Mary Blayney, then they were off to the bar and I had dinner with the Penguin side of Team Nora over on the Boardwalk. But she was never far from our thoughts as we toasted the meal with some "Nora."
Friday was Nora's Chat With -- an hour of straight Q&A, moderated by Ruth. I'll be really honest: I didn't listen to a word thought the audience loved it. I was more consumed by choosing food for Saturday night.
Priorities, always priorities. Shoes are in the album.
Friday night is fun night. First the Berkley cocktail party, then the Harlequin party. Chatting at the first one, dancing like a dervish at the second. The set up at the HQN party was perfect with low couches along the dance floor and tables beyond. We weren't there for the food, so we commandeered a couch. This made it possible to sit out a song or two but still be in the action.
We stayed until after the last song, happy and sweaty. The shoes were Manolo, but honestly, they were off before the dancing started so I didn't take a photo.
Here's the link to the shoe album:
RWA Shoes Saturday was pretty low-key with Nora and Ruth out lunching with editors or pals. We had decided against the annual party since the awards ceremony would include dinner and Nora did not want to compete. So we had a small catered meal for a group of pals and it made for a really relaxed night. Downstairs for the awards ceremony and I promise to never attend again as Nora always loses when I go.
Sunday the rest of the RWA world left Orlando, but we stayed an extra day to decompress. Then Nora flew home yesterday, repacked her bags and left for Corfu in the evening. The whole family is with her and the travelogues should be fabulous.
Laura
Suz is morphing into Melly!
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