I started mentioning this on Twitter but I have way too many thoughts running through my brain, I could never narrow it down to a limited number of characters so though I don't know how many people will see this, it's the best forum to use.
Before I go any further though, shout out to Wendy (and more about her later) for letting me use her laptop.
In some ways since my first conference in Dallas in 2007, somethings have remained the same and in others things are different as night and day.
The Differences
My health. I was 12 years younger at 53 then I at 65. (I know! Can you believe it? For those who have never met me, I don't look it or act like it). Since my first one I've broken my left leg, done major tendon damage to my right leg, had a heart attack, worsening depression, loss of a good deal of bladder control - those keigal musscells (lost the ability to spell good :) ) ain't what they used to be, lost hair in my nether regions but gained it on my face, and a lot of other stuff. So I don't have the stamina like I used to
Ebooks. They were just in their infancy 12 years ago. While Romancelandia was much more advanced, the rest of the reading world was just starting to use them. I said at the time they aren't for me but today that's all that I read on.
Books. This is a huge one. When I ,first started coming, I'd be shipping box after box - usually up to 4 or 5 home. This year I have six books, only because I was given them, and most of them I plan on giving away when I get home not because I don't want to read them but because I only read about .5% print books.
Author signings. I don't plan on going to any this year. It's NOT because I don't adore authors with every breath of my being; I still do, but I don't like standing in front of them while they are sitting looking up at me. I get totally tongue tied, don't know what to say and up feeling stupid while there is a long line behind me waiting. Talking with them one on one or in a small group is completely different and wonderful. Plus, I'm not an autograph collector. Even if I were standing in Front of Jason Mamoa - and which woman breathing wouldn't want to - it still wouldn't occur to me to ask for his autograph. A hot and heavy and sexy as hell kiss is a different story, though I'm mindful ofthefact he's married to Lisa Bonet and seems to adore her so it would remain my thoughts only.....and would probably stay in my thoughts only for my remaining years. But anyway you get the picture. Not a collector.
Blogs vs Twitter. I'm guilty of this myself. While I want to blog a lot more than I used to, I just don't have the time or need materials to blog. But I do use Twitter a lot.
Cell Phones. Back 12 years ago they were very rare. Now EVERYONE has them - including me, though as like ereaders, I said never me. But thank goodness I'm adaptable and I'm now one of those who can be found sitting around on my cell phone.
I've gotten carried away so this will be a multiple posting run.
til later
Friday, July 26, 2019
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