By Thonie Hevron
I’m baaaack!
This was my first trip to Sin City. It won’t be my last. Although the glaring grandeur had little appeal for me, I will say I thought it fun to cruise down the Strip. However, because I was tired, I was more than ready to be at the hotel. Silly me, I’d gone cheap and hired a shuttle instead of a cab. Live and learn.
The truth is that I only booked this trip for a Public Safety Writer’s Association Conference. Vegas has zero appeal to me. Give me a redwood grove or a sandy Southern California beach any day. I’d submitted my unpublished manuscript, Intent to Hold to their annual writing contest. In 2012, I’d submitted and won third place for By Force or Fear. I was hoping history would repeat itself for Intent to Hold.
At the conference, I met many with whom I’ve corresponded through the years. Meeting people in person after developing an online relationship can cause some shifts in perspective. Thankfully, they were all very positive shifts. I met some terrific people.
During the months before the conference, the call for help went out from conference chair Michael A. Black. Like a dummy, I volunteered. While I used to hate getting in front of people, I’ve made strides in getting over the fear. Knowing that
I’d have to speak in front of people to sell my books nudged me onward. Two years ago, I volunteered to co-chair the Redwood Writers Conference in April of 2014, to help de-sensitize myself. Month after month, I got up in front of the general membership and announced conference news. When that day came, I was a little nervous but my co-chair Sandy Baker was super-supportive and all went well. Here’s how PSWA shook out: I was a “contestant” on CSI-Jeopardy, a game played twice every day except the last (only once). I clowned my way to a pithy third but had a lot of fun. I sat on a panel of five discussing setting and dialog. Then, I was the moderator of a panel on wounds and forensics. Since I know nothing about the topic, I contacted the panelists in advance and culled questions from them. A well-rounded and very knowledgeable group that included an EMS/fire training consultant, and ER doc, a forensic scientist, a psychologist, a biology professor…and me!
Thank God, I only had to ask the questions.
The crowd was so responsive and attentive that we all had fun. In fact, when our time was up, many said they wanted more time with the panel. I’d say that was a success. Success for the panelists, audience, and me. I didn’t faint! In fact, I got one glowing compliment on my presentation voice.
And, I won third place for unpublished novel award for Intent to Hold. History did repeat.
I’ll be back in Vegas next year, only I’m bringing my hubby next time.
6 replies on “A victory…from Las Vegas”
I loved meeting you in person and learning how to say your name right. My hubby loves coming to the conference and helping, even though he doesn’t write anything. I was the conference chair for years and so glad Mike was willing to take my place, I had a lot more fun than usual because I could relax.
It was great to finally mee you! You were one of those PSWA members who was way more special than I could have hoped. Looking forward to the fun this year and the conference next year!
Congratulations, Thonie! And of course I knew you could do it! You do very well up there in front!
Thanks, Sandy!
Nancy and I JUST got home! We had to stay over due to a book signing, meetings w/my publisher in L.Vegas, plus a radio show yesterday. Like you, we didn’t do anything fun (exception – saw the movie “Jersey Boys” one night) and were in bed by 8:30. Both of us had been to L.V. quite a few times, so the luster is off. The conference was definitely the highlight. And…..it was a ton of fun bantering back and forth with you on Jeopardy! We laughed so hard at times, and I think the audience appreciated it as well. My third conference and more great people met. You were definitely one of those great critters!! It was a kick and we’ll see you more in the coming years. Plus, we might need to visit more about your blog. Now, it’s on the road to recovery for a couple days!! A whole week there can absolutely wipe you out.
Pete,
It took me two days just to get my energy back. In the cab to the airport, the cabbie said it was 109 degrees. The air conditioner couldn’t keep up with the heat. But well worth the visit. Some wonderful people came into my life last weekend–yes, that includes you, bruddah. Let’s definitely look at the blog exchange. There are a ton of others at PSWA who may want to join in. But for now, friend, REST!