I’m home and I’m exhausted (not great when you have three young children who haven’t seen you in almost a week and don’t really care how tired you are).
Nationals was all at once amazing, confusing, exhilerating (I know I’m spelling that wrong, but too tired to look it up) and overwhelming.
I think my favourite part was meeting up with my online friends – many of whom, I’ve known for over three years online without having met face to face. Romance Divas? You rock – each and every one of you. I almost cried when I met Diva Lisa (ok, let’s be honest there was no almost about it – the lady is a class act and she proved it in person). If I could go back and change my vote for switching teams Diva, I so would. 
Jax? She could fit in a tea cup she is so tiny. I felt like a giant next to her, but her personality is giant so it was all good. What a dynamic, fun lady. I wanted to add a quick shout out to Feisty, who braved the conference her leg in a cast, crutches in her hands, with dignity and aplomb. I can’t imagine how hard and frustrating that must have been. You are a strong and amazing woman – must be why you’re called Feisty.
There are so many more Divas to mention (not the least of whom were my two roommates, but I will get to them later) and sufficed to say, I loved you all. And what is most amazing is how gorgeous they all are – inside and out (click on photos to see in full). 
I also met with a Canadian contingent of authors from back East. I only know most of them through Christine D’Abo and following them through her blog posts. To Christine, Amy, and Wylie – you are beautiful, lovely ladies – you made me laugh and made me proud to be Canadian. I know that you will all go far on your writing journey because you all just kick ass. 
I met so many people and obviously I would be writing for days if I listed them all. There are stand out authors for me, who were gracious, fun and encouraging: Sylvia Day (can’t wait to start Eve), Allison Brennan (don’t know which book to start first) – I promise I won’t stalk the two of you as much any more 
(at least for a little while LOL), Lisa Kleypas and Sherrilyn Kenyon (new to me authors – don’t gasp 
I have heard of them, obviously, just never read them before) who were each so friendly and nice.
I talked to an agent (not having a clue she was an agent, because I don’t like to look like I am reading the name cards in front of people’s chests) who made laugh and who also made me rethink who I wanted as my dream agent. I will never forget the “bathing in baby seals” comment as long as I live (and thank you very much again for that, total highlight). Even if you never become my agent, I hope we run into each other again and go for drinks. I can always use another friend.
Last, but not least, I need to mention my absolutely fantastic roommates. 
When we met we’d known each other from online, but more in a “yeah, I know who you are and I’m sure you are not strange” kind of way. In person you couldn’t find three more different people, not only in size, but personality. However, these ladies made me laugh and smile and were there for me when I found out, shortly after I arrived, that my Dad had suffered a heart attack and was going for double bypass surgery on the Thursday. I told no one else about that (not until I had a little melt down on Saturday morning) and they kept me strong. I needed to get through conference and there was nothing I could do for my Dad except pray and I was already doing that. Chi and Christina made me laugh so hard, they understood me, they were considerate (three women, one bathroom and it was all good) and mostly they were just lovely ladies who captured my heart and friendship forever. I would room with them again in a second and I hope they would say the same of me.
So – what about the workshops, the agent/editor appointments, the literacy signing, the food, the learning and so on? Yeah, it all happened. But my highlights are the people. Plus, I have to write an article regarding the rest, so when that’s done you can find out all about it. 
It was so great to meet you! The conference was amazing, from start to end.
Eve was fantastic – read it on the plane coming home. Since it’s not even released yet, we have to wait how long until the second one??? (It’s on the postcard – I just remember it’s a long freakin’ time.)
Big hugs for you and your family. I hope your dad has a speedy and ull recovery.
by Ember August 4th, 2008 at 11:18 am ♦Oh MG, I’m so sorry about your dad! What a horrible thing to happen just when you were away.
I hope he makes a total recovery.
The conference sounds amazing, though. *bitterly envious*
Welcome back!
xxx
by Imogen Howson August 4th, 2008 at 11:54 am ♦I’m glad you had a good time. It sounds like so much fun. It’s always cool to meet those you “meet” on line in real life.
by Faith Bicknell-Brown August 4th, 2008 at 1:35 pm ♦I miss you!
by Gwen Hayes August 4th, 2008 at 1:52 pm ♦It was soooo great meeting you in person and I’m glad we had a chance to chat and goof around. You’re a sweetheart and can’t wait to see you next year!
Big Kiss!
by Jax August 4th, 2008 at 2:20 pm ♦That’s a wonderful picture of the three of you – such a beautiful room!
I’m so glad we got to meet. Totally lovely lady
by bria August 4th, 2008 at 2:25 pm ♦So sorry to hear about your dad, but it was great to meet you
Kate x
by Kate Pearce August 4th, 2008 at 2:38 pm ♦Conference was a crazy whirlwind, wasn’t it? Wouldn’t change any of it (except for maybe that part about going upstairs to change our shoes and missing the Harlequin party)
Would love to be roomies again. Next time I’ll even try to sleep in until 8am some mornings.
by Chi August 4th, 2008 at 3:36 pm ♦You were a highlight, too! I am so sorry to hear about your dad and hope that all is well, now.
Maria Seager
by Maria August 4th, 2008 at 3:44 pm ♦Oh, honey-I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad-I just went through this with my Dad and I know it’s scary. You call me if you need me!
by eden bradley August 4th, 2008 at 9:23 pm ♦It was so great to spend time with you-I totally adore you and miss you terribly!
*hugs*
Lisa/Eden
I adored meeting you! You are so cool. But…considering I won the team award, I’m a little sad now. But I’m a big girl. You can have your vote back. I swear…
by Feisty August 4th, 2008 at 10:07 pm ♦I love you guys
and miss you a lot! My dad is doing better and is home now. Hopefully his recovery continues to be good.
by Michelle August 5th, 2008 at 7:58 am ♦Hey Babe! I am so glad to hear that your Dad is home and recovering.
I miss you all so much and would room with you guys in a heartbeat even if Chi got up at 5 am, LOL!
And BTW, thanks for making me cry while reading your blog, you brat.
by Christina Cross August 5th, 2008 at 9:53 pm ♦It was great running into you. If I’d known you were there, I might have looked for you sooner. Oh, well, there were so many people (and, no I don’t remember half of them) finding just one was difficult anyway.
Good luck getting some rest. I had to go to work on Monday after getting in Sunday night. *sigh*
by Denise August 7th, 2008 at 1:17 pm ♦Oh hon it was FANTASTIC to meet you in person! I’m just getting back into the blog world a bit more, so I’ll be stopping by a bit more frequently.
by Christine d'Abo August 14th, 2008 at 5:04 am ♦You are a strong woman, MG! I had no idea you were dealing with a family crisis. I just read all your comments and it sounds like your father is home now. I hope he recovers quickly!
I really enjoyed meeting you in person! This was my first national conference too … your smiling face me feel so “welcome”. I miss ya!
by Alynn August 26th, 2008 at 11:25 am ♦