If you have followed me on Instagram this month, you’ll have seen two types of posts: #readwriteplan challenge photos and pictures of my glorious writing retreat in England with my friends.

How it came about: My amazing friend Julia Kelly is an Anglo-American author who now lives in London {you must read her debut historical fiction The Light Over London and her upcoming release, The Whispers of War}

Anyway, Julia graciously invited us to London and her family manse in the countryside and five of us eagerly accepted her hospitality.

And I’ll just skip to the part where I tell you that it was magical. A big part of that is the retreat location, of course. England is so historical, so verdant, so charming (to us Americans living in suburbia, especially) that it can’t help but inspire ALL THE STORIES in my head. But another big part of this is the amazing retreat effect - getting out of the day-to-day #momlife, the feeding of humans and animals, car pool and same old scenery. I love my life, and I am blessed in thousands, if not millions of ways. But a change like a walk down the Thames (or Seine or Hudson or Nile) can excite lots of neurons for months, if not years.

So now you’re convinced (I think you probably already were….) You want to go on a girls’ weekend/ spiritual / writing retreat. Great.

First you need a suitcase. I picked an ancient yet indestructible canvas LL Bean duffel and a Dakine rolling suitcase.

What to pack:

This list may or may not work for you, but maybe it will be a good starting point. After all, I spent weeks thinking deeply and strategizing this suitcase selection so if it helps someone else, that would mean all my mental effort went to good use.

Then you pile everything you might want to take in a big heap on your bed.

*Carry-On Packing for a Week in England in September*

Clothes (in 20 inch rolling suitcase)

1 pair of jeans

1 pair of leggings (I love the Zella Live in Leggings) (LINK)

1 pair of “other pants” (this is whatever you like best. I picked a pair of black sweatpants that would be comfortable but chic on the plane)

1 cozy cardigan (I wore this one on the plane for warmth and to save space in my bag) (LINK)

1 lightweight jacket (rain proof if possible)

3 long sleeve shirts

3 t-shirts

3 lightweight scarves

Pajamas

Underthings/ lingerie/ socks

Packable Hunter boots (LINK)

Birkenstock clogs (can double as slippers in a cold 500 year old house) (LINK)

Adidas Superstars (or other comfortable and cute walking shoe) (LINK)

*Now, since we were staying at a house, I knew we had the opportunity to do laundry. But I still think this list would be good for a week even if you weren’t planning to wash any clothes.

Now you start your next pile of essential items. Yes, a chocolate bar is always an essential for travel.

Non Clothes (in carry on sized duffle)

Medicine/ vitamins/ glasses

Small toiletry case with all the minis: shampoo, conditioner, curl cream, shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, face cleanser, lotion, etc.

Face spritz / moisturizing balm for travel (I brought both, but this was the first time for me to use a moisturizing balm stick and I think this one will be my go-to for now on. It was so convenient and really made my hands/ face/ elbows nice and dewy) (LINK)

1 extra pair of earrings, 2 necklaces

Paperwhite Kindle (I adore mine - so many books can fit in a pocket!) (Link)

Bluetooth headphones (noise cancelling help you sleep on the plane) (LINK)

[And because this was a work/ writing trip:

Computer/ cords/ chargers/ converter

Notebook/ planner/ pens]

So all that in 2 bags + a small crossbody purse (with my phone/ wallet/ lipstick/ hand sanitizer) that I could stash inside the duffle while flying.

My iPad mini + bluetooth keyboard was perfect for writing in an English garden.

Things I Left Behind:

Water Bottle - at home in the United States I am virulently anti- plastic water bottle. It makes me physically sick to think of all the plastic we’ve littered this planet with because we don’t want to wash a glass. #sorrynotsorry. BUT. I can’t justify the weight and bulkiness of my stainless steel bottles when I’m flying carry-on only internationally. So I accept that I will buy a plastic water bottle or two on the trip and try to refill at the house/ hotel.

My usual laptop - This was another tough decision. Writers have an attachment to their computers which makes sense given all the time we spend with them and, frankly, all the intimate things that we put on there. But I ultimately decided to leave the laptop at home and just bring my ipad mini / bluetooth keyboard. This wasn’t really an issue of space/ weight (I have a very lightweight laptop and the ipad combo, while smaller, isn’t much lighter.). This was a practical decision based on how many chargers/ cords I’d have to bring. My Ipad obviously shares the same charging requirements as my iphone and air pods and the keyboard uses the same cord as a Kindle. It made sense to me to streamline all this technology as much as possible but of course, your (airplane) mileage may vary

Travel blanket - I love the idea of a travel blanket, but again, I can’t justify the space/ weight when wearing a chic shawl/scarf and cozy cardigan will keep me warm enough anywhere.

Extra notebooks - ah, a writer’s heartbreak. It was hard deciding which babies to leave home, which ones had ALL THE GOOD THINGS already written in them. But again, I went with weight and practicality and just brought one cheapie notebook from a conference.

More sweaters - When we scheduled a writing retreat - in England, in September - this Texas girl day dreamed for months about strolling through moors in all sorts of cashmere and knit. Alas, the weather was a bit warmer than my daydreams which was probably best for my space issues. One beloved sweater, one practical jacket and layering with scarves kept me warm enough.

Where to go next?

I’d go back to the UK in a heartbeat… Maybe travel to Scotland? France? Or somewhere closer to home? I’ve been wanting to do a beach trip for forever. Where would you go?

Fancy a getaway that’s a little easier/ cheaper than a week in Europe? You could, of course, check out my books: The Royal Runaway and the upcoming The Royal Bodyguard which will first be published in the United Kingdom and around the world!

And if you want more packing tips for a business conference, I have posts on that HERE and HERE.

Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means I could receive a few coins for posting them. As always, thank you for your support and encouragement!

Lindsay Emory

July 11, 2018

Plan * Write * Publish

It's Time for RWA Nationals!

Lindsay Emory

July 11, 2018

Plan * Write * Publish

Oh boy. This will be my FIFTH RWA National Conference. I can't believe it. And this year I'll be flying to....

DENVER, COLORADO!

I haven't been to Denver in so long. Fun fact: It's where my husband proposed to me. So going to a ROMANCE conference there is very much on point for me. And oh, I'm so excited for (hopefully) some cooler temperatures but also to be surrounded by my people. My tribe. My besties.

Not my suitcase... YET. But isn't it #goals?

I'm Sort Of Obsessed With Packing

That's.... normal, right? If you already follow me, you know that I'm a capital-P Planner so it totally makes sense that I make lists of what I want to take on trips. But one of my favorite packing hacks/ tools is sadly, lost forever. See, I used to be a regular user of the site Polyvore and yes, I would plan out any vacation outfits and accessories there but the site shut down this year. Now I'm trying out a combination of Pinterest board + Trello board to see if that is sufficient for my shoe-assessment needs. You see, I like to pack light - but fabulous. So. It takes both some flair and organization.

If you're attending RWA, whether a repeat attendee or for the first time, you can take a peek at my past post on WHAT TO PACK. I still stand by these tips and tricks but this year it will be a little different because I'm headed to Denver for a few days before the conference starts for a writing retreat. So smart of me to schedule this! With the writing retreat, I'll have to throw in a few more casual tees and shorts, a caftan, my hot pink Birkenstocks and my Very Smart Lady Glasses. I'm going for a Writing Retreat Chic look.

Not sure what this has to do with anything except I love this gif and how much fun Wills and Kate are having here. Also a great example that you should always be prepared for all sorts of events on vacation. ;-)

If you follow me on social media next week, you can judge for yourself whether I've reached that particular fashion goal.

My Schedule

I will be signing books at the Gallery/ Pocket Books signing at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 19. Bring your coffee and come get a copy of The Royal Runaway signed!

I will also be presenting a 20/20 session on Friday about content marketing and I'll have special swag reserved for librarians, bloggers and readers!

Alas, these events are only for conference registrants, but stay in the know about my upcoming future appearances by signing up for The Inner Circle - my exclusive newsletter.

And hit me up if you similarly enjoy the vacation packing experience and have a packing trick or tip! I'd love to hear them!

Lindsay Emory

July 1, 2016

Plan * Write * Publish

What to Pack for RWA 2016

Lindsay Emory

July 1, 2016

Plan * Write * Publish

Oh yeah. Put on the music. Make a cocktail. It's countin' down to RWA Nationals time. I'm a little giddy about it and I think it's because the convention is going to be in San Diego, California this year, where there will be sun, sea and perfect SoCal weather. I've only been to San Diego once before, about 13 years ago and I loved it so much, I still ask my husband (on yucky North Texas days) if we could sell everything we own and go live in a cardboard box on Coronado.

Pretty please?

After a totally brilliant planning lunch with my roomie,

Alexandra Haughton

(who also has a great packing list

here

), I thought I'd share some packing tips for first timers and repeaters alike.

Put Something On

Clothes. You need clothes. The slightly difficult thing about packing for RWA is that it's a business conference which could also require clothes for karaoke, for yoga, tea parties or for a late-night plotting in the bar session. The convention ends with a fancy awards party (so I've heard - this will be my first time to attend the

RITA/ Golden Heart ceremony

) which requires at least a fancy set of shoes and Spanx and, in San Diego, one might want to be prepared for pool/ boat/ beach activities. This variety is a challenge for someone like me, who prefers to be a light packer.

So... good luck with that! The basics I won't leave behind?

My Pajama Philosophy - Many moons ago, I was watching the news and saw a hotel burning down. All the guests were standing in the parking lot and I remember thinking, "I never want to be that girl in the thong that the firemen have to wrap up in a blanket." Since then, I never sleep in a hotel in pajamas that can't be worn on a city street. Don't say, "wow, Linds, that's some overactive imagination you have" because guess what. Three years ago on a business trip the fire alarm went off at the hotel I was staying at. There I was, in the hotel parking lot (with my business colleagues, no less) feeling quite smug in a perfectly acceptable ensemble of yoga pants, tee shirt and hoodie. Be prepared for anything. Like the zombie apocalypse.

My Shoe Philosophy - I love cute shoes as much as y'all but this is not the place to try 'em out for the first time. Cute AND comfortable, broken in shoes are where its at.

My Cardigan Theory - Conventional wisdom says "always bring a cardigan" because hotels are often cold. This is one theory I rebel against. I always feel that if I dress appropriately for the climate, I will be fine. Also, I live in Texas and I've never met an air-conditioner I didn't like. BUT... since we'll be in San Diego where it might get a tad cooler in the evenings, I probably will bring a cardigan. But I won't like it.

Get in Mah Belly

After clothing, the next most important item is food. Yes, I've heard there is food in San Diego and much of it is available to purchase. Rest assured, I'm not carting

Yeti coolers

of groceries to the Marriott Marquis. But I always bring along snacks when I travel for business, such as:

With just these snacks, I can put together a quick lunch between workshops, a mid-afternoon introvert snack break, or avoid airport food. I also share with new friends. Come find me if you're hungry.

#Hustle

Like I said, RWA Nationals is a business conference. So don't forget the following:

Ipad/ computer/ kindle

chargers/ cords (fitbit too! You will get your steps in!)

pens/ business cards

swag

planner/ journal/ notebook

pins from previous conferences to adorn your badge

I Woke Up Like This

Everyone talks about the "Conference Crud" or has stories about that time someone got a mysterious illness at RT Convention which almost started the zombie apocalypse. In my day to day life, I try to stay healthy with a lot of water, supplements, a consistent skin care routine and sufficient sleep. Even though I know I won't get the latter in San Diego, I'll still be trying my hardest to stay healthy (and gorgeous) with the following:

zinc

, essential oil roller, advil, visine,

my favorite tea bags

, vitamins

mug or

reusable water bottle

(although someone usually gives these out as swag if you want to gamble and collect one in the Goody Room)

flat iron & hairspray

cosmetics, small bottle of perfume, sunscreen

whatever hair care/ skin care I can't live without

Bag It Up

Usually conference goers receive a tote bag filled with swag. This year they're changing up the swag delivery protocol so who knows what will be given out. For form and function, I always prefer my own sturdy nylon tote, such as my favorite Longchamp with BOTH beer stains and coffee stains (that's how you know a writer owns it). My normal handbag is super cute and all, but in the conference I'll be loading up with free books, notepads, almonds and enough water to survive the zombie apocalypse so I usually carry only a tote until its time to go to dinner or a party and I can switch to a smaller clutch or cross-body (still make sure it's big enough for your business cards! You meet awesome people everywhere!)

I hope this helps you think of a few more essentials to pack. I'm sorry if you're' over the airline's weight limit. If you want to yell at me, follow me on

Twitter at @lindsay_emory

. I'll be signing books at

the literacy signing

and I'll be tweeting with the hashtag #RWA16 and #whatareyoudrinking. I'd love to meet you and hang out!

P.S.

and I are hosting a

for

. Want in? Check it out