To retreat or not to retreat? That is the question. (I'll know the answer by March 10th)

I signed up for my very first weekend retreat in Chapel Hill, NC. There are only 24 participants, so if more than that sign up they will choose via lottery. So, I won't know if I'm "in" until March 10th.

I REALLY REALLY REALLY hope I get in! There will be 3 editors in attendance and participants will receive a one on one critique with one of the editors. Since I've been on this writing journey I've come to appreciate any feedback I can get from editors. It's GOLDEN! I hate wondering what an editor thinks. I want to KNOW! How can I make my manuscripts better unless I really know what an editor is thinking? This is the #1 reason I'm excited to go.

#2 reason for wanting to attend: it seems like contacts in this business are about as important as good writing skills. I need to make more contacts.

#3 reason: I'm also excited about the prospect of having a full weekend to concentrate on writing and not have to worry about cooking or cleaning or worrying about anything else except developing my craft.

While I wait to find out if I'm "in" or not, I'm starting to do my homework. I want to become familiar with the editor's works so I picked up some books that were edited by those who will attend the conference:

Martha Mihalick - Greenwillow/HarperCollins:
Chase, by Jessee Haas
and
The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous, by Suzanne Crowley

Sarah Shumway - Dutton/Penguin
The Beasts of Clawstone Castle by Eva Ibbotson

Krista Marino - Delacorte/Random House
The Alchemyst, The Secrets of the Imortal Nicholas Flamel, by Michael Scott

I like to read, so even if I don't get in, there's no time lost. Plus, Martha Mihalik will also be at the Annual Carolina's SCBWI Conference in September, so I can prepare for that as well.

I better stop typing. I've got some reading to do!