Friday, February 27, 2009

The Ritas vs. Elton John/Billy Joel

I make no secret that I'm a huge Elton John fan and yesterday I just found out that my favorite musical performer is going to be playing at the Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA on July 18th with Billy Joel. I have wanted to see the two of them perform for more years than I can say. Last time they swung this way, I had 2 small children and 2 more had JUST permanently moved in with my husband and I. I went from a family of 4 to a family of 6 overnight and we just didn't have the funds for such a spectacular treat. (Never mind what it would have cost for a babysitter for 4 kids ages 7, 8, 9 and 10.) Well those 4 small kids have turned into teenagers and the funds are pretty much like water through my fingers. But unlike then, I do make time to treat myself with some things I love.

Why is this important to a suspense writer? Why am I writing about this in my blog?

Because one of my other passions is reading and writing. One of the other treats I look forward to each year is the RWA National Conference and the RITA ceremoy. The RWA National conference is being held in Washington DC from July 15 - July 18. When I heard the news that Elton John and Billy Joel were performing I just about jumped out of my seat...until I heard the July 18th part. You guessed it. That is the same night as the RITA ceremony. This is the one night that romance authors of all genres recognize excellence in romantic fiction. And I look forward to it every year!

Right now I'm reading my RITA books and I'm loving them. I've discovered so many new authors by judging the RITA contest. I have one single title suspense book that I've had at my side since I started reading it and I know it'll be finished by the end of the day. This is a new author for me and I know I'll read more books by her in the future. The RITA ceremony, much like the Oscars for the movie industry, is a special night and a ceremony I've loved attending in years past. I love rooting for a book that I've read and loved. I love seeing the faces of people who've not only won the RITA, but who've finaled in the RITA contest. And I love seeing the unpublished authors who final and win in the Golden Heart contest.

But then...there is Elton John and Billy Joel. I can't be in Foxboro and Washington, DC at the same time. I'm hoping that as the day draws closer and the excitement about hearing who finaled increases, the sting of not being able to see my favorite performer will lessen. Right now I feel like I'm in a tug of war. The RITAS vs. Elton John/Billy Joel. 365 days in a year and my two favorite things are happening on the same night...
Until next time, many blessings. Lisa Mondello

8 comments:

Ramona Richards said...

Lisa, I'm also a huge EJ fan, and that's a concert well worth waiting for. I've only been to two Rita ceremonies, but I can understand your dilemma. Don't keep us in suspense too long!

Pamela Tracy said...

Don't cha hate when you have two events happen on one night and you have to choose! And, then, salt to the wound... every other weekend, for weeks before and after, are free.

Vince said...

Hi Lisa:

My wife is crazy about Elton John. So when he came to Tulsa, she practically dragged me to his concert. To my surprise it was the best live concert I’ve ever been to. Elton John is a performer and his show transcends his records. You just have to see the live show!

The RITAs are every year. You may never get another chance to see Elton John and Billy Joel together again. Have a friend Twitter you the real time RITA results so you can take part in both events at the same time.

Vince

Lisa Mondello said...

You know, Vince, I was just saying this morning that I'm just crazy enough to skip the RITAs and take a bus home just so I can see the Face 2 Face show. I've seen both Elton John (several times) and Billy Joel live. Both incredible performers. I have just never seen them together. I wonder where else they're playing? Maybe I can catch them on the way home?

Lisa Mondello said...

I just checked! EJ/BJ are playing in DC just days before the RWA Conference on July 11!! I may just have to go down a few days earlier to catch the show. YES!

EllenToo said...

Appears to me that you have just received an answer to your dilemma and have been rewarded for even thinking of giving up EJ to support your fellow offers. If I were you I definitely take advantage of it. And if you can afford to spend a few extra days in DC there are a lot of things to do there.

EllenToo said...

PS. Something tells me I need to check what I write before hitting submit-- offers should have been authors. EEEKKK

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