I discovered something about myself at the RWA conference – a dark, and deeply buried secret.

If you know me at all, read my blog, or follow me on Twitter, you may have noticed a certain amount of snark toward certain “girl” things.  I’ve commented about how much I love my jeans, prefer bare feet over pretty shoes, and abhor shopping expeditions. I chop my own wood, kill my own spiders, and live with a Viking rather than a Prince Charming.

While I was at RWA, however, I discovered that deep within there is a little girl who still loves to play dress up. I was somewhat taken aback by the glee with which she reveled in the shiny party dress and the sparkly golden shoes. As it turns out, she also still believes in happy-ever-afters and is liable to be moved to tears at RITA ceremonies.

(She also has developed a ferocious desire for a RITA of her own, but that’s another story. Ahem.)

Serendipity happened.

While I was at RWA re-discovering my inner princess, I received the news that I have been selected as one of this years’ Debutantes over at The Debutante Ball. The timing was flawless. My inner princess is delighted by the talk of tiaras and pearls, and my writer self is thrilled to be counted among this years’ awesome group.

I’m back in my jeans, by the way, but I may just be sneaking the occasional peak at those shiny shoes in my closet. If nobody is around, I might even put them on. Shhh. Don’t tell.