New Orleans has some awesome cemeteries.

New Orleans knows how to bury their dead with pizzaz.

Later this week I’m venturing forth to Atlanta, GA. In July. Have I mentioned I hate the heat? I’m excited to go, despite the moisture laden atmosphere I’m sure to encounter, because it’s Romance Writer’s of America’s National Conference, and because I’m going to go visit a cemetery.

I realize those two things might not sound like they go together.

RWA is a writer’s conference/group/tribe which gathers authors from all over the world to learn, celebrate, kick back and have fun, all while trying to figure out how to navigate the publication waters. I went last year, and it was such a great time I’m anxious for this one to start. I can’t wait to see new and old friends, and fill my head up with knowledge so it can slowly leak out later when I get home. This is sharpening the saw, writer style. Hopefully it means I’ll come back to write even better stories. I’m also excited that there’s an actual Starbucks in the hotel. No one will have to suffer from my lack of caffeine! There won’t be any stumbling furtive trips to find coffee in the wee hours of the morning.

It’s the little things.

As for the cemetery…what better place to get cool photos than a cemetery? And the Oakland Historic Cemetery looks fantastic. Well, in a creepy, dead people sort of way. It has botanical gardens,  tours, and old architecture you just don’t find in modern resting places. Maybe I’ll learn a little bit of history along the way, or maybe I’ll meet a ghost or two. Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book always comes to mind when I’m in a cemetery.

Plus, I’ve been informed that there’s a fantastic restaurant right there called 6 Feet Under. I simply have to try it. Have. To.

Can’t wait to tell you all about it when I get back.

Now, what to wear for shooting photos in a cemetery…