July 13

The RWA national conference is this week and for the second year in a row I'm not going. I wish I were. I really enjoy the craziness of conference; the buzz of excitement;the meeting of old friends; the chance meetings of editors and agents in the hallways and the rumors that circulate...not to mention all the chocolate.

I simply couldn't justify the cost this year and instead chose to go to school for my Masters. In the long run, it's the right choice, but right now, as I listen to the on-line chatter of preparation, I feel a twinge of sadness. If you're going- please know that I'm with you in spirit and be sure to e-mail me all the latest when you get back.

If you're not a romance writer, there are all kinds of other conferences happening now as well- Thrillerfest just finished, and there is Bouchercon coming up and the Ninc conference not to mention all kinds of small regional conferences and retreats. If you get a chance, you should go to one at least once a year-you never know what will happen.

One word of advice-check out the conference carefully and make sure you'll get the most bang for your buck. Some small regional conferences are simply one big flea market for self published authors. So, be careful and most importantly, enjoy!

Cheers!