Writing Pals and Conferences

Hi Everybody,

This is a picture of me and John on Elk Ave in downtown Crested Butte. That's Mt. Crested Butte in the background.

I'm really excited about the Crested Butte Writers Conference June 20-22. I get to catch up with my friend, Susan Wiggs.

I met Susan at a San Diego writers’ event more years ago than either of us want to remember. I managed to pick her up from the airport and drive her to the workshop without any mishaps. Okay, to be fair, Agent Stephanie Kip Rostan was really the only ill-fated guest I ever drove who I did get lost with and made carsick. I’m a good driver—really. I’m a stellar driver. It’s her. Stephanie her—not Susan.

Anyhow, I can’t wait to share the beauty and friendliness of my favorite mountain town with Susan during the Crested Butte Writers Conference. Susan and five other award-winning authors --including a favorite fantasy author of Kerri-Leigh's, Mario Acevedo, are giving dynamic workshops.

Friday I get to announce the winners of The Sandy Writing Contest—which is my baby. The editor final judges were all impressed with the quality of the entries they ranked, and I’m so proud of our finalists. More proud than I have any right to be since I really didn't do anything I can take credit for. As contest coordinator I'm just a matchmaker of sorts. So it's silly for me to be so absurdly pleased with my finalists' successes, yet I am!

Last year, writing pal, Donnell Bell, was a finalist in the romance category and took first place, and this year Kerri-Leigh Grady is a finalist in the romance category. Can Kerri-Leigh keep up the tradition Donnell set of my writing pals impressing the NY editors??? No pressure, Kerri. Stay tuned to the after-conference posts.

Saturday, after a day of presentations, includes the authors’ book signing followed by appetizers and a cocktail hour with our guest authors and speakers. Then we partake in the fun of a silent auction—of which Susan, other authors, and experts in the publishing field have generously donated critiques. NYT best selling author, editor and agent critiques--what a treat!

Unlike other conferences, CBWC offers lots of unstructured time to hang out with the guest speakers in a relaxed environment. Check it out at www.cbfriendsofthelibrary.org.

Come on out, we enjoy making new friends and reconnecting with old ones. Hope to see you there!