I'm back from the Florida Writers Conference. Had a great time. I went to a great workshop led by Deborah Grosvenor (agent) and then another one led by Stacey Barney (Editor, Harper Collins). I got to pitch to Tina Columbo (agent, Harlequin) who told me my next book would be perfect for Harlequin's MIRA line.

I also had some fun at the conference. I was a consultant for the conference (I'm a founding member and one of the past presidents for the Florida Writers Assn). Part of the entertainment was a Mysterty Theater production. (very hilarious) I filled in for someone who didn't show up so I got to do a bit of acting. (mostly ad libbing) But I did have one long introduction I had to give and I memorized it. "I'm the President of the Benevolent Brotherhood Benefiting the Buzzards and the Blue Footed Boobies and the Preservationists Protecting the Plight of the Perilous, Paltry Pelicans." Hoo-boy, you can imagine the kinds of laughs I got after saying all that!!

The best part of all? I hadn't seen a lot of these people for a year, most for 2 years (I missed last year's conference due to pneumonia) and the amazement on their faces after seeing me 50 pounds lighter. I kept getting wonderful comments all weekend long. Some people didn't even recognize me!

I highly recommend that you go to a writers' conference if you can. The comradarie, the networking, and the knowledge you gain is wonderful. You come back very motivated and ready to conquer the world with your writing.

[ November 08, 2004, 04:48 PM: Message edited by: Vicki M. Taylor ]