Hi everyone-- Dotsie suggested I tell you about the writers conference I was just at, which I'd love to do. I've attended this particular conference 3 or 4 times now. It's the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference in Seattle and I had a good time and think I made at least one great connection that may get me somewhere career-wise. Here's hoping. There was an autograph party for books by participants and members and mine was among them. Many people attend this so that was fun also.
There are classes and workshops for working on the writing craft as well as ones on publishing and marketing and opportunities to meet with editors and agents. Some of it was good and some of it not so well done--but overall well worth it. What was very fun for me was that my 19 year old daughter, who recently finished her first novel, attended with me along with a friend I'm collaborating on a book with.
The organization that put it on (PNWA) also sponsors a writing contest that pays nicely to the winners and is opened to everyone. Hundreds of people from all over the world enter it each year. *Bragging warning here* I have placed in the top 10 twice and won 2nd place for my young adult novel 2 years ago. The woman I am collaborating on another YA novel with has done the same--top 10 and 2nd place.
A lovely side benefit for me is that it is held in a conference center in a hotel that has both a pool and gym that I got to use each day. I'm lucky enough to live in a place that has both of those that I use for free every day, so I didn't have to break my routine.
Some of the writers who spoke and/or gave presentations that I enjoyed were: Erik Larson, JA Jance, Elizabeth George, Terry Brooks and Douglas Preston. Two years ago I met Carolyn See there (she wrote Making a Literary Life--which I love) and she's sent me several lovely little encouraging notes since then.
Anyone looking for a good conference to go to and would like to visit Seattle, I'd recommend this one. It happens every July.
Thanks for letting me share.
Dahti

Dream of the Circle of Women
by Dahti Blanchard
published May 2004 by Spilled Candy Books
visit: www.dahtiblanchard.com

Sounds like a really AWESOME event Dahti and CONGRATULATIONS on your successes in the writing contests! That's a significant accomplishment as most of these conferences are HUGE and there are vast numbers of entries.

Thanks for sharing....always interesting to hear what goes on at the various conferences.