Let the Conferences Begin!

I never start out a year trying to figure out how many writing conferences I can squeeze in.  Nevertheless, this year there seem to be a lot.

The first one, California Dreamin’, is this weekend, in Santa Ana.  It’s being presented jointly by the four Southern California Chapters of Romance Writers of America.  I happen to belong to two of them, Los Angeles Romance Authors and the Orange County Chapter.  The other two are the East Valley Chapter, and the San Diego Chapter.  I’m not able to attend the whole thing, but one advantage of having a local conference is that I can come and go at will. 

Next will be Malice Domestic, in Bethesda, Maryland.  It’s an annual conference that applauds cozy mysteries, encouraging both fans and authors to attend.  I’ll be on a panel there called Lights, Camera, Murder: Mysteries Involving TV and Movies.  That’s because my latest Pet Rescue Mystery, OODLES OF POODLES, involves the film industry. 

After that is the California Crime Writers Conference, in Pasadena, California.  Again, it’s local to me and should provide lots of helpful research information as well as an opportunity to schmooze with other local mystery and suspense authors.

Then, I’ll be at the Romance Writers of America National Conference, in Atlanta, Georgia.  It’s a great way to get together with friends and other romance writers from all over the country and learn more about what’s going on in the publishing industry, particularly involving the romance genre.

Around all that, I still have deadlines and ideas to flesh out, local signings and library panels and talks to present, not to mention spending time with family.  Fortunately, my husband understands and he’s content to stay home and take care of our fur-kids while I’m gone.

How about you--do you enjoy attending conferences for writers, readers, or other vocations or avocations?