Inspiration

It comes in many forms. One of the things I love about attending conferences is that they always seem to inspire. They make me think about the industry and/or about stories and figure out where both are going.

I attended the James River Writer's Conference this past weekend. I had a good time and really enjoyed the speakers. I learned a bit and stared considering my career and what I want to do over the next year.

David Balducci was Friday's speaker. He's really funny and an inspiration. Sent his book, Absolute Power to six agents. Six agents wanted it. I couldn't help but think...all I need is one. One will do fine! LOL. But I digress. I enjoyed listening to his stories. He had one about being on a train LOL and discussing poisoning. I'm going to have to find that book.

Adriana Trigiani was Saturday's speaker. I could have listened to her, too for several more hours. She's a very funny, gregarious woman. And very giving. When she was being told it was over, she kept saying, "I don't feel like I've done enough." Her advice, "Finish the damn book!" She said you can do anything once you finish.

I enjoyed seeing several of the agents in action. And several speakers. The panel on first page critiques for Fiction was interesting. The seminar on Romance was so much fun. I definitely feel inspired to start the "next thing."

Amazing how a few days with other writers refills the well.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany Of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

Killer Nashville

Isn’t that a great title for a conference for mystery writers?

It’s a terrific conference, too, and I’ll be heading there this weekend. It’s a chance to mingle and network with other authors, both published and unpublished, agents, editors, and others interested in mystery writing.

A terrific slate of panel discussions and talks is available, too, along with signings, critiques, breakout groups and social events. You can find out more about it here: http://www.killernashville.com/

The Guest of Honor is forensic anthropologist and author Dr. Bill Bass, and a plethora of other well-known mystery writers will be there.

There’s still time to sign up. If you write mysteries of any variety, romantic suspense or related genres, and you live near Nashville, I urge you to come. It’ll be a great time and I guarantee you’ll learn a lot.

-- Karen McCullough