AWESOME CONFERENCE!

I'm back!! Where do I begin to describe the wonderful experience of the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference?

It was my first time at a large writers' conference. Despite sometimes feeling like I was in another reality, like a walking zombie, it was a fantastic experience. Everyone was so friendly and encouraging. I wasn't even nervous at the three appointments I had with agents and editors!

I got to meet the wonderful authors I had wanted to meet, like Julie Lessman, Laura Frantz, Tamera Alexander and Julie Klassen, as well as Patti Lacey, Lyn Cote, Janet Dean, Debby Giusti, Mary Conneally, Cara Lyn James, Sandra Orchard, and many others I can't remember at the moment. (I missed meeting Ruth Logan Herne, Melanie Dickerson, Audra Harders, Myra Johnson, and Pam Hillman & Sandra Leesmith)but saw most of them flitting around here and there.

I loved meeting other friends of Seekerville, like Casey Herringshaw, Pepper Basham and Jessica Nelson, Katie Ganshert and Jodie Hedlund, among others. Such great ladies.

And of course, my awesome roomie, Eileen Astels Watson! She put up with my cold, coughing and even, I'm sorry to say, some snoring. (It's the cold, honest!) Thanks Eileen for keeping my sanity!

Lots of new people crossed my path, too, and for that I am most thankful, since most of them appeared at times when I needed a friendly face!

Key note speaker, Tracie Petersen, was awesome. What a wonderful example of a career to aspire to!

The workshops were inspiring and insightful. The award banquet, with all its glam and glitter, was fantastic.

Now to take all that energy and enthusiasm and channel it into my writing! Maybe a day or two to recuperate first!!

A New Author I've Discovered

I've recently discovered an author I just love! Her name is Tamera Alexander. She writes historical romance set in the frontier land of Colorado Territory. Tamera uses the setting as almost another character - so real and vivid is the feeling as you read it.

So far, "Beyond this Moment" is my favourite of her books that I've read. Dr. Molly Whitcomb comes to Timber Ridge with a huge secret. Of course, falling in love with the Sheriff only complicates the whole problem. Starting over in a new town is not as easy as Molly thinks!

Tamera's books are the type that you can't wait to get back to once you've put it down, and then when you've finished, you miss the characters terribly.

If you ever have the chance, give her books a try. You won't be disappointed!