Spring Fling 2014 Here I Come

Debra gets set to head off to a conference this weekend.

It's just about that time. Every two years my RWA chapter hosts a conference, and this is the year...and the weekend! Friday morning I head out to Spring Fling 2014 for the beginning of two days of networking, workshops, keynote speakers, gala dinners, and a book signing.

This year I'm not pitching to an editor or agent, so I don't have to worry about my elevator pitch. I am volunteering as a time keeper for the editor/agent appointments, so I will get to rub elbows as it were.

I submitted my ad for the program months ago and delivered a conference set of swag (bookmarks) to be distributed to all conference attendees in their goodie bags.

Tonight I'll finish gathering and organizing my supplies:

boxes of books for the book sale/book signing

bookmarks galore

postcards for e-books

And then all I need to do is choose my outfits and I'll be ready to go. Yay!

I'm sure I'll have lots to report next week!

Until next time,

Happy Reading!

Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com

Spring Fling 2014

The Spring Fling Writers' Conference is back in Chicagoland in 2014.

My RWA chapter hosts a writers' conference every other year, and 2014 is the year. If you're in the Chicagoland area...be sure to check us out...or feel free to forward this information.

There are just two weeks left for early bird registration. We'd love to see you at Chicago-North RWA's Spring Fling Writers' Conference 2014!

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION RUNS THROUGH OCTOBER 31st
Chicago-North RWA Members: $160
RWA Members: $170
Non-RWA Members: $180
Registration forms available on the website: www.chicagospringfling.com

GENERAL REGISTRATION OPENS NOVEMBER 1st
Admission: $200

CONFERENCE DETAILS

April 25-26, 2014

Chicago Marriott Northwest, Hoffman Estates, IL
Conference Discounted Room Rate: $89.99/night + tax
Details: http://chicagospringfling.com/conference-info/hotel/

Headliners--New York Times Bestselling Authors:
Kristan Higgins
Mary Balogh
Lauren Dane

Agents:
Laura Bradford (Bradford Literary), Suzie Townsend (Newleaf Literary), Nicole Resciniti (The Seymour Agency), Nalini Akolekar (Spencerhill Associates), Melissa Jeglinski (The Knight Agency)

Editors:
Christa Soule (Samhain Publishing), Alex Logan (Grand Central Publishing), Elizabeth Poteet (St. Martin's Press), Amanda Bergeron (Avon Impulse), Margo Lipschultz (Harlequin)

All editors and agents will be taking appointments.

Other features:

Two Days Packed with Workshops and Panels
Publishing Spotlights
Open-to-the-Public Book Sale & Signing
Librarian, Bookseller, and Book Blogger Appreciation Event
Silent Auction Benefiting Literature for All of Us
Pitch Perfect Master Class with Carrie Lofty
Special Guest Sarah Wendell from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Infamous "Hot Night" Love Scene Group Critique Sessions, Sponsored by BDSM Book Reviews
Performance by Hilarious Chicago Comedian Adam Grabowski

Please feel free to share this information anywhere you feel it's appropriate, like your chapter loops, Facebook and Twitter feeds, blogs, etc. Everyone is welcome!

For more details, please visit our website: http://chicagospringfling.com/

****** PERMISSION TO FORWARD GRANTED & ENCOURAGED******

Staying Connected

When I decided I was going to get "serious" about my writing, the first thing I did was join a local RWA chapter. My chapter, Chicago-North RWA, has been instrumental on my road to becoming a published author. I cannot express enough gratitude to the wonderful ladies and gentlemen of C-N throughout the years who have offered support, encouragement, and advice. I firmly believe if I'd never joined this group, I wouldn't be a published author today. We have an out-of-this-world critiquing program, and each new book I start comes to the chapter for a critique. With this process, each and every new book gets off on the right foot.

And, if you're going to belong to a local RWA chapter, you need to belong to the National organization. Through this I've learned of contests and conferences which have given me other outlets to have my work critiqued and learn about craft. The RWR comes each month and contains articles and other information.

When I became a published author, I joined several loops, which I use mostly for promotion, but also to keep in touch with other authors. Unfortunately, these days a busy schedule doesn't permit me to spend as much time visiting these loops as I'd like, but I still keep my "membership".

Staying connected is key in this business, as is finding those who will support and encourage. I don't know what I'd do without my fellow Chicago-Northers.

Until next time,

Happy Reading!

Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com