New Orleans Writers Conference coming to town...you don't want to miss this one!

If you follow me on Twitter and FB you know I've been busy as heck working on the 1st FF&P "Fantasy On The Bayou" writers conference and book signing.

Where: Marriott 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA
When: March 2-4, 2012

Why you ask? Well, first it's because the New Orleans region doesn't get too many writers conferences coming into town. Normally we have Heather Graham's (which is wonderful by the way) for Labor Day weekend, and then the jubilee conference in Houma. Other than that, there is really nothing else that I know of. So, being a FF&P member,(no you don't need to be a member to come) I decided I would volunteer to help out. (that's what us southern girls do. lol) Well, somehow I'm now Co-Chair along with Staci McGlothlin who is amazing! And with the help of other FF&P members the moment has come. Woot! Can't wait!

And second, who doesn't want to come to New Oleans? This is the best place in the world to get inspired, eat the best food and the locals are just super friendly! Just don't stray into a dark alley with them...they might suck on your neck...

The conference starts off with workshops on Friday, a agent/editor panel Q&A and then for those who sign up a vampire/ghost tour. (I've been and loved it)

Saturday is filled with loads of things to do all included. Pitches/Workshops/Luncheon with keynote speaker, Karen Moning/Workshops/Dinner (cash bar not included) and then your on your own to party or write if you are inspired. (or just hand out with me) Sunday morning will be the book signing. Then back to the real world.

So if you want to join us, go sign up! There is still room available. www.fantasyonthebayou.blogspot.com

You never know. You might just meet your future agent or publisher!

Spreading yourself too thin? Me. Me. Me.

After cooking dinner tonight I sat at the computer and headed straight to the Savvy Authors website where I'm taking two classes this month. It didn't surprise me that I have assignments to do in both of them tonight. While one assignment from Angela James is fairly simple (thank God!) because we are just beginning; the other editing class called "Editpalooza" is kicking my ass. Seriously. They want you to read your novel and go through everything. Plot, Theme, Character, Structure, and on and on...


I had no clue what I signed up for. I even asked Liz, the group owner if I should do both classes, and she said SURE. Laugh's on me, Liz...I know. I know. I'll be a better writer after it's over. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. (grin)

I am learning a lot, so I'm sure it will be all worth it in the end, that is if I make it to the end. I have a huge assignment due in a few days and guess what? This weekend is our monthly local RWA chapter meeting, and I'm the Co-Program Director which means I'm responsible for the speakers. This month our speaker is coming from Ohio and her name is Shirley Jump. After I took a few on-line classes from her I knew I had to book her for our local Sola group. She's awesome and I love her books. So, on Friday she arrives at the airport, Saturday is our class and then she flies out on Sunday.

Mean while another fab. author comes to New Orleans this weekend as well. Karen M. Moning. She is launching her latest Shadowfever book on Monday or Tuesday and she'll be in New Orleans for her Fevercon event. Yep. I'm attending that as well. (Vampire and Ghost tours, along with breakfast at Brennan's Restaurant, book signings and a book chat with readers) Can't wait to get my hands on my reserved signed copy of the latest Fever book. Moning left us on a very nasty cliff hanger. Not nice!

And last but not least I signed up for a brand new Candace Havens class. With all these classes I should be selling books by the dozen. (grin) I also agreed to do a book review, judge the Golden Heart, do a few interviews and blogs for a few authors, etc.

Plus I have to find time to write, edit and make time for the hubby, kids and day job. So do you think I'm spreading myself too thin? Are you doing the same this year? How do you manage to stay sane?

Karen Marie Moning "Fever Series Fans" Lunch in New Orleans with Jericho's z-lo (not with Karen)

(sorry for posting this again, had a error on last one)

A friend of mine has set up a World Tour Z-Lo lunch for fans of the "Fever series".

Why you ask? Well she has in her hands the Z-Lo. This is Jericho Barron's version of the MacHalo. We don't know why Jericho has this Z-lo? I'm guessing the answer will be in Karen's Dreamfever book coming out on August 18th.

So if anyone wants to join us:
Place: Port-Of-Call
Date: July 11th
Time: 11:30am
Address: 838 Esplanade Avenue,
New Orleans, LA 70116

(I tried posting a link to a map, but it didn't work. Go to google maps and search the address listed above, sorry.)

Debbie D and I would love to meet other Moning fans, we will take pics with the z-lo before we send to the next lucky person.....

"Stay to the lights!"
Dawn Chartier