Meandering on Monday with Janet Lane Walters

Last week was a good one. On Thursday was off to the New Jersey Romance Writer's Conference. Best thing was finishing a draft of current WIP before I left so I headed to the conference with nothing wanting to drag me back. For me a conference is about the people I meet and the good information I receive. I'll talk about some of the people.

Heather Graham a great writer, but more than that a great person. She's warm, funny and belives in hekping people. Her husband was a quiet, thoughtful man. Had dinner with them along with chapter members and the lovely Jade. Though I met other writers of quality I had less interaction with them. Talked to Mary Jo Putney a bit and forgot to tell her that I loved her paranormal romances and wished there had been more. Of course recommended her Rake to everyone. When a saw Sabrina Jeffries was to be a speaker, I told a friend I'd never read any of her books. Learned that was a lie since I'd read and loved her books written under another name. Didn't have a chance to talk to Susan Wiggs until the conference ended. She's a quiet lovely person and a good writer whose works I've enjoyed for years. As a writer, I'm also a reader and I brought home a few books to read.

Working the arrivals desk was fun. I met several beginning writers and tried to encourage them with the "Finish the book" words I always say. Met Alice Orr, once my agent but that didn't work out since we were two alpha females. Not a good mix for a business relationship but I did enjoy seeing her again and will let Jane know. The PAN retreat was fun and a good way to learn from others. Bob Mayer (probably mispelled his name and can't check since my program for the conference is still somewhere in the hotel.

Last news is that I sold 9 books at the signing and this was a real thrill. What I learned about these signings is that one must interact with the people passing by and it's really surprising when one of them buy your books.

Meandered enough. There are more things I could talk about but fun time is over and it's back to work on Lines of Fire and The World Has Come Of Age and maybe come up with a new title for that.