My gift to me

cj Sez: It's been a while since I've traveled out-of-state to a writer's conference. It's not that I think I don't need to attend . . . I always, always benefit from some nuggets of helpful advice/information at any conference. Nope, for me, it's a time and money thing. When I have the money, I can't seem to break out the time; and when I have the time, I've already spent my money on something else. (sigh)

That said, I thought making a conference plan for 2015 would help.

I've had my eye on the Mystery Writers of America Florida Chapter's Sleuthfest conference ( www.sleuthfest.com ). I've never been to this conference. It seem to me that February 26 through March 1 would be a great time, weather-wise, to be in Deerfield Beach, FL—that's just north of Fort Lauderdale.

In addition to the chance to meet and pitch your novel to an agent and the opportunity for a 10-page manuscript critique by an agent or editor, the keynote speaker this year is James Patterson. Sounds almost too good to pass up, I say. 

Maybe I can call it my gift to me. My Christmas and birthday presents all rolled up into one marvelous gift. 

Maybe . . . if the stars align just right . . . just maybe. 

On the chance that you go and I don't, please be sure to let me know what a good time I missed. I'll feel really sad, but that's okay. I still would like to know.

You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I'll try to do the same. 

cj 

PS: The toon is from Facebook. 

God Bless the Defenders

cj Sez: There is nothing I can say today that is more important than this:

THANK YOU 

to all the members of the Armed Forces, past and present, and their families who paid and continue to pay the cost of freedom.

I recently heard a statistic that about seven percent of those who served in World War II are still with us. I had the honor to meet one of them on Saturday, and I was awed to the point of tears. My family is free because of heroes like him.

Armistice Day, Poppy Day, Veterans' Day...whatever you think to call it...November 11 is the day that we set aside to formally thank the defenders of the freedoms that the citizens of the United States enjoy. For those who are serving today, my prayers go up for your safe return home.

SALUTE!

(The picture is from Facebook.)