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.