On to some news about the writers conference at Augusta State University......Our keynote speaker was author, Sandra Benitiz. Sandra is Puerto Rican and Midwestern descent, grew up in Mexico, El Salvador and Missouri.  A teacher of creative writing, she won the Minnesota Book Award for "A Place Where the Sea Remembers," her first novel.  She was an excellent and humorous speaker and she also did a craft session on writing the novel.  I purchased both of her books....the other one is "Night of the Radishes." 

I also enjoyed the craft session that Eric Miller did on Short Fiction and others included Finding An Agent, Poetry, Children's Literature and Writing Song Lyrics. 

Bill and I did our presentation/craft session titled, Writing Fiction That is Personal and Unique.  Based on the comments and evals, I'd say it went exceptionally well.   We also sold some books and it was quite an honor to be asked to present at ASU.  So a huge thank you to Tony Kellman, Director, for inviting us. 

As you can see, Augusta State has a beautiful campus and even more so in spring.  I love just walking the grounds there, surrounded by Dogwood, Tulips and these vivid azaleas pictured below. 

ASU is located in the Historic District and stately homes line the streets, with manicured landscaping that's reminiscent of the elegant south of the 1800's.  It's a gorgeous place to be in the spring time and I'm very happy that this conference is always held at this time of year in such a pretty city.

• Duncan Update.......Looks like I might only be getting 6 hours of sleep for awhile.  Duncan awoke again this morning at 4:15, but he's such a great little puppy it's impossible to be upset.  Just one of the responsibilities of owning a pup.  And I don't have to report to a job at 8 a.m. which makes it all a bit easier.  He's settled in like he's lived here for months rather than just a couple days.  Holly is enthralled with him, Marcel tolerates him and Ralph and Foster are terribly curious, so it's going very well.  I have to say he's already exhibiting signs of the feisty breed Scottie's are.....he's getting more brave walking around the house and he yips at Holly to play with him.  Because of his small size right now (and she's 73 pounds) she's very cautious with him, so a few more months will make a nice difference.

Well, that's it from my island for today......I think I just might grab a nap after lunch.  See you tomorrow.......