This is the beautiful and HUGE Marriott Wardman Park where I stayed and where the conference was held.  Wish I'd worn my pedometer, because I know I racked up many, many miles walking around that place.   By the way, weather was also perfect while I was there.  Thursday was the only really hot and humid day, and the other days were low 80's with no humidity and a breeze.  A welcome change from Florida.

On Thursday morning I had a business breakfast with my publicist over at the Hay-Adams hotel.  Took a taxi over there and it was a very productive meeting with both Nancy Berland, owner of the agency and my publicist, Jeanne.  Spent a couple of hours going over events, media tours, etc. for when SPINNING FORWARD is released and also into next year.  They have some brilliant ideas on the promotion and marketing of my novel!  In addition to a great editor, I feel very grateful to also have such a savvy and professional team for my publicist. 

At some point on Thursday I was able to hook up with my friend, Dawn, who I actually met two years ago in Dallas at RWA and we've kept in touch over the two years.  It was so great to see her again and we basically hung out together for the rest of the time in DC.  It was so much fun constantly chatting and catching up. 

Thursday evening I attended the cocktail party hosted by Kensington.  I was able to meet all the people behind the scene that make such great things happen with books.  My editor was there and I got to meet the publicity department people, along with other authors that write for Kensington.  I even had the pleasure of meeting the President and CEO of Kensington, Steven Zacharius.  Everybody was so friendly and easy to be with.

On Friday I actually found a few minutes to catch my breath and look through the conference program.  I only attended a couple workshops, but did make a few of the book signings where free books are given out.  I got a fair amount and had them shipped home.

Also had a meeting with my publicist and Cissy Hartley, the owner of Writerspace.  Cissy is now handling my author website and Newsletter.  Another professional that I'm so pleased to be associated with.

And of course, what is a conference without a bit of excitement.  Saturday afternoon I was in the lobby of the hotel at the kiosk printing out my boarding pass for the flight the next day when the fire alarms went off.  I looked at the girl beside me and said, "oh! great!"  I must say, romance writers don't get too flustered.......the PA system came on loudly, telling us to quickly evacuate the building, stay away from the building outside, etc.  However, nobody was running for exits.  We were meandering toward them, but certainly not running.....figuring it was probably a false alarm.

Actually, I heard two different accounts of what happened.....one was that it was a false alarm, but somebody else said it was a small kitchen fire.  But the funniest remark I heard came OF course from a ROMANCE writer......she said the side of the building she was at, she didn't even see firemen.  I said, "Oh, they were in the front of the building, where I was" and she promptly questioned, "Were they hot?"  I had to disappoint her by explaining they were already suited up when they arrived, so it was difficult to tell. (smile)

I had a wake-up call at 4:15 Sunday morning for my shuttle to the airport.  So in addition to all of the stress, excitement, etc. before even leaving for DC, I was totally worn out during the conference and by the time I arrived in Tampa Sunday morning, I was exhausted!

But after a couple of days, I was back to normal and every minute of fatigue was worth attending that conference.  I'm already looking forward to Nashville next year and NEXT year, SPINNING FORWARD will be released, with book #2 and the Christmas novella due out that November. 

So that brings you up to date on my trip and the conference.  And now.......I'll be leaving for Boston on August 6 to attend my 45th high school reunion in Salem, Mass. on August 8.  I'll be up there for four days and staying with my girlfriend, Alice.  Told ya I had a busy summer!

But before I leave for Boston, I will be very busy beginning to work on my Christmas novella.  So I will see you back here as news develops and time permits.  If you haven't visited my author website yet to enter my contest, you have until the end of July to enter, so DO go register to win a $25 B&N gift card and an advanced copy of SPINNING FORWARD.

See you here next time..............