I don't have a "bucket list," but I do have a conference dream list of writing events in cities, states, and countries I would like to attend. Near the top of my list is The Tony Hillerman Writers Weekend. This year it's in Santa Fe, New Mexico, November 12-13. New Mexico is really a land of enchantment. Featued speakers include:* Margaret Coel, who will discuss "Creating Compelling Characters and Dynamic Dialogue." Coel was a speaker several years ago at OWFI, where she gave an informative and entertaining presentation on creating characters readers can root for when crafting your novel. (If I look hard enough I might be able to find my notes from her presentation.)
* Bill O'Hanlon, who has been a guest on Oprah, will present Show Me the Energy!Find the Fuel to Start, Complete, and Sell Your Writing Projects." Sounds exciting.
* Publisher and editor Judith Van Gieson will give optional first chapter and synopsis critiques. Sounds helpful.
* Keynote speaker Valerie Plame Wilson is a former CIA covert operations officer and an author. She is currently working on a spy novel. Sounds fascinating.
Other locations for writing conferences or events on my dream list are: Hawaii, Florida, Georgia, San Francisco, Chicago (I might get there some day), London, Germany, Greece, Ireland, and of course New York.
How about you? What are the locations of dream conferences you would like to attend?
I am not a mystery writer, but any reason to go to Santa Fe would be good. Something about the place is inviting period. So much jewelry! Have to sell a lot of writing to afford buying there!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia,
ReplyDeleteNew Mexico is a fascinating state. Thanks for stopping by and posting a comment.
Donna
It probably shouldn't be any place that's too much fun. I'm liable to play hooky from the conference!
ReplyDeletePat
www.critteralley.blogspot.com
I'd love to attend Kindling Words West in New Mexico. I've heard that it's a magical place.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Santa Fe but would surely love to go, and if the reason is to attend a writer's conference, so much the better! Afraid I'm limited to the Southeast, though, for now. Maybe once my youngest is out of the nest I'll be able to do more traveling.
ReplyDeleteAny of them :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many good things about so many good conferences - it will be hard to choose when the time is right for me to go!
Clara,
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of Kindling Words. I'll have to check it out.
Donna
Lisa and Jem,
ReplyDeleteWhenever I attend a conference, no matter where it is I return home inspired and ready to write.
Donna
Oh, yeah, I'd LOVE to go to that conference! And I'd love to do one of those Highlights workshops in upstate New York.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for that Georgia conference you're dreaming about, well, I can make that wish come true for you. I'd be happy to kick out one of the Junior Halls for you. ;-)
Hi Cathy,
ReplyDeleteOops. I forgot about the Highlights workshop. That one needs to be on my list, too.
And thanks for your Southern hospitality. A couple years ago on our way to Florida we stopped in Savannah to visit one of his friends. While we were there we took photos in front of Flannery O'Connor's childhood home. I vowed to get back to that area for a conference some day.
Donna
I love Sante Fe and love Tony Hillerman.
ReplyDeleteHi Donna! I vow to make it to a conference in Georgia sometime, FOR SURE! Besides the fact I have family near Atlanta, I also have my new blog-writer-friends in Georgia whom I'd love to meet in person and spend hours chatting with!...Let's see...a dream conference....I would like to go to one (if there even IS one) in Carmel, California. I've wanted to visit there for years, because of its beauty, but also because that's where Doris Day's hotel is that welcomes pets! And I've always LOVED Doris Day. I'll have to post about her sometime....I have an interesting and LONG story about her! Thanks for this. This was fun!!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda,
ReplyDeleteMe, too.
Hey Becky,
This was fun.
And I can't wait to hear about your Doris Day story.
Donna