Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Chicago North Spring Fling Conference

This past weekend was my first time experiencing the Srping Fling conference and it certainly won't be my last. The conference organizers and speakers, as well as volunteers put on a heck of a show!

The conference started Friday afternoon with a fantastic opening session with headliners Cherry Adair and Julia Quinn. Both can make you laugh and cry at the same time. Though I am still wondering why Cherry Adair thinks Detroit is no place to have an RWA National Conference. (G)

Dinner was a salad bar and pasta bar. Adterwards, I attended a talk by agents Paige Wheeler, Laurie McLean, Diana Fox, Joanna Stempl Volpe, and Kensington editor Selena James. Very imformative information these ladies shared with the group. After we all headed out to the lobby for a chocolate reception. Talk about a sugar rush!

Saturday was a mixture of workshops and editor/agent appointments all day. I had very productive appts with Laurie McLean and Selena James and also had the opportunity to speak with Paige Wheeler and Amanda Bergeron from Avon about pitching. Cherry Adair gave a talk on Career Planning that I wish were taped. I would love to be able to remember every word of it. She brought up points I would never have thought of.

Julia Quinn was our lunch speaker and Cherry Adair took the podium during dinner. The Chicago North Fire and Ice Contest winners were announced during dinner as well. Congrats to all the finalists and winners! Afterward, more chocolate.

Sunday morning we stuck around to have breakfast with Jenna Petersen one of the nicest gals I know, as well as Barbara Vey from Publishers Weekly, Liz Kreger, Sheila (never got her last name) and Jade Lee stopped by the table too. Sorry about almost giving you a heart attack Jade. Wasn't intentional. (G)

I went home Sunday feeling wired to write, and of coourse after spending 7 hours on the road changed my tune and went to bed instead. But bright and early on Monday I put all my submissions into cyberspace and one into snail mail and off they went.

All in all, a very productive, fun filled weekend. And now back to writing. Take care all!
Patti