RWA in San Francisco, July 30-Aug 3, 2008

conf1 My first RWA Conference was an amazing experience. A definite highlight was the opportunity to meet so many of my online writing friends in person, including Missy Tippens (second from left) and Nancy Farrier (far left). The group photo of FHL members and friends was taken after we all enjoyed a delicious dinner at the R & G Lounge in Chinatown. My Aussie roommate, Enisa (far right), came along and it was great to meet (second from right) Leslie, LoRee, Louise and C.C.

I acted as chair for the Faith, Hope & Love One Day Conference on July 30. It was an absolute pleasure to listen to Lyn Cote’s keynote luncheon address and attend workshops presented by Gail Martin and Roxanne Rustand. Our seven member editor and agent panel patiently answered all our questions and provided us with excellent information on publishing trends. The IRCC and Touched By Love contest winners were announced in the afternoon, followed by our Worship Service. Many thanks to Camy Tang for leading the music (and we sang an Aussie song - Shout To The Lord (Darlene Zschech, Hillsong) – very cool!), Debby Giusti for giving the responsive reading and Susan May Warren for leading us in prayer. I’d also like to thank my Conference Committee: Nancy Farrier, Debby Giusti, Winnie Griggs, Mary Lenaburg and Roxanne Rustand for their dedication and hard work.

conf2 This next photo, taken at the FHL conference, includes Golden Heart® finalists in the Inspirational category (from left, Keli Gwyn, Denise Meinsted and Golden Heart® winner, Kit Wilkinson).

The RWA Literacy Signing is another fantastic event. The general public is invited to attend and proceeds all go to support literacy. Hundreds of authors are in attendance and seated in alphabetical order. I had a great time chatting with many authors I knew through FHL and ACFW and I left the Literacy signing with an armful of books from my favorite authors. How could I resist spending up big with the Australian dollar so strong against the US dollar and all the money going to charity?

conf3 In this picture I am with Gail Martin, author of ‘Writing The Christian Romance’ (Writers Digest, 2007) at the Literacy Signing. Gail has an excellent blog dedicated to helping aspiring writers at writingright-martin.blogspot.com
conf6 Debbie Macomber kindly invited members from RWAustralia and RWNZ to a wonderful breakfast. Enisa and I are pictured here with Debbie.
conf4 Here I am with Debra Clopton, receiving a signed copy of her latest Love Inspired® book from her Mule Hollow series.
conf5 This year at least thirty Aussies made the trek across the Pacific to the RWA Conference. We’re a patriotic bunch and a number of Aussies were finalists in the RITA® and Golden Heart® contests. Although we didn’t bring home any awards, the cheers from the Aussie contingent when the photos of the Down Under finalists appeared on the big screen rivaled a footy match. This photo includes me with a few of the Aussies at the Dessert Reception after the RITA® and Golden Heart® Award Ceremony.