Willamette Writer's Conference

Two weekends ago I had the priveledge of attending the Willamette Valley Writer's Conference in Portland, Oregon. I had a wonderful time networking with other writers and attending lectures. Though there was a lot presented I did know, a few new nuggets of information did fly into my brain via my ears. One was to think of comps for my manuscripts and using those when submitting to agents and publishers. That idea had never crossed over my desk before. Also, it was wonderful who had a book seller than willing to offere the writers in attendance a chance to sell there books. Thank you to all those who bought a copy of one of my books! When I decided to blog this, I realized I really should have taken more than a handful of pictures, but I was caught up in being present and making the most of the opportunities there. Happy Writing! First Photo is from my hotel room window at the Crowne Plaza

Freedom of speech is more limited than people think!

Well, I'm bummed. My friend who just managed to get her first book done, created a cover, and published as a Kindle had to take her book down. Since the novel was a sexual romance her church told her that if she didn't take it down she would not be able to be a member and the kids would be kicked out of the school they have been attending all their lives.

Thus, censorship on speech is still very much alive.  A lot of writers aren't free to write about what they want to. America is not as free as people think it is.