In the Spring of Things and the Whidbey Conference

[Tina]

I hate to point it out, but here on the West Coast, Spring is gearing up and the cherry trees are starting to bloom. It is of course raining today but yesterday I hand tilled the veggie patch and saw a big fat bumble bee on the flowering rhododendron. My condolences to those under a meter of snow back east.
I had an amazing time at the Whidbey Writers Conference (www.writeonwhidbey.org/)! It is a small conference but the caliber of presenters and agents was very high, with writers like Elizabeth George, Eric Larson and Bob Mayer (Robert Doherty). The workshops were small and intimate and the location made it possible to bump into everyone at some point or another. The presenters were all very approachable and generous with their time as were the agents. Even though I wasn't feeling all that prepared, I ended up pitching four agents which was stressful but a real eyeopener. I made some great new friends and learned a ton. I highly recommend this conference.

[Doug M. Cummings]

I actually checked out the Whidbey conference because I have family in the Seattle area. Didn't make it this year but perhaps in the future. Have you considered Bouchercon? It's not close to you. . . in Baltimore this year. . .but I have found it fun and that's where I picked up my publisher (Five Star).