~ See you next year ~

My son asked: "What's ORACON? Is it anything like ComicCon?

I said "Sure it is, we dress up like our favorite authors."

But wouldn't that be fun?

Costumes or no costumes, the annual Ozarks Romance Authors Conference in Springfield MO
 is not to be missed. It's so much more than romance, every genre can be found among the attendees.

Whether you'e a newbie with stars in your eyes or a seasoned pro there is always something to be learned by sharing time with fellow authors. 

Not to mention the guest speakers who share their expertise from various arms
of the writing and publishing world.

The creativity floating about the room is electric.

Just plug in.

Indie Authors are some of the most generous people I've ever met .

Where ever you go someone is willing to share some exciting bit of news they've stumbled across that just might make your journey a little easier.

And you happily pay it forward.

Snippets of conversation are peppered with

"Have you heard of this?'

or 

"Have your tried this website. It's full of information."

And it's a good thing because in the world of Indie publishing, what worked last year may not be the smartest choice this year.
 You've got to keep your ear to the ground and be ready
to hop on the next bandwagon or be left behind.

So suck it up Buttercup, 'cuz
"There's no crying in Indie Publishing"

I always leave the conference feeling like the energizer bunny.

Overflowing with ideas and a tote bag full of goodies

I head off into the world of writing

with a little more knowledge tucked under my hat.

Thanks to all the hard-working people who made
this conference a sweet success.

See you next year.
After all the only thing a writer likes better than writing,

is talking about writing. 

~ A Place of One's Own ~

I've been busy putting together the writing space in my new digs. 

A task both fun and bittersweet.

You see the room wasn't supposed to look like this. I had another design direction in mind entirely when my life took a 180 degree turn.  

But...that's life. 

For in those moments we are reminded that we're not in charge.  

Now newly widowed I decorate this space with no one else in mind.

 Just me.

That's a phrase I'm still getting used to.  

I've been saying it with a little more conviction lately.

Yes. It's just me.

And that's OK.

 I must say I'm thrilled with how the room turned out.

(claps hands excitedly)

I love decorating almost as much as I love writing.

My first purchase was this massive desk so I can spread out all my notebooks. 

It's a serious desk.

Meant for serious business. 

 The kind of desk where Ernest Hemingway might have written 'The Old Man and the Sea' 

I'm hoping it's solid good looks translate to some seriously good writing.

Once I had the desk, the new vision for the room danced into view.

I chose this serene color palette of soft grays and creams, 
wanting the kind of space that just wrapped itself around me.

A little task lighting, with a sweet reminder that someone is watching over me.

Since this space must double as a guest room when I'm not churning out best sellers, 
(cough cough)
 I chose this comfy Hide-a bed. So the room remains streamlined and still functions like an office. 

I think my favorite find was this little gem on Etsy; a map of ancient Rome. 

I had it framed in six pieces and hung like a giant grid. 

I love, love, love it. It came from a guy in Slovenia. Isn't shopping on the internet GRAND?

(Sorry, I couldn't seem to get a picture without the light fixture showing up.)

A large window looks out onto my street with plenty of  mature trees

 and green to soothe the eye. 

You are aware that writers spend an inordinate amount of time 

staring out the window aren't you?

No we're not daydreaming or wasting time.That staring out the window thing? That's work.

That's plotting the next move, running over a scene in our minds. 

Those quiet 'lost in thought' moments are integral to writing.  

Then of course, there's stuff...

I love how this bulletin board turned out. I have my 'fortune'
from a dependable Fortune Cookie tacked in the corner already.

P.S. I'm well aware that Lizzie thinks she's a Kardashian  and must wriggle herself into every photo possible.

Look closely, and you'll see 'you know who's nose!' I was going to edit it out, 
but hey...she works so hard for it. 

 So I'm done with the finishing touches on this charming space,

this soothing cocoon, this writer's dream.
I guess the only thing left to do is:

By the way; was that Ernest Hemingway
I just saw walk by with a sandwich? Wait a minute, Bub. That's my DESK.