If you haven’t heard, there was a horrible tragedy at Virginia Tech today, as a gunman killed over 20 people.

Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, Va., a college town about three hours away from where I live. It’s scary that something like this could happen — anywhere – but especially this close to home.

Let’s take a minute to say a prayer for those who were killed, the other victims, and their families.

Last week, I blogged about trying to decide whether to drive or fly to RWA Nationals in Dallas this summer.

I’ve pretty much decided to rent a car and drive.

Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m a big fat chicken because I’m nervous about flying. But honestly, flying just seems like a big hassle. And it would take me almost as long to fly back from Dallas as it would to drive (once you factor in getting to the airport two hours early and a layover in Charlotte).

But, I didn’t entirely base my decision on my cowardice. I also had to take financial things into consideration. I could basically use the money I’d spend on plane tickets and go to another conference, namely Moonlight & Magnolias in Atlanta.

So, that’s probably what I’m going to do … unless I change my mind again. Just ask my significant other. I’m completely wishy-washy when it comes to making decisions. 😕

What about you? Are you driving to RWA? Flying? Inquiring minds want to know ….

I just want to say thanks to the Friends of the Sullivan County Library in Blountville, Tenn. for hosting me at their meeting last night. It was a very small, but lovely group of women. The food was great, and I think a good time was had by all.

Thanks, ladies! 🙂

I attended the Mountain Laurel Conference, hosted by the Smoky Mountain Romance Writers, in Knoxville last weekend. There were prize giveaways, free goodies, great books, great food, and several workshops (including one on media issues given by yours truly).

And I had a blast.

About 45 people attended the conference, which I thought was a great number. Unlike the mad crush of the annual RWA conference, you could actually talk to everyone you wanted to meet, including folks like Sherrilyn Kenyon, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Sabrina Jeffries, Jade Lee, Elizabeth Hoyt, and Jenna Peterson. All of whom were absolutely funny and charming and witty.

Sabrina’s talk Friday night about rejections was laugh-out-loud funny. Vicki wore bunny ears for a large part of the day on Saturday. I talked to Sherrilyn about hair-care products and found out that Jenna uses kick-ass James Bond titles for her Avon books. Well, you get the idea …

It was also great meeting everyone from the SMRW loop in person and finally putting names with faces. You ladies did a terrific job with the conference. Kudos to you all! I know it was a ton of work, but I hope you’ll have one again next year. I’ll totally be there. 😎

Stupid me forgot to take my camera, so I don’t have any pictures to share. Bummer. It was also a bit of a bummer that I didn’t have any books yet since Karma Girl doesn’t officially come out until May 1, or three weeks from Tuesday. (Not that I’m counting down or anything …)

But a good time was definitely had by all. 🙂

What about you? What conferences have you gone to this year? Or are looking forward to? What’s the best/worst thing about conferences? Inquiring minds want to know …