I'm in Augusta, Georgia at Augusta State for their annual writers conference.  I didn't get to go last year because I was in Paris celebrating my birthday.

I've always enjoyed this conference and I love being in Augusta in the spring time......the Dogwoods and Azaleas are absolutely gorgeous!

While I'm here, I'll be getting together with author, Karin Gillespie, for a drink.  We met about five years ago at another conference in Athens, when her first novel was being released by Simon & Schuster.  Her fourth novel just recently came out, and I'm looking forward to seeing her and "talking shop."

So I'll see you here at Island Writer next week after I return, when I'll be giving you updates on where I'm at in my publishing process.  Till then, everyone take care and HAPPY EASTER!

I had the pleasure of meeting Marie Bostwick last July at the RWA conference in Dallas.  Her beautiful book covers are what drew me to her table.  I picked one up, read the back and knew it was "my" kind of book.....women's fiction.

I'm ashamed to admit that I got both of her books, Fields of Gold and her second one, River's Edge, and haven't had a chance to read either one until last week.  I read Fields of Gold and just loved it! 

Set in Oklahoma in the 1930's, there's some great history in it about the dust bowl, etc.  But at the heart of it is a love story......about a young girl and a fellow that loved to fly airplanes.  Bostwick's writing drew me right in.  Her prose flowed, her characters were genuine and the plot was great.

One thing I haven't told you about Marie or the book is......Marie is also a Kensington author.  I've since contacted her to introduce myself and remind her that she'd signed two books for me last summer.  After reading the book, I have to say I'm even more proud to now also be a Kensington author.  And Marie has been so kind to me these past couple of weeks.  Answering a myriad of questions, giving me tips and suggestions on the publishing process and all that goes with it.

If you're looking for a great women's fiction novel with a wonderful story, I highly recommend this one.  Since then, she's written the sequel to Fields of Gold......On the Wings of Morning.  I ordered it last week from Amazon and I'm looking forward to reading that as well.  But the other night I started to read River's Edge and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.  Oh........and Marie just recently signed a three-book contract with Kensington.  The books I've mentioned are "historical" but her new ones will be contemporary and will be released in June 2009.  You can pay Marie a visit at this link which will take you to her great website.

To answer a question that a reader asked last week:  "Have you ever run into Carla Neggers at any of your conferences?"

I have.......I met Carla last July in Dallas at the RWA conference also.  My friend, Alice, had me take a photo of her and Carla, as that's Alice's favorite author.  Carla was very friendly and enjoyable to chat with.

AND......A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my granddaughter, Kaela!  She's turning 14 today! Last year at this time we were both in Paris celebrating our birthdays together.

See you here next time...............