According to my calendar, today is the official beginning of summer. My author schedule is ramping up, and I’m ready to go.

In July, I’ll be going to the Romance Writers of America Conference in San Diego, California. I’m excited about the location because I’ve never been to the west coast. My husband and I will arrive a few days early so we can explore and enjoy the city’s offerings.

Conferences are a great avenue where I learn about the craft of writing and marketing my books. It is a time to reunite with friends I haven’t seen since the last conference and the chance to make new author friends as well. Conferences provide an opportunity for me to grow as I offer encouragement to those who are new to writing and the publishing industry. I always make sure I save a few hours to volunteer in some capacity because I believe it takes an army of volunteers to make these events a success.

In August, I have a speaking engagement at the Auburn Public Library in Auburn, Georgia. I will be speaking, along with several other authors about writing. This is a chance for me to express how and why I write in the romance genre. It is also an opportunity for me to meet new readers and encourage them to take a chance on a new author.

In September, I will attend the Georgia Romance Writers annual Moonlight and Magnolias Conference. Last year I experienced my first book signing as an author. I will be signing at the Book Fair again this year. I am moving from spectator to workshop presenter at this conference. Along with my writer/nurse friend Kim Turner, we will give a seminar on writing medical scenes with accuracy.

I am working on publishing a monthly newsletter, but I must admit technology is not my strong suite. Hopefully, this will be a reality soon. I have found there is so much more to authorship than writing, and I am pushing myself from my comfort zone to take on new responsibilities and experience the fantastic opportunities that await a published author.