Going to Salem--the NECRWA Conference

I am starting to get really excited about my upcoming trip to Salem, MA.

It might surprise you to know that I have never been to Salem. And that the reason I'm going now doesn't have anything to do with Witches, exactly. Although I've managed to find a way to work them in there... I'm going to the New England Chapter RWA yearly conference for writers, which takes place at the historic Hawthorne hotel on Friday, April 29th and Saturday the 30th. In part, I decided to go because of where the conference is being held (Salem!), and in part because I really like the guests of honor, which include the amazing authors Lani Diane Rich (aka Lucy March), Anne Stuart, and Annette Blair. Additionally, the conference chair is my writing pal Kate George. Also, it's in Salem! (Can you tell I'm a little excited about finally getting there?)

Salem is a fair piece from where I live in upstate NY--about a 5 or 6 hour drive, depending on traffic and pit stops. Luckily for me, best pal Ellen's boyfriend lives in Boston (and she doesn't mind doing long drives). So we'll be driving up together, and then Paul will come from Boston to meet us, and they'll mostly do their thing while I do mine, although we might sightsee together a bit. Paul used to live in Salem, so we'll have a native guide, which is always nice.

I will be giving a workshop on Saturday morning ("Witchcraft for the paranormal author" -- I told you I'd work it in there somewhere)and taking part in the book signing on Saturday night. And before the conference starts on Friday afternoon, I'll be at the World of Witches Museum, at 57 Wharf Street for a noon to one PM booksigning and "meet the author" lunch, thanks to Don Lewis and Ed Hubbard of The Witch School. (Yay, Witch School!) Hopefully, I will be able to find some time to take in the sights and sites of Salem, and socialize with the Betties who are attending (*waves hi to the Betties*). And I hope I see a few of you there, at either the conference or the Witch School booksigning. Did I mention it was going to be in Salem? http://www.necrwa.org/conference.html