Wanda Dyson's been called a "natural" and a "master of pacing," but her fans know that whether it's police thrillers, suspense, or bringing a true story to life, Wanda knows how to take them on a journey they'll never forget. Wanda is a multipublished suspense author, currently writing for Random House/Waterbrook. Her one attempt at a nonfiction book was picked for an exclusive release on Oprah. Wanda lives in Western Maryland on a 125 acre farm with a menagerie of animals and when she's not writing critically acclaimed suspense, or away at conferences, you can find her zipping across the fields on a 4-wheeler with Maya, her German Shepherd, or plodding along at a more leisurely pace on her horse, Nanza. With the release of her newest hit, Judgment Day, Wanda is heading back to the keyboard to start on her next high-octane thriller, The Vigilante. In addition to writing full time, she is also the appointment coordinator for the CCWC and Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers conferences. Visit her Website at www.WandaDyson.com.

When I was growing up, my grandfather used to say, “If you don’t like the weather in DC, wait a minute.” I’ve discovered that a lot of cities say that, but in my experience, it’s especially true of the DC area. A few days ago, it was nearly 70 degrees outside. Today, there is snow on the ground.

The weather isn’t the only thing that changes fast. Keeping up with the publishing industry is nearly as hard. Editors come and go. Companies are bought, sold, or just close up shop. Bookstores are going bankrupt. E-books are taking the industry by storm. How do you keep up?

Conferences.

In today’s economic climate, you almost can’t afford NOT to attend conferences. In addition to craft workshops, meetings with editors and agents, critiques from industry experts, and great fellowship, it’s the one place you are going to get the latest in what’s going on, what’s coming up, and what’s going out fast.

And if you’re thinking of jumping into the E-book ocean, a conference is where you’ll find the best information on which e-book companies you should be taking seriously and which ones you should avoid. As with any trend, there are plenty of people looking to jump on to the bandwagon, but not all are reputable or financially sound. Buyer beware!

See you somewhere this year!

Wanda

2011 CONFERENCES

March 3-6; FLORIDA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE; Leesburg, FL; www.flwriters.org

March 18-19, 2011; CAROLINA CHRISTIAN WRITERS’ WORKSHOP; Anderson, SC; Fee- $125, early bird $99; discount for ministers and students; speakers include Dr Dennis Hensley, Agent Tamela Hancock Murray, Editor Rick Steele, more info at www.upstateSCchristianwriters.com 

Or email elvamartinministries@charter.net

April 15–19: MT. HERMON CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE 37 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon, CA 95041 450 expected to attend rachel.williams@mounthermon.org http://mounthermon.org/adult/professionals/writers-conference

April 16; MERCER COUNTY ANNUAL ONE-DAY WRITERS WORKSHOP; Stoneboro PA; http://www.gloriaclover.com

April 29-30; OC CHRISTIAN WRITERS FELLOWHSIP SPRING CONFERENCE; Irvine CA; http://www.occwf.org

April 30; AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS GREENSBORO CONFERENCE; Greensboro NC; http://www.ACWriters.com

May 9-13; BLUE RIDGE CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE; near Ashville, NC; www.brmcwc.com

May 11–14, 2011: COLORADO CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE YMCA Estes Park Center, Estes Park, Co, 250 expected to attend www.WriteHisAnswer.com; MBagnull@aol.com

May 20-21; ANTELOPE VALLEY CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE; Lancaster, CA; info@avwriters.com; 661-722-4896

June 12-15: WRITE THAT BOOK! Writer’s Workshop at Glen Eyrie; Colorado Springs CO – 100 expected to attend; 800-944-4536; www.gleneyriegroup.org www.gleneyrie.org/us/ministries/gleneyrie/

June 21-25; ST DAVIDS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE; Grove City College, Grove City, PA; http://stdavidswriters.com

June 24-25; KENTUCKY CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE; featuring Cecil Murphey; College Heights United Methodist Church, Elizabethtown, KY;

August 6-11, 2011: GIDEON MEDIA ARTS CONFERENCE, Ridgecrest NC, www.gideonfilmfestival.com

August 6-11, 2011: BLUE RIDGE “SUMMER IN THE MOUNTAINS” NOVELIST RETREAT, held along with Gideon Conference, Ridgecrest NC, www.novelretreat.com, ylehman@bellsouth.net

August 10-13, 2011: GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHRISTIAN WRITERS’ CONFERENCE; Langhorne, PA, 250 expected to attend, mbagnull@aol.com, www.writehisanswer.com/Philadelphia

October 16-20, 2011: BLUE RIDGE “AUTUMN IN THE MOUNTAINS" Novelist Retreat, Ridgecrest NC, www.novelretreat.com, ylehman@bellsouth.net