I've been a bit out of the online loop the last couple weeks because of a looming deadline and a trip to New York City for Thrillerfest. I'm hoping to figure out how to post more pics, but bare with me . . . I still have that deadline (closer now!) and my pics are still on my new camera. My husband assures me it's idiot proof, but MySpace doesn't like my Mac. But, I'm hoping to get on my hubby's PC later and give it a try . . . especially the photo of me with the handsome and charming and talented Lee Child.

Thrillerfest is the conference put on by the International Thriller Writers. It is for both fans and writers, and it is a load of fun. Writing is a very solitary activity--just me and my computer (with occasional research "field trips")--so when you get a bunch of us together, we tend to talk alot, drink alot, and have an all-around great time.

I need to go off-line and finish SUDDEN DEATH, which is due next week to my editor and will be on the shelves in April of 2009, but first I wanted to share one of the reasons I love ITW. The organization really promotes the their authors, but specifically their debut authors--new, up and coming writers who are just now coming out with their first book. It's hard enough being a new author, still learning the ropes; it's just a bit easier when you have Lee Child as your mentor and a breakfast in your honor and get 2 minutes to share your book cover, your name, and your story. Hats off to ITW for giving this venue for their newest additions. I have read Jordan Dane (fantastic!) and CJ Lyons (couldn't put it down!) and picked up Julie Kramer's STALKING SUSAN and Marc Paoletti's SCORCHED. But by no means are those all the brilliant new authors. There's something for everyone, from international thrillers to corporate espionage to romantic suspense.

I have news I'm dying to share, but unfortunately I can't. Grr! But as soon as I get the green light, I can pass on word of the newest ITW anthology which I'm "thrilled" to be part of.

If you live in the tri-state area (which I've been told is NY, NJ and Connecticut, but I live in California and I may be very, very wrong), next year I hope you can make it to Thrillerfest--a conference for both fans and writers.

AND if you live near San Francisco, the Romance Writers of America are having their conference at the end of July. On Wednesday, July 30, there is a literacy signing open to the public. Publishers donate the books, readers buy them, and all the money goes to local, non-profit literacy groups. I'll post the details next week, or you can go to http://rwanational.org for more information.

More later . . . after I finish this book!