On the plane ride home I had time to reflect and soak in—not just the lessons from the convention, but the love sent my way from my authors. As someone who constantly learns from big names in the writing and marketing industry, I heard much the same tropes (write good books, the best way to market your book is write another one, there is no such thing as a bad review, etc.). But this time I could listen and hear what these speakers were not saying and what they were saying and what they really meant.

Language is funny that way, because you can get so much from inflection, tone and facial features. It helped me understand what I knew more. Meaning, I didn’t learn anything new, but I gleaned information and a higher understanding. I gained new tools while confirming the basics.

My authors in turn kept saying how they appreciated me. Amazing in this new world of “I hate my publisher”. I’m overwhelmed by the gratefulness of those around me. I’m also inspired to keep doing what I’m doing—and do more.

In the end this wasn’t a learning convention as it was a connecting convention to my own authors. I was told I was the rock in which the few authors that managed to wade through the sea and over to my solid platform (heh-heh author platform) clung to me because I was such a rock. Some might see that as a huge weight on one’s shoulders. I don’t subscribe to such thought. I’m here to tell you that a rock needs those who cling—otherwise their purpose is meaningless.

After going to the Writer's Life Conference in Provo, Utah I came home with copious notes!

Every conference I like to come home with one thing. I came away with a few on this one and in the marketing department I came away with wattpad.

I almost feel this is a Tuesday Tools or a publishing platform post, (where I post about tools you can use as an author) but I'm looking at wattpad as part of creative fun marketing. One of the presenters, Jenni James, is a clean writer for children, teens and adults so I'm thinking what I thought about wattpad years ago--not for a romance fiction author that drives steamy up to the line of acceptable. Which is half my writers.

However, the writer sitting next to me said there is stuff for adults on wattpad so I've decided I might give it a go! If you are unfamiliar with wattpad here is what they say about themselves:

Wattpad is a place to discover and share stories: a social platform that connects people through words. It is a community that spans borders, interests, languages. With Wattpad, anyone can read or write on any device: phone, tablet, or computer.

Find Any Story, Write Any Story. With thousands of stories added each day, there’s always something you want to read. Want a story about a daughter smuggling her zombie mother to safety? We have that. Want a story about a time-traveling frog with super powers? We don’t have that, and we’d be happy to see you write it.

Free Reading, not eReading. Wattpad stories are free. Whether you’re online or off, use the devices you already own to carry an entire library wherever you go.

Stories Made Social. Join the conversation about the stories you read: message the writer and interact with other people who love the story as much as you.

Live Story Updates Get notified the moment your favorite writer shares a new chapter.

ACTION ITEM: Sign up and put your stories up on wattpad! (Only for the brave! This may not be for you!)

Matthew Flitton wrote about Writers for Life Conference and my most awesome boyfriend is sending me! Wow, what an awesome thing!

Both event and my superhero boyfriend are awe inspiring because while one whipped out his wallet and told me "go" the other is an event for charity for cancer research. Matthew's story and fundraising efforts are HERE. He gives the details of the conference HERE.

So I'll be going to UTAH for the June 7th event. If you'd like to donate and go with me, I'll be driving from SoCal on Friday June 6th and returning Sunday June 8th. Freaking $35 (minimum) for the conference with authors donating their time:

Lisa Mangum--So You Want to Be a Writer
Josi Kilpack--Internal Versus External Characterization
J. Scott Savage--A surprise, but his presentations are always amazing
Larry Correia--Writing action
Jenni James--Marketing secrets
Brandon Mull--Creating Quality Stories

Plus gas, food and hotel. Amazing. Try registering for the RWA for the price of a donation.

Of course, if you ask why my boyfriend sent me, I have to reply: "Because my boyfriend wants me to write like Larry Correia--even though I'm a romance writer." Hmmm...combined it would be active romance. Fighting while...(you can finish). Yep--I look forward to applying ALL the lessons I learn from ALL the presenters (not just Larry--though I'm a fan). I'm excited!

ACTION ITEM: Donate and come with me!