SSA Tucson Conference 2008

The Society of Southwestern Authors just concluded its 2008 Conference (September 27 and 28). A better time for any writer could not have been experienced anywhere, anytime.
My sides still hurt from laughing at the genius of guest speaker, teacher/poet, Taylor Mali. The ‘can’t miss’ future poet laureate will stand beside Billy Collins (2001-03) as one of the two quirkiest poet laureates in recent history. He kept his engagement with SSA even as an urgent call from Norway beckoned him across the big pond immediately after.

Corey Blake, screenwriter and co-author of 12 books dazzled a lunchtime audience with his dynamic talk, “Your Book. Your Legacy.” Corey is a television actor, development producer, writer and inspirational speaker who woke up any would be sleepy attendee with his rousing energetic presentation.

Award winning author, Deborah LeBlanc shared her thoughts with a dramatic talk called, “When Everyone Else Says You Can’t.” Drawing from her sometimes tragic, personal life experiences and her troublesome publishing efforts, one left the room after hearing her knowing that “Yes, I can.”

Thirty professional writers, editors, agents, publishers’ reps, presented a variety of workshops on topics ranging from “Fixing Stories that Stink” to “Branding Yourself” plus everything in between. These experts were also available for fifteen minute one-on-one discussions.

Even food service showed up with its ‘A game.’ Once when the kitchen door swung open I swear I saw Wolfgang Puck high-five Rachael Ray. Cheers to the Holiday Inn - Palo Verde staff.

In summary, the 2008 SSA Conference was a big league experience for any serious writer.
Take a deep bow, Penny Porter and Barbara Stahura, conference committee co-directors.