18th Annual PSWA Conference

The first day began with the well-attended writing workshop. I was there to help--but didn't do much.

I love to hang around the reception table as people are checking in to greet old friends and meet new attendees. 

A receiption followed and I spent a lot of time chatting with RJ Beam and John and Charlene Schembra.

The first day's speaker was James L'Etolle who spoke about the prison system. Following are some of the notes I took:

He stated that inside a prison is a hidden world, a closed society with its own rules, language and culture.

He explaiend about the different types of prison and secutiry. 

35 % of the prisoners are mentally ill. 

James has two great books I know about: Dead Drop and Devil Within.

Next was a panel I was on: The pluses and perils of writing a series. Fun one. Moderator: Michal A. Black, Other panelists: Frank Zafiro, Bob Doer, Sally Handley, Peg Roche.

The second panel was Building a Solid Case: Moderator: Thonie Hevron. Panelists: Mike Brandt. Joe Haggerty, Bill Powers, Albert vande Steeg, Joshua Lee. 

The next speaker was  Jo A. Wilkins, a publisher. She discuseed readability being the key to successful writing. 

Writing in an active voice. Consider your audience. 

More tomorrow.

Marilyn