Have you signed up for any writing or reading conferences this year?  If you haven’t, you should check out UtopYA.

What is UtopYA? It’s a convention for women writers of supernatural YA and NA fiction and their fans which takes place June 20-22, 2014 at the Millenium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. Or as my husband put it, a conference for a bunch of quirky writer chicks. You can see my blog about UtopYA 2013 here.

http://wp.me/p3D2M2-4G

 Last year, I was terrified of attending a conference where I knew no one. After the conference I learned a secret. Everyone is scared of meeting new people and putting themselves out there. We all feel awkward. This year I plan to double my efforts on getting to know people by going out after the workshops rather than doing a face-plant on my bed after dinner. This will require massive amounts of caffeine. I’m considering smuggling my Keurig in my suitcase.

This year, I bought half a table to give out swag, and possibly sell a few books. Going Down In Flames, my paranormal YA should be out in e-book form by that time. I’d hoped to have POD books to sell, but I’m not sure that is going to happen. I do plan on having fantastic swag to give away. I had a graphic artist create an image of my main character’s tattoo, which is this Yin Yang dragon symbol. I’m going to make up temporary tattoos and a few other goodies to share.

Are you attending any conferences this year? What’s your favorite type of swag?