What a Great Writer's Conference!

I has such fun at the SCBWI Miami Writing Conference, and also learned valuable insight from the speakers.

I met numerous other writers and authors, including Peggy from Orlando pictured left in 2nd photo. I even bought five books to read that were written by some of the speakers including Richard Peck (bottom photo) who gave a fantastic opening speech.

The 3rd photo is the panel that discussed first pages submitted by writers. They are from left: Marietta Zacker, agent at Nancy Gallt Literary Agency; Jennifer Rofe, agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency; and Kathleen Duey, author of numerous books including the Hoofbeats series (see my blog http://horsebookreviews.blogspot.com/2009_09_01_archive.html) I loved her writing so much that I bought the other three books of the Lara series and had her sign them!

The top photo is attendees dancing the Salsa after the Sat. night dinner! Some even dressed in costume for the Havana Nights theme.

To learn more about the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) visit http://www.scbwi.org/ I highly recommend joining if you write for children!

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Florida Chapter, will hold its regional conference in Miami from January 15 through 17, 2010. Visit http://www.scbwiflorida.com/Jan_2010.html for details.

I'll be attending - traveling and rooming with Betty, a writer from Bradenton.

I'm looking forward to the educational seminars, meeting other writers and brainstorming ideas!

If you write for children, I highly recommend joining SCBWI - see http://www.scbwi.org/

E-Commerce Sales are Up over Last Year!

According to census.gov, E-commerce increased in the 3rd Quarter of 2009 by 2.1% compared to last year at the same time. That may not seem like a big increase. Yet, compare that to all other retail sales for the same period: a dismal -7.8, showing that consumers are more willing to make purchases online than in a brick 'n mortar store. See http://www.census.gov/retail/mrts/www/data/html/09Q3table1.html

I have to agree. This past week, I ordered all my Christmas presents online (except for children's books for the grandkids that I bought at events I attended), renewed our truck registration, ordered woodworking plans for Bob and plan to renew my yearly membership fees for my writing and equine clubs. Also, I do all my bill paying online. Yes, I love the convenience, but I also save on fuel, stamps and aggrevation (standing in line at motor vehicle administration is one place I definetly won't miss!)

Many businesses online are offering free shipping, saving the consumer even more money.

So, if you still have horse loving friends - young and young-at-heart - to shop for, please consider buying one or more of my Beloved Horses books, or mystery novels. This month I'm offering FREE SHIPPING!

All books are autographed to your special family member or friend and shipped upon receipt of a check or money order.

Credit card orders can be placed through my publisher's site: http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/resource.aspx?id=1783 but they won't be signed copies.

Or, check my Link Page on my site or my blog, http://findhorsebooks.blogspot.com, for a retail shop near you.

Visit my site http://sharonminer.com, my publisher's site above or Amazon.com to read about my books including excerpts.

Then just e-mail me your choice, who to sign them to and where to ship them. Or print out the Order Form from my site, disregarding the shipping fees. Checks and money orders should be sent to:
Sharon Miner
5004 E. Fowler Ave., Ste C150
Tampa, FL 33617

As soon as I receive your order, books will be shipped the next day with delivery confirmation. Any order with 3 or more books will be sent Priority Mail.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season, and keep it stress-free!

Equine Corral Artists!

We had a great turn out of entries for the "Puppies & Ponies" art contest held at Equine Corral today in Lithia, FL! Thanks to all the young artists and I also met a couple of young writers! Some are pictured above.

I had fun drawing face/hand paintings of a dog and a horse. Some kids drew pictures today!

Many thanks to owner, Terry Hunt, and her daughter, Ashley, for hosting the event. For those who missed it, they will display the artwork through the holiday season. They have a few copies of my books on hand - they make wonderful gifts!

Equine Corral also has a wide selection of clothing - for those who show or just love horses. Gifts for the horses can also be found there! Check out their site at http://www.equinecorral.com

For more photos, visit Woogie's blog at http://woogiestravels.blogspot.com/