I just interviewed a woman who is a fire fighter and in the military.  She is amazing.  I have always had huge respect for those who choose a career to protect and serve - fire fighters, law enforcement, rescue workers, EMS.  These people give from their heart for a living.  They care or they wouldn't have chosen such a difficult, often thankless, dangerous job. 

Why is it that we pay our sports figures and entertainers more than we do these dedicated folks who put their lives on the line for others?  I fail to see the logic.  They deserve millions for every life they save and for every time they risk their own lives for us. 

I may not save lives, but in the magazine articles I write I can highlight these servants of the public.  I can honor them and the heart they put in their work every day by telling their stories of triumph and sorrow. 

As a writer I hope to make a difference in this world.  To share stories that touch others and let them know what they feel is important, their story is similar to others, and they are not alone.  I write about what touches me and what matters to me and the characters I create. 

One of our volunteers penned "case closed" following the KWA Scene of the Crime conference, and I love it.  What a fantastic event, and boy was I tired when it was over.  It takes a village to put on an event like that.  The volunteers were terrific and it went along pretty darn smooth.  I think it's safe to say this is the best conference we've ever hosted.

I am always amazed at what I learn at conferences.  This year I had an epiphany during Nancy Picard's workshop.  My novel lacks one very important element - "SURPRISE."  So, it's back to edit mode for me.

Reed Arvin is my new favorite speaker.  He spoke from the heart and it touched all of those who attended.  He reminded us that we are all artists, we just have to find our own unique voice.  I think sometimes we try so hard to write what's popular or according to the latest trend that we miss the truth - our truth is our story and the way that only we can tell it. 

If you need some support, encouragement, and a major data dump - attend a writer's conference. 

Write on!
BD

Hi everyone,
Sorry I haven't written for awhile, but we KWA folks are neck deep in preparations for the 11th annual Scene of the Crime Conference here in Wichita, April 11-13.  It's going to be an exciting conference with great speakers including:  agents, editors, authors and subject matter experts in the field of law enforcement, CSI, K9 patrol, forensic psychology and much more.  There will be something that will appeal to every genre of writer.  So, come and join the fun.  Registration, speaker information, and schedule are all available at www.kwawriters.org.  Hope to see you there!
BD