Longing for a Real Writers ‘ Conference?

Dear authors, small publishers, book lovers, and more... I have thought very hard about canceling the upcoming conference or taking it online because of the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19. We writers live a lonely life to begin with, let alone not getting together. Hearing speakers LIVE, and meeting other writers in the community to expand our networks and support, is very important. Because I strongly believe in building networks and the many advantages that attending a conference provides, I have decided to change the current event but KEEP IT LIVE AND IN-PERSON. My own experiences at writers conferences over the last 20+ years prove that meeting people and having resources and trusted advisers to share their doubts and answer questions is significant to keeping writers working.  Therefore, until we receive word that it is safe to open up fully, here are the new restrictions on the 805 Writers Conference to be a speaker, attendee, bookseller, or volunteer: 1. Must be fully vaccinated and present the QR code to the California database as proof. The proliferation of fake vaccination cards can only be countered by checking the official database. This is for everyone’s safety. When you register, we will send the link with instructions to get your QR code. 2. Limit the number of attendees at the conference to 75. That is 50% capacity. 3. Limit the number of booksellers at the book expo by 50%. Monitor the number of people visiting the Book Expo throughout the day. 4. We will observe the Ventura County mask mandate for all indoor activities. NO EXCEPTIONS. The conference will have free masks available. I ran these guidelines by the hotel (which demands them of all events at the moment) and other event professionals. Most agree that if this surge follows the same course as the last three, the first weekend in November seems safe. Another surge event may occur after Labor Day, and then Thanksgiving has surge potential. If we all follow these rules, we should have a safe and productive conference. If for any reason the situation changes for the worst, I will then decide how to move forward. Should the surge decline and Ventura County allows us to relax some restrictions, we will. However, since the 805 Writers Conference will continue to be an indoor event, we will maintain the need for proof of vaccination. I hope you understand my concerns and need for safety. Please come and enjoy a great conference, expand your local writing network, and learn more about the craft and business of publishing. Early bird discount pricing ends August 31.

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MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

 Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including the multi award-winning The Frugal Book Promoter (http://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered in its third edition by Modern History Press. Carolyn's latest is in the #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers is How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically. She has two booklets in the #HowToDoItFrugally Series, both in their second editions from Modern History Press. Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers (http://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and The Great First Impression Book Proposal (http://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. The Frugal Editor (http://bit.ly/FrugalEditor), now in its second edition, is the winningest book in the series. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques (http://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (http://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow for news on her new releases direct from Amazon at http://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.