What’s on my mind today as I sit down to put my blog together? As usual, my mind is a mess! It’s gotten so cluttered in there I’ve had to resort to lists if I actually want to get anything done anymore!

Of course there’s the book I’m working on… it’s due to my editor on January 1 and I always [and I do mean with every single book I write] panic about hitting my deadline somewhere around the two months to go mark. No, I’ve never missed a deadline yet, but my motto has always been to Panic Early, Panic Often.

I just saw the first review for A HIGHLANDER’S DESTINY today. Romantic Times gave it 4 stars… YAY! There’s one less thing for me to spend time worrying over. [But only one less – there are still lots of other reviews yet to come!]

Oh!  I also wanted to remember to remind YOU to stop by my website [ www.MelissaMayhue.com ] to enter the contest for an Advance Readers Copy of Destiny, along with some other fun goodies.

All of which reminded me of the promotion I need to be doing for the upcoming back to back releases – A HIGHLANDER’S DESTING [December 29] and A HIGHLANDER’S HOMECOMING [January 26]. I really want to do all I can for these books but, as any author can tell you, knowing what that “all you can” IS, is the hard part! Mostly I try to do those things I enjoy most. And one of those things is interacting with my readers.

But you know what? Readers are a pretty elusive bunch! J Just where, exactly, do you go to hunt them down?

One spot I look is at conferences. In fact, this year I’m adding a third big conference to my list of summer travels – RomCon in Denver.

I’ve seen conversations where people are trying to determine which of the Big Three they plan to attend: Romance Writers of America [RWA], Romantic Times [RT] or the new Romantic Conference, RomCon. To me, it’s not a question of either/or. It’s all three. That said, here’s MY take on the three:

RWA is for me as a writer. It’s a conference staged for writers, by writers. Yes, I know as soon as I say those words that there are many readers [and bloggers and reviewers] who attend RWA, but, in the final analysis, this conference is clearly structured for writers to get together with other writers, agents and editors. They have workshops and classes on writing and provide appointments for writers to pitch their work to agents and editors. If you want more info on this year’s conference in Nashville, TN you can find it at: http://tinyurl.com/23negx

RT was the first conference I attended that was more reader-focused, and I love that about it. I love being in a place where, when I sit down with a table of strangers [and, for the moment, we aren’t even going to touch on just how difficult THAT is for writers who spend all their time alone in a room with just them and a computer for company!] those strangers are as likely to be people who love reading as much as I love writing. Very, very cool. And let’s not forget, most writers I’ve met began as hard-core readers. I get as all over tingly and tongue-tied bumping into MY favorite authors as any other reader! RT gives me that opportunity, so I go. They’re sort of a hybrid conference, since they also provide classes for writers as well as readers, along with appointments to pitch to editors and agents. RT has also expanded their conference so that readers get to see more genres of authors, not just romance any more. You can find more information on this year’s conference in Columbus, OH at: http://tinyurl.com/m7ek2u

As for the new kid on the block, RomCon, it doesn’t have a track record yet, but it does have Borders Books as a sponsor. And even more attractive for me, it’s billed as a conference FOR Romance readers. As I understand it, all the participating authors will be romance authors, so it really will be a gathering of like minds! It’s shorter, too, so even though it’s established to be a big event, I think there will be more incentive for readers and authors to spend time together… because there’s just not a whole lot of time! [For those who are looking at the budget, this also means lower hotel bills than a week long conference]. If you’re interested in finding more info on RomCon in Denver, CO you can look here: www.RomConInc.com

Did you notice that one immediate attraction to me as an author is the locations? They span from the east coast to the Rocky Mountains. Somewhere along the way, one of them will hopefully be convenient for lots and lots of readers.

I know the MamaWriters readers are a mixed bunch: writers, readers, writer/readers, and, of course, Mamas! I’m hoping I’ll have a chance to meet many of you in person at one of those conferences this year. As I alluded to earlier, many writers are a little introverted. We aren’t used to being out in public any more. But that doesn’t mean we don’t love our readers and our online writer friends! We just feel shy and unsure of how to step up and start the conversation.

Why bother to add that? Well, if you find yourself at a conference this year and you see someone hovering against the wall [trying to blend in with the potted plants] or sitting at a table [avoiding eye contact!] don’t hesitate to walk up and introduce yourself. It could be ME… and I’d LOVE to have you to talk to!!! J

What about you guys? Anyone planning on making any of the Big Three this year???

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MELISSA MAYHUE writes award-winning paranormal romance for Pocket Books, all set in an imaginary world of Faeries and Mortals. Her fifth book, A HIGHLANDER’s DESTINY is set for release on December 29 and her sixth, A HIGHLANDER’S HOMECOMING, hits stores on January 26, 2010.

You can visit her on the web at: www.MelissaMayhue.com or come Twitter with her at www.Twitter.com/MelissaMayhue