LTUE: The Rundown

Ever feel like you've been rundown by a big, metaphorical semi, full of inspiration and smelly truckers?

Enter LTUE. Especially the smelly trucker part (try sitting in a small room packed to capacity + 47). Of course, the inspiration also participated in full.

I'll highlight a few LTUE favorites:

• Met some ladies from Alaska. Always exciting to meet new writers who are awesome.
• Tracy Hickman, "It doesn't matter if you're published; it's everything if you're read."
• The Writing Excuses podcast. On finding out your story isn't going to work out, Howard Tayler said, "I can't save this patient, but he'll make an excellent organ donor."
• Seeing fellow writer L.T. because she gives the best hugs.
• Dinner Saturday night with Dan Wells, his wife, and Bree Despain. How can you top a sushi dinner, eaten while discussing writing? You can't!
• During James Dashner's keynote speech, mishearing, "Everyone needs an agent," to, "Everyone needs an Asian." I couldn't keep a straight face through the rest of that topic. Despite my hearing problems, he did a great job.
• The workshop, "Psychology of the Samurai." Fascinating stuff. Seriously.
• A breakfast run with Donna, Jeff Savage, and our KGB friend, Ryan Uhrey. Savage is probably the nicest guy out there.
• Meeting new author Tyler Whitsides. Very cool individual who has an excellent cover for his book.

It was a great conference and I had a great time. Thanks to all those who participated, and to Inkers Donna and Kirk who ensured the laughs never ended.