Terry/ Tessa McDermid arrived in a rain storm Thursday 14th. The storm kept her from arriving early due to a traffic hold-up. Terry was in time to order a coke and a small pizza from the Bel Arco restaurant before it closed.

The next morning dedicated writers signed in while Terry unloaded her supply of reference books. and hand-outs. The small but, important group was so busy asking questions and searching over her books, they didn't have time to eat the breakfast rolls or grab a cup of coffee.

Terry provide information and answered questions on:

• Different romance sub-genres
• Creating memorable characters
• Characters different personalities in different situations
• Conflict from the beginning to the last chapter
• Point of view
• Plotting
• Knowing your characters and their background

She resented all the important ingredients for writings a novel and what works in writing short stories. Julian D. Byrd from Lead Hill, AR was a short story writer. He discovered some short stories can be develop into a novel.

Handouts provided:

• Manuscript Formatting
• Cover and query letter
• Source books for writing
• Book list for motivation
• Websites to check and read
• Tips from published authors

Each writer will find different sources to fill their needs. By attending workshops and conferences writers will return home with important information to move their career forward. Not only is it important to continuously learn, but to meet other writers and make connects. Always ask questions from other writers to learn what works for them and what didn't work.

We had a dedicated group of writers. Vivian Brown said, " What I received from Bel Arco workshop was mostly encouragement to keep on keeping on. After a break of over two months, I came home from the workshop and began writing again on my mystery novel."

Linda Caviness has several chapters finished with her novel. She was so fired up she purchased four extra note books I had left over, to take home to place suggestions Terry shared, on how she writes-up her characters background and etc.

At lunch time we all gathered at a big table, ordered lunch at Bel Arco where we could ask more questions and get to know each other. Good food and enjoyed new and old friends, what better way to spent the day.

Sorry, I didn't take pictures as I should have, for I got too excited and don't want to miss anything going on around me. I guess, I have to find someone to take pictures.