Teresa Burrell's The Advocate's Delimma

What do I say about the absolutely amazing Teresa Burrell? I don't think I can fit enough praising adjectives in this blog to describe her. I'd have to make some up on top of th ones in Websters to encompass her awesomeness. I first met Teresa at The Southern California Writers Conference in San Diego, CA. It was the same weekend that Thomas Riley was contracted by Echelon Press. Teresa's first book, The Advocate" was not out quite yet but we hit it off immediately.

From there Teresa and I did several book festivals together where we had a friendly competition on who could sell more books. I was close but I lost every time. (I will get you one day T!) ;)

Teresa has a wonderful series of legal suspense books out under the titles, The Advocate, The Advocate's Betrayal, The Advocate's Conviction and out this summer, The Advocate's Dilemma. She uses her real life experience as a child advocate lawyer in her books. It's fascinating to read about Sabre Brown, her very author like main character as she unwravles the twisted schemes of evil doers in and out of court. I'm telling you, Matlock has nothing on this girl.

If you're a fan of John Grisham, you're going to love The Advocate series. Where can you get one of these gems? Easy, check out Ms. Burrell's Amazon page here.

Also, Facebook

Goodreads

If you get the chance to meet Teresa at an event, don't pass it up.  Not only is she one of the most wonderful people you will ever meet but also one of the most talented writers.

The Southern California Writers Conference

As many of you know, this is the same conference where Thomas Riley was picked up for publication last year. It was an amazing and overwhelming experience. For those that hesitate to go to writers cons or think they are too expensive... here are some thoughts on SCWC (San Diego).

The Staff
The staff is wonderful. All of them are helpful, kind and will go out of their way to help you as a writer, friend and colleague. Really, the friends I met here on the staff are friends I will keep for the rest of my life. Michael Steven Gregory (MSG), Wes, Ed, Melanie, Cricket, Ochaki... You all are great!

Panels
The panels (workshops) are awesome. Made up of authors, editors, agents, publishers, and other industry professionals, the panels always offer something for every kind of writer. I don't care if you have 10 books published from Penguin or if you don't have a page written, you will find at least one panel that will rock your world.

One on ones
These are meetings with your agent, editor, author or publisher that for a small fee will read through and review your submission. Think it's a waste of money? Thomas Riley was sold there. And so are a seemingly record number of books lately. (Tip: go through the bios of who is doing the one on ones and pick someone that you think might be interested in your genre and style.)

Other Writers
I can't tell you how great other writers are. I didn't meet anyone that turned me off. In fact, everyone was awesome. There is no competition, very little arrogance and everyone just wants to meet writers like themselves. It doesn't matter if your writing women's lit, horror, steampunk or memoirs... Everyone gets along and everyone has a blast. I really had a blast with everyone. Really I had drinks at the bar with everyone. From people just there to get back into writing all the way to chatting with NY Times Best Seller Selden Edward about Steampunk.

Inspiration
I can't explain the boost of creative inspiration that comes from this conference. I'm 100% refueled and ready to start on the second installation of Thomas Riley as well as finish the second story in The Young Alchemists short series.

New Authors Panel
I was part of the New Authors Panel "What I wish I knew before I was published" with Teressa Burrell, Gayle Carline, Andrew Peterson and Kathy Porter. I had a blast. The room was packed and it was a really great panel. Make sure you check out these authors books (I linked them) they are great people and great writers!

Ummm. It's San Diego. I was sick when I left for California. Congested and miserable in every way. Within 24 hours of being in San Diego I felt great. Talk about a bonus!

So I regret to say that I don't have any good pictures from the conference but I do have this account to share with you. If you've ever wondered if a writers conference can help you, it can. Well, this one can.

I've been home for less than 24 hours and I'm already looking forward to next year. Thanks everyone!

Oh, if you can't wait until next February, the same group is putting on another writers con in September in Newport Beach CA.


This is my lone photo of the famous white board with my panel listed. Sorry for my lameness. I could have sucked less.