Hi–
This is a fast report because i have a zillion things to do to get ready for a very busy Friday. The first day of the actual GRL Retreat began with fun and hilarity. I attended a great Q and A with Mary Calmes and Marie Sexton that charmed and inspired everyone. Serious talent in that crowded room. Then Angel Martinez, Belinda McBride, and Kc Burn shared the intricacies of creating scifi — sex in space! A fascinated audiences asked a raft of questions and learned about the range of approaches — from scientific planning to seat-of-the-pants– that are possible in creating good scifi romance. The big kickoff party hosted by MLR Press capped the evening for me although many will be powering on to the Gentlemen’s Juke Joint. And we all learned that GLR 2014 will be held in Chicago!
One of the best things about any conference is finally getting to meet friends face-to-face, 
sometimes for the first time, after years of being online pals. Today i saw my friend, Portia de Moncur, a person who has been a wonderful support and inspiration to me since i started. It was a special treat. Here you see Portia with friend Kiernan Kelly in the Swag room. Okay. I’m off to write so have a great day and i’ll report more soon. : )