Hello Fellow Writers:  It is always a pleasure to report good news and to trace for benefit of us all some of the background of the opportunity that brought me the recent good experience.

When I spoke in Ridgecrest to that branch of California Writers Club, the program chair (I've known her for a number of years) told me of a conference to be held in Phoenix (about 100 miles from me) and a possible opportunity for me to speak and sell my books.  This came to pass last Thursday when I arrive to speak at an international conference of Pilot International.  No not "pilots" in the common sense.  The group was founded in the Deep South more than 80 years ago and named for "river boat pilots who navigated dangerous waters courageously."  Their pilanthropic endeavors (99% women menbers) are support of brain damaged children and adults and those with disabilities such as Downs Synbdrome.

I had a table to sell my books and a 20 minute speaking slot, primarily to speak about my book, Long Distance Grandparenting.  I kept my words humorous and had a nice line-up afterward to purchase my books–sold 51 of them and gave out cards to three additional people who said they would send money for them.

This is another example of the value of my having kept in touch with program chairmen and making presentations at various writer clubs. The gal who was instrumental in getting me this speaking spot is an accomplished writer who once included mention of my book, Just Pencil Me In–Your Guide To Moving Qnd Getting Settled, in an article she wrote for a slick magazine.  She is a former colunmnist and editor for a New York Publisher.

Keep your contacts–forever.