Explore the future of our industry. Exchange solutions to professional dilemmas with fellow writers. Find out what it's like to live undercover from a 25-year federal agent with great stories to tell.

Throw in the opportunity to brainstorm plots and learn about negotiating contracts (from the Authors Guild lead attorney, no less), and this is a conference you won't want to miss.

At the same time, treat yourself to a few nights of blessed privacy (or share space with kindred spirits) in a luxury historic hotel. If you can, stay an extra night to join the Saturday research tour on the traditions of St. Patrick's Day in the Gaslight District. See what San Diego has to offer!

Then return to your writing refreshed, recharged, and armed with the power of information--ready to ramp up your career to the next level.

As great as this conference is going to be, it will be even better with you participating. Hope you'll join us!

Pat & Pat & Conference Committee

p.s. Sign your Traveling Companions up for their own three-day adventure. There will be plenty to keep them occupied while we meet.

Here's what we have lined up for the conference so far:

• Great rates at a luxury hotel-$180/night for 1-4 guests. Suites $295+
• Complimentary airport transportation
• Our own "pod" of rooms for meeting, networking and collaging.
• Adventures for Traveling Companions lined up for Thurs, Fri, and Sat.
• Eric Maisel, renowned creativity coach will lead optional pre-conference workshop on living authentic lives with creative activity at the center.
• Anita Fore, Esq. (Director of Legal Services at the Authors Guild) will lead a morning workshop on negotiation strategies and contract clauses to keep an eye on.
• Daisy Marylis (Executive Editor of Publishers Weekly) and Bette-Lee Fox (Managing Editor of Library Journal ) on what's up in publishing.
• Mike Unzueta will talk about his 25 years as a federal agent investigating bombings, working undercover, buying stolen cars, guns, and heroin...

Here's what we are working on:

• A futurist with a background in popular entertainment to lead a session with editors and agents on the potential and possibilities of commercial fiction.
• A storytelling mixer that is as fun as the one Mary Jo Putney and Annette Carney came up with last year for our Dessert Buffet.
• Trolley tours, a harbor cruise, perhaps a ferry ride to Coronado or a trip to Danny's Bar and Grill where the Navy SEALS hang out.
• Sessions on dealing with promotion, agents, publishers...

Comments from the 2006 Ninc Conference in
New Orleans:

"Awesome, awesome conference! This was one of the best conferences I've ever been to, for any organization!"
- P.G. Nagle

"In a publishing world that seems to be getting tougher by the heartbeat, it helps to get away from the craziness of the business and the inherent isolating nature of writing and just meld with some kindred spirits. Every Ninc conference I've ever been to has recharged me and reminded me of why I do this lunacy with my life anyway. And the New Orleans conference was the best of all. I just can't wait for the next one...." - Steven Womack

"The conference was truly fabulous, laidback, informative, entertaining, and the city was better than ever. We all owe Pat Roy huge kudos for all her hard work in putting together such a seamless conference." - Patricia Rice

"I'm just back from New Orleans, with a gazillion things awaiting my attention, but I must take a moment to thank our wonderful board and Goddess Pat Roy for one of the best conference experiences of my life." - Judith Arnold

"The conference was amazing! Energizing. I've come home ready to write." - Susan Gable

"A fabulous time. Very upbeat and nurturing to the writers' soul." - Ann Roth

"The Ninc conference will be a yearly event for me from now on." - Janice Macdonald

"Count me another happy customer of the New Orleans conference." - Mary Jo Putney

Mary Jo Putney receives registration materials from
Registrar Susan Gable

Mary Jo Putney and Annette Carney conduct a writing exercise

Welcome Reception

Special Needs:

Vegan and Vegetarian options are available at each meal during the Conference. Those who request this option will receive a card at Registration that is to be put by their plate at meals. Members with specific dietary needs should contact Pat Roy at patroy1@charter.net, as well as note your requirements on your registration form. Because Pat will be coordinating meals with the hotel's catering department and last minute changes are difficult to arrange, she must have this information by February 15, 2007.

THE US GRANT is ADA compliant and has a few rooms with roll-in showers. When making your hotel reservations, check with the staff to make certain that the room you have reserved will meet your needs. For additional information contact the hotel at 1-800-237-5029 or 1-619-232-3121 or e-mail them at usgranthotel@usgrant.net

Ralph's Supermarket at G Street & 1st (approximately 4-6 blocks from THE US GRANT) is open 24hrs a day. Contact them at 1-619-595-1581. Contact their pharmacy at: 1-619-237-7660.

Longs Drug Store is located on street level in Horton Plaza (across from THE US GRANT). Contact them at 1-619-231-9135.

Taxicabs: Yellow Cab - (619) 234-6161, Orange Cab - (619) 291-3333

ATMs in Horton Plaza (directly across the street from the GRANT): Bank of America and Citibank have ATMs on the Street Level off Broadway Circle. Wells Fargo has an ATM on Level 4 across from Macy's, and another on the Mezzanine across from Mervyn's.

US Post Office has a Postal Store in Horton Plaza on the Street Level off Broadway Circle next to the Westin Hotel.

For the caffeine deprived: Horton Plaza has two Starbuck Coffee shops, one located on the Street Level off Broadway Circle, and the other on Level 2 between Macy's & Mervyn's. There are also two in the Gaslamp Quarter-511 F Street and 345 Market Street.

For the sugar & cinnamon pastry deprived: Horton Plaza has a sinfully delicious Cinnabon store located on Level 4 in the Food Court, across from Macy's. (Isn't it considerate that Wells Fargo has thoughtfully located an ATM near this spot as well?)

*With thanks to the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.sandiego.org‘, and Horton Plaza.