One of the best decisions any writer can make is to attend a conference. I recommend the Willamette Writers Conference held each August in Portland. There, writers meet good writers, editors, movie producers, agents, and plenty of up-and-comers. You'll leave with a greater sense of purpose and excitement about your work because the caliber of talent and information at Portland's premier writing conference is excellent. If you're a writer, I hope you build a fire under you this summer. Here's a short piece about my experience as a WW conference volunteer. 

"The book is a fascinating continuation of the story of Athos, Dumas' most enigmatic character. Well written, with evocative descriptions, the perception of the Musketeer's personality is believable." I, on the other hand, will have to reread this passage several times before I believe it. Thanks to HNS and Alan for considering my book. ~ jmf

An after-Christmas get-together will be held at Nightbird Books in Fayetteville, Ark., to celebrate the release of my novel. The independent bookstore in Fayetteville will host a signing and reading the evening of Monday, Dec. 29th, from 6-8 p.m. If you're in the area, please stop by and say hello. The address is 205 W. Dickson. It's been a year, maybe longer, since I've visited with many of my old friends in the region. Eleven years ago, I left my job as news producer at KUAF and have returned fewer than ten times to Northwest Arkansas. I'm hoping this will be one of the best reunions. - jmf

The sixth annual Asheville Bookfest turned out to be the best yet for writers, readers, and local publishing houses in Western North Carolina. Definitely a positive building year. My goal is to publish at least two more books before next year. Stay tuned! Thanks to AskAsheville.com for the great video. 

Life has taken me from one great city to another. This year, I've lived in Portland, Ore., and Asheville, NC, two of the best places in North America. To root myself in the Western North Carolina scene, I'll participate in the Sixth Asheville Bookfest, set for Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown Asheville. Come by if you can between 10a-6p. We'll be in the atrium of the Haywood Park Hotel on Battery Park Avenue, chatting about books and hugging readers. Prepare for a big kiss.

The ebook version of "Blood, Love and Steel" is out today. I'm still surprised how many people ask me if they can buy a hardcopy, and yes, the answer is yes. The paperback is still available if you'd prefer a more traditional experience. Let me know how the story unfolds for you. Maybe it's a character you like, a twist in the plot, or a candlelit scene. I'd love to read your review online. Thanks for reading, jf 

If you can't celebrate a book's release more than once, what's the point? I'm celebrating in perpetuity. I have a gift in my pocket now. A published book. I will pull it out frequently to remind myself of the incredible journey I've been on and continue to relish. Thanks for making my first party a fun and happy event, North Carolina. Let's make it a regular occurrence. 

The book release party for "Blood, Love and Steel" will be Tuesday, September 16th, from 7 to 9 PM at the Battery Park Book Exchange in the Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, heart of the Smoky Mountains. 

Champagne and appetizers will be available. A complimentary glass of champagne will be served anyone who purchases a book. Author Jennifer Fulford will give a short reading from her novel and autograph copies! A limited number of books will be available at the Book Exchange. Thanks, Amy Monroe, for organizing this event and to Battery Park Book Exchange for hosting it.

This week, I visited with author Anne Lange on her beautiful site, Check Your Inhibitions at the Door. She's designed a lovely, image-filled site that is full of good content, too. Great dialogue from current writers of romance. I'm glad to have been one of them. Thanks, Anne!

See our conversation about writing and the writing life.