The DFW Writers' Conference is almost here! We need volunteers for a final push to prepare. So it's time for our annual Packet Stuffing Party. We'll be getting together at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29 at the Ruth Millican Center.

How can you help?

• By stuffing tote bags


• By rehearsing the registration process


• By handling little tasks


• By eating free pizza

That's right, those who show up at 6 to help will be fed!

See you there.

Check out www.dfwwritersconference.org to see the daily schedule for the 2009 DFW Writers' Conference, May 2 & 3 at the City of Grapevine Convention Center.

Programming starts at 9 a.m. on each day, but the doors open for registration at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.

In preparation for the upcoming DFW Writers' Conference, May 2&3 at the City of Grapevine Convention Center, Workshop member Rosemary Clement-Moore will speak at our regular meeting, 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22 at the Ruth Millican Center, 205 Cullum Drive in Euless. Rosemary will offer invaluable advice for those preparing to pitch to agents at the conference. She'll tell you how to communicate your most important information quickly and professionally.

Rosemary knows what she's talking about, so don't miss this opportunity. Writers who've registered for the conference are welcome to attend, and that includes non-Workshop members. As always the meeting will be open to visitors.

Rosemary is the author of three great YA fantasy novels that all have the word 'Hell' in the title.

Dr. Theresa Kellam, the wife of Workshop member Kerry Kellam, recently became a published author. Her book is The Parent's Survival Guide: From Chaos to Harmony in Ten Weeks or Less. It's about improving communication and reducing conflict at home.

 Harville Hendricks, an Oprah favorite and best-selling author of Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples had this to say about it: “This book brilliantly explains and extensively illustrates a tried and true approach. The theory is accessible to anyone and the processes are so well illustrated any parent can follow them. I recommend this book to all parents for it’s humane and practical value.”

Theresa will be signing her book at 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Barnes & Noble in the Parks Mall in Arlington. Come on down!

It's still 30 days out from the 2009 DFW Writers Conference, and we've already surpassed the number of registrations we had last year!

We have filled all the one-on-one pitch sessions for agents Sally Harding, Anne Hawkins and Gina Panettieri. But slots are still available with Doris Booth, Al Longden and Uwe Stender. It's time to get that registration in!

For more information, please visit the conference web site.