Here we go, the 25th Cat Writer’s Association conference is St. Louis. I got into town yesterday, meeting a fellow cat writer at the airport, and we traveled to the hotel together. She brought her therapy cat, who I’m sure was very glad to get out of her Sleepy Pod carrier once we’d arrived.

Our hotel, the Drury, offers free dinner, where I connected with a few more CWAs. We walked across the street to check out the St. Louis Arch and the flooded Mississippi.

Then I went back to my room, worked on Adventure Cat, and felt very far from home.

Casey the Pet Safety Cat.

Summer, cat celebrity.

This morning began with sunshine and old (and new) friends. A big part of the conference is educational, with presentations addressing cat and pet subjects all across the board. First up was “Creating Cause Marketing for Rescues & More.”

Then Lonnie Hull gave thoughts on “How to Write Short Pieces for Publication,” something I’m very bad at.

The Myth of Busy-ness; Claiming Time for your Business” from Robbi Hess, and “Editing and Graphics with PicMonkey and Canva” finished off the sessions.

Four intense subjects and a lot to think about. If that sounds interesting to you, consider attending next year’s conference. You don’t have to be a member to attend.

Sandra Murphy, fiction panel with me Saturday.

Debbie De Louise, another fiction panel friend, and her daughter.

After dinner, we stuffed totes with swag from our sponsors to give to attendants. This year I left room in my suitcase to cart it all back.

I topped off the evening talking cats with friends.

Tomorrow starts early. Goodnight, Kittens.

#cwa25