This weekend was the Columbus Writers Conference. It's a two-day conference geared to all kinds of writers, from fiction to non-fiction. It's a great place for networking and making friends in the literary world.

The conference is organized by Angela Palazzolo and is held on the last full weekend before Labor Day.  The website is www.creativevista.com.

While there I discovered the importance of reading. The conference had a publisher's round table in the the auditorium. When the discussion was over, everyone filed out and the first thing they did was to head to the restrooms which were just outside the auditorium door. Rather than wait for the crowds, I hurried to the other end of building. I went in and found a stall.

I noticed, next to the toilet, a white container. When I opened it, I saw a waxed paper bag. I thought it odd that there was a waste basket in the stall. Anyway, I pulled my pants down and sat on the toilet. I looked at the floor and noticed in the next stall a bald foot wearing a spaghetti-strap sandal and painted toenails. It occurred to me, then, what the "wastebasket" was for!

"Crap, I have to get out of here."

No sooner had that thought passed through my head than the stall door started to open, and I could see a line of women lining up to use the restroom.

I slammed the door shut, pushing on it to make sure it jammed itself shut. I stood up and got my pants up to my knees and the door swung open again. I slammed it shut once more, bracing it with my leg. After I fastened my pants, I stepped out of the stall.

"I guess it pays to read the doors on the signs," I said, my fluster causing me to mix my words.

The women were now snickering. I think the only reason they didn't point and laugh because it was too cramped.

The next time, I'll double check the sign.

I finally have a website where I will keep any fans up-to-date on what's going on in my life, especially with my writing.