Planning for the retreat is rockin’ and rollin’.  Don’t panic. Retreat packages are being assembled and will be mailed shortly.  In the meantime, here’s the final list of special guests:

Authors: Eloisa James; Lisa Kleypas; Jennifer Crusie; and Jasmine Cresswell

Publicists and Booksellers: Theresa Meyers; Emily Hixon, Levy Home Entertainment; and Kathy Baker, Waldenbooks

Agents: Jennifer Jackson, Donald Maas Agency; Jessica Faust , Bookends; Miriam Kriss, Irene Goodman Literary Agency; and Annelise Robey, Jane Rotrosen Agency

Editors: Kate Duffy, Kensington Publishing; Christine Zika, Berkley; Monique Patterson, St. Martin’s Press; Tracy Farrell, Harlequin/Silhouette; Michalyn Whitt, Bantam; and Lucia Macro, Avon

We have over 70 requests for agent and editor appointments.  Please exercise patience and understanding as we try to accommodate most, if not all of your requests.  We are not taking additional requests at this time, but if you have questions please forward to Eileen Betancourt at .

Volunteers have lined up enthusiastically.  Thank you very much.

I’m looking for a few warm bodies to assist with room set up.  The role does not require setting up or breaking down any rooms.  The person is responsible for popping his or her head into the room prior to the meeting to ensure that the Hilltop has set up the room according to plan.  Also a quick check is needed that beverages are supplied and any other speaker aids are in place. At the end of the workshop, another check is made to make sure the area is ready for the next meeting.  If interested, let me know at .

Transportation volunteers are always needed.  We have a list but always like to have extras, just in case.  You are not required to be available for each way of the trip, although helpful and appreciated.  However, if you can only handle a departure (or arrival), that’s fine.  See Kim Feldmiller at , if interested.

Photographers are always welcome.  Simply bring your camera and capture the weekend—posed or candid are fine.  Our new website would be a wonderful spot to showcase retreat highlights.

Snack Attack party is a go for this year.  Our late night munchers who would like to contribute goodies at our nightly feasting event should contact Julie Ray Stewart at .

If you would like to donate a raffle basket or two for our fundraising interests, please forward your information to Liz Lincoln at .  Fundraising proceeds are donated to a charity and supplements WRW’s Nancy Richards Akers Scholarship Fund.

That’s the quick update.  Until next month....see ya!

From Michelle Monkou, Retreat Chair

P.S. I know that I may have missed replying to a few emails.  My sincere apologies.  Please re-send and I promise to reply promptly.

Retreat Orientation
Will you be attending the Retreat for the first time?  Wondering if you’re the only newbie?  Curious about how to make the most of the experience?  Then you need to come to my quick and painless orientation. We’ll meet in the Hilltop House lobby Friday about 5:15 and hopefully you’ll go away with all the info you need and still make it to the bar in plenty of time for the cocktail hour.  You’ll also get a chance to meet those other first-timers. By the way, this orientation is open to any Retreat attendee.
—Lisa Dyson