I am currently reading my way through a long list of science fiction and fantasy titles. (http://www.npr.org/2011/08/07/138938145/science-fiction-and-fantasy-finalists if you are interested in the list).
I just discovered that our local readers & writers conference, When Words Collide, will have both Diana Gabaldon and Brandon Sanderson attending as guests.
I bought a ticket immediately!
Now, I just have to wait until August.....
Here's the details of the conference if any one is interested:
http://www.whenwordscollide.org/index.php