Hello everyone,
I know you’ve all been wondering what’s going on and why I’ve been out of touch for the past three weeks. Rest assured, BDSM Writers Con in New York City is still going strong. Ill have the codes for you to sign up for the hotel by end of this week.
We’ve also decided to host another conference in Everett next year March 23 – 26, 2017. As we continue to grow, we count on you all to help spread the word about BDSM Writers Con and bring at least one friend, loved one, or fan. We are offering a $50 discount if you sign up for the Everett conference between now and May 31—end of the month. Use our easy $25 payment plan and you’ll be ready for another spectacular event—yes, we’re hosting our own Dungeon party again next year. Please use the links below to register for the Everett or NYC conference. You are welcome to purchase additional registrations at the same discounted price. Purchase one as a gift, and authors can use it as a raffle/promo item for their fans.
Payment Plan Everett $200 — http://bit.ly/1WzwRey
Full Payment Everett $200 — http://bit.ly/1WzxmoX
NYC registration $250 — http://bdsmwriterscon.com/registration
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Now to explain why I was away for the past three weeks. As you all know I avoid speaking about my personal life and I keep the focus on the fabulous one-of-a-kind educational program we provide at BDSM Writers Con. I’m proud to say we’re the only conference in the world dedicated to readers and writers of Dominance and submission. However, this once, I felt it was appropriate to share what’s going on and to come out of yet another closet, so to speak.
On December 18, 2015, I discovered a lump on my breast. On February 9, I was diagnosed with breasts cancer. (Okay, that was harder to share than I thought.) Because of a rare mutation in my genes which makes me susceptible to several other cancers as well, the doctors wanted to immediately conduct extensive surgery to remove both my breasts and my ovaries. Chopping me in half and having such radical surgeries was not something I could agree to; therefore, I delayed the surgery until after the Everett conference. After the conference, I spent a few days to visit with my son and break the news to him then returned home to a long battery of tests and per-surgical examinations.
I kept my condition a secret because I didn’t want to burden anyone and since I wasn’t sure I’d make it through the surgery, I didn’t want my possible last BDSM Writers Con to be a sad occasion nor did I want to spoil anyone’s experience of the conference. Thank you all for making MY experience so wonderful. I also loved it when you all sang me “Happy Birthday” during the closing ceremony. Okay, if I cry one more time at the conference they’re going to revoke my Domme status. smiles. I have to say that was the sweetest thing anyone could have done for me at that time.
On April 25, I underwent a mastectomy and dual reconstruction on my breasts. Yep, I’m a bit flat-chested now and have approximately 300 stitches across my chest. Yet I’m still alive and getting healthier every day—and I plan to be around for many many years to come!
For the past three weeks, I’ve been recuperating—well my version of recuperation anyway—I hate being idle and have keep pushing myself to do a few things here and there every day when I have the energy though my surgeon has yelled at me because I’ve torn a few stitches—who knew lifting an jug of milk could be so heavy. smiles. Rose and Cris Anson were kind enough to come by and spend a few days with me after surgery which I’ll be eternally grateful to them for since those days were really arduous. And Mindy has kept up with sending daily ads about the conference on Twitter.
This letter is just to reassure you that BDSM Writers Con is on and you’ll be receiving the link for the hotel by the end of the week. I’ve gotten us a great hotel discount and I have a room for every on our list that’s registered, so no worries. As for the conference format, we will be re-vamping the conference schedule a bit to take into consideration everyone’s desire to head home early on Sunday so check the Program Schedule for updates. In a nutshell, we’ll be conducting the Book Fair Friday afternoon and we’ll host a Sunday Breakfast for those that wish to come to our Closing Ceremony—my version of Aftercare for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
On a side note: please keep an eye out for information on a new company and non-profit Foundation I’ve created called Cancer Tamer which is dedicated to helping women diagnosed with breasts and other cancers.
Thank you all for your patience and I look forward to seeing you in New York City August 18 – 21 or in Everett Washington next year.
Live with passion,
Dr. Charley Ferrer
CEO & Founder
BDSM Writers Con