I didn't intend to take this long to report on the writers conference last weekend. However, it didn't work out quite as planned for me. I ended up coming home halfway through Saturday, missed the last two workshops and the closing. The minute I got home, I went to bed, and stayed there for two or three days. Not feeling well at all! I am better now, thankfully.
The Writers Conf- erence was fabulous. I had a great oppor- tunity to meet lots of friends; some I already knew, some I knew from the internet but not in person, and some were completely new. That alone was worth going for!
They did Boot Camp in a new way this year. Boot Camp is an intensive workshop, early morning, before the regular conference started for the day. I was a little worried about the new format, but it worked much better than the old way! We had more time to get in depth, more time for better discussions, and staying at the same table instead of moving around saved time and let us get to know the other people at that table better. We had the chance to switch tables for the second day, and I didn't want to, so I stayed put. Well done, Boot Camp organizers!
I had a pitch session with Kirk Shaw, of Covenant. It didn't work out quite like I hoped. It turns out that Covenant reserves their "memoirs" for the General Authorities of the Church. (I don't qualify!) But Kirk was wonderful - very encouraging, and very helpful with suggestions to go to the national market and names of possible agents! Even though my manuscript didn't go any further that day, I walked out of our meeting feeling encouraged and motivated.
I didn't win the First Chapter contest, but again, I did recieve some very good feedback about them. (More to come on that later, it wasn't all good...) I have since read two of the chapters that did win, and frankly, they deserved it more than I did! Congrats and kudos to the winners!
I came home with a half dozen new books - I'll be doing reviews on at least two of them over the next couple of weeks - including "The Hourglass Door" by Lisa Mangum (fantastic! - kinda like Twilight, only BETTER!) and "Bone Warriors" by Bron Bahlmann (he's fifteen! I'm not done yet, but it sure starts great!).
The workshops and classes were great, as they always are. It dawned on me, though, that you can only talk, discuss, and study the craft so much. Then it comes down to actually writing - you know, that thing we do? And I have not been doing enough of that part of the equation.
So, even though I am not instantly rich and famous, and didn't get to stay for the entire program - it was absolutely worth it. I'll be going again next year, thats for sure.
The Writers Conf- erence was fabulous. I had a great oppor- tunity to meet lots of friends; some I already knew, some I knew from the internet but not in person, and some were completely new. That alone was worth going for!They did Boot Camp in a new way this year. Boot Camp is an intensive workshop, early morning, before the regular conference started for the day. I was a little worried about the new format, but it worked much better than the old way! We had more time to get in depth, more time for better discussions, and staying at the same table instead of moving around saved time and let us get to know the other people at that table better. We had the chance to switch tables for the second day, and I didn't want to, so I stayed put. Well done, Boot Camp organizers!
I had a pitch session with Kirk Shaw, of Covenant. It didn't work out quite like I hoped. It turns out that Covenant reserves their "memoirs" for the General Authorities of the Church. (I don't qualify!) But Kirk was wonderful - very encouraging, and very helpful with suggestions to go to the national market and names of possible agents! Even though my manuscript didn't go any further that day, I walked out of our meeting feeling encouraged and motivated.
I didn't win the First Chapter contest, but again, I did recieve some very good feedback about them. (More to come on that later, it wasn't all good...) I have since read two of the chapters that did win, and frankly, they deserved it more than I did! Congrats and kudos to the winners!
I came home with a half dozen new books - I'll be doing reviews on at least two of them over the next couple of weeks - including "The Hourglass Door" by Lisa Mangum (fantastic! - kinda like Twilight, only BETTER!) and "Bone Warriors" by Bron Bahlmann (he's fifteen! I'm not done yet, but it sure starts great!).
The workshops and classes were great, as they always are. It dawned on me, though, that you can only talk, discuss, and study the craft so much. Then it comes down to actually writing - you know, that thing we do? And I have not been doing enough of that part of the equation.
So, even though I am not instantly rich and famous, and didn't get to stay for the entire program - it was absolutely worth it. I'll be going again next year, thats for sure.
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I'm so sorry you came home sick. That's not fun at all! But it was so good to see you at the conference!
I didn't get a copy of Lisa's book, but I'm hearing such awesome reviews! I'm going to buy it!!!! I'm glad to hear you say it's a good read (so far - can't wait for the review).
It was fun to hang out with you, Wendy!
Glad you have recovered.
(Were we too much for you, is that what you were saying? he he)
Write on!!
I had no idea you were so sick. I'm so sorry! I'm glad you're feeling better now.
Hey, from what you told us at lunch that day, your memoir sounds fascinating! I sure hope you're still going to share it with us!
Sorry you got sick, Wendy. Being sick sucks in every conceivable way.
And, can I ask, am I the only writer I know who hasn't attended a conference in the last few weeks?
It was great to see you. I wanted to chat but kept getting caught up in the whirlwind.
I had a great time.
WOW! This is so awesome that you got to go. I'm glad you're feeling better now. And I'm glad you had so much fun! I can't wait till I live in Utah! I'm so going to these! Jenni
a writers bootcamp - that sounds fun! wow i've never been to anything like a writers conference, probably nothing remotely like that in ye wilderness of north east scotland but i'd sure love to go to one sometimes. although, i laughed at the last bit you said - it seems that you can talk about writing all you want, but ultimately ya gotta remember to do it. I hope your writing is going well :)