Many who return from a conference come back inspired. They dive into their current project with renewed zeal. They float for weeks afterward, aloft on the residual excitement. New pages turn out effortlessly.
But...
I came back inspired, yet frustrated.
Spending every free minute with writers was incredible and uplifting. But when I got back home, I faced the tedium of everyday life. My schedule was extra strained just having to make sense of conference notes, author cards, and unpacking. It's enough to overwhelm anyone.
Worse, good friends were e-mailing me about the new book they'd started. They were writing with fire under their seats, whereas the only thing firing up at my house was the laundry in the dryer. I was happy for them but I wished to be in the same position.
I still had two passes of revisions left on my manuscript. I couldn't start a new book, because I refuse to start a new project until the current one is 100% complete. And I was already tired of revising. So all that terrific energy smoldered within, waiting to project itself. Did I mention I have about half the time to devote to writing in the summer as I do in the winter? Yeah, the burning built to an orange glow.
I'll admit it. I got a little ugly. A bit disappointed. Flat out sick of revising. The orange glow grew to code red.
I finished the revisions. And the volcano didn't erupt. All that conference excitement? It's still there, waiting to be poured into the next project. It just had to wait a bit.
I'd love to hear how you deal with conference aftermath. Did you bring home any negative energy? Or is it all rainbows and delight for you? I hope it's the latter! But if not, well, you aren't alone!
Have a terrific weekend!
Showing posts with label conferences. Show all posts
Showing posts with label conferences. Show all posts
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Conference: Oh, the Amazing Things You Learn
When I think of learning at conferences, I think of workshops. I didn't realize how much I'd learn in the lobby.
It amazed me how much information seeped in just from speaking to other writers. And I'm not talking about craft secrets or anything like that. I'm talking about small clips of conversations that settled into my brain and left an impact. Here's a sample:
-When I met a writer, I asked what they wrote. Four out of five said paranormal. And paranormal is still a hot genre. I just didn't realize how many wrote it! (Not a formal poll--just my interpretation.)
-The published writers I met shared their ups and their downs. They struggle with many of the same things I do, which surprised me.
-The agent I pitched to said three words that changed my mind about my submission strategy. Three words!
-Agents who blog and who have a massive web presence will give an author different advice about platforms than agents who don't.
-One best-selling author made a huge impression on me. She was at the literacy signing, and my friend and I walked past her table. She stopped us, waving her bookmarks, and we had a nice conversation. She went out of her way to make a personal connection with us, even though the room held thousands of people. Guess who bought her book? We both did. Lesson learned? You're never too big to not hand-sell your book. And people buy books from authors they like.
Wondering who the author was? Well, let's just say I plan on buying Jenna Petersen's books from now on. Talk about a funny, genuine, and inspiring lady.
When you return from conference, spend an hour or two and think about the little conversation tidbits that left an imprint on you. Analyze the people who impressed you and figure out why. This is the information that will stay with you forever.
Has a tidbit of information ever completely changed your course?
***I want to thank everyone who follows my blog. I've noticed new names over the past month. Thanks so much for taking the time to subscribe. I really appreciate your support. ***
Join me on Friday when we'll discuss unexpected feelings about a conference.
Happy Writing!
It amazed me how much information seeped in just from speaking to other writers. And I'm not talking about craft secrets or anything like that. I'm talking about small clips of conversations that settled into my brain and left an impact. Here's a sample:
-When I met a writer, I asked what they wrote. Four out of five said paranormal. And paranormal is still a hot genre. I just didn't realize how many wrote it! (Not a formal poll--just my interpretation.)
-The published writers I met shared their ups and their downs. They struggle with many of the same things I do, which surprised me.
-The agent I pitched to said three words that changed my mind about my submission strategy. Three words!
-Agents who blog and who have a massive web presence will give an author different advice about platforms than agents who don't.
-One best-selling author made a huge impression on me. She was at the literacy signing, and my friend and I walked past her table. She stopped us, waving her bookmarks, and we had a nice conversation. She went out of her way to make a personal connection with us, even though the room held thousands of people. Guess who bought her book? We both did. Lesson learned? You're never too big to not hand-sell your book. And people buy books from authors they like.
Wondering who the author was? Well, let's just say I plan on buying Jenna Petersen's books from now on. Talk about a funny, genuine, and inspiring lady.
When you return from conference, spend an hour or two and think about the little conversation tidbits that left an imprint on you. Analyze the people who impressed you and figure out why. This is the information that will stay with you forever.
Has a tidbit of information ever completely changed your course?
***I want to thank everyone who follows my blog. I've noticed new names over the past month. Thanks so much for taking the time to subscribe. I really appreciate your support. ***
Join me on Friday when we'll discuss unexpected feelings about a conference.
Happy Writing!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Conference: Free Time
If you've never been to a major writing conference, it's difficult to prepare yourself for what lies ahead. Whether the conference lasts a weekend or longer, you're probably wondering how you'll spend all of your free time. Perhaps a little sight-seeing? Or a leisurely tour of the hotel? Maybe a few hours by the pool in the afternoon?
Here's what I learned.
There is no free time.
Okay, maybe I exaggerated, but seriously, there won't be much time for you to unwind. Sure, it looks as if there's plenty of time to take the workshops, relax at lunch, and twiddle away the evenings, but conferences have a way of sucking you like a magnet to the other writers in the hotel.
I thought I'd go to a museum for a few hours, maybe see a few sights one night. Wrong!
The hotel buzzed with an energy I knew and loved--creative excitement. I didn't want to miss a minute. And even if I'd wanted to, the conference itself soaked up so much of my energy, I simply was too tired.
A few days in, though, all of the workshops and new people drained me. I needed to get away from the hotel, away from the swirling information in my head, away from it all. My girlfriend and I found a little restaurant near the hotel where we chatted for hours. It felt so good to just sit, talk, and absorb.
Listen to your mind and body. If your head is spinning, give it a break. If your body is exhausted, sit and have an ice cold soda for an hour. Don't worry about missing out on a workshop, or declining an invitation to join a group of writers if you desperately need to be alone.
You'll enjoy the conference if you pay attention to what you need. You won't enjoy it if you cram everything in even though you're exhausted. And don't plan on doing much sight-seeing. You won't have time.
Happy Writing!
Here's what I learned.
There is no free time.
Okay, maybe I exaggerated, but seriously, there won't be much time for you to unwind. Sure, it looks as if there's plenty of time to take the workshops, relax at lunch, and twiddle away the evenings, but conferences have a way of sucking you like a magnet to the other writers in the hotel.
I thought I'd go to a museum for a few hours, maybe see a few sights one night. Wrong!
The hotel buzzed with an energy I knew and loved--creative excitement. I didn't want to miss a minute. And even if I'd wanted to, the conference itself soaked up so much of my energy, I simply was too tired.
A few days in, though, all of the workshops and new people drained me. I needed to get away from the hotel, away from the swirling information in my head, away from it all. My girlfriend and I found a little restaurant near the hotel where we chatted for hours. It felt so good to just sit, talk, and absorb.
Listen to your mind and body. If your head is spinning, give it a break. If your body is exhausted, sit and have an ice cold soda for an hour. Don't worry about missing out on a workshop, or declining an invitation to join a group of writers if you desperately need to be alone.
You'll enjoy the conference if you pay attention to what you need. You won't enjoy it if you cram everything in even though you're exhausted. And don't plan on doing much sight-seeing. You won't have time.
Happy Writing!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Conferences: The Image You Project
Oh, conferences. Where we drop into a world full of writers and we might as well be tripping down the yellow brick road. I can only speak from my own experience, but I felt comfortable yet uncomfortable at the same time. Makes no sense, I know.
I felt comfortable because I'm at ease with other writers. It's fun learning about them. I enjoy meeting new people. I never felt like the odd-man-out; indeed, I felt right at home.
However, I felt uncomfortable because I'm not quite where I want to be on my journey. It felt crummy saying "No, I'm not published," especially when many of the authors I met either were published or about to be. In my mind, I set them at the big kid's table and myself at the little kid's table. But when I talked to them, they didn't make me feel that way. In fact, they treated me with dignity and respect.
From minute one, I had to remind myself not to quantify my work or my path. The temptation to excuse my unpublished state arose, but I didn't give in. (The good Lord listened to my prayers.)
My truth is this: I'm ready to be published, but my writing isn't. Maybe it will be soon, maybe it will be a few more years. Who knows? I didn't gloss this truth over, apologize for it, or try to make my writing sound better than it was. If someone was interested in where I was at, I was honest. And they didn't think less of me.
If we want to be accepted, we have to be comfortable with who we are, even if we aren't where we want to be. If you want other authors to take you seriously, take yourself seriously. You don't have to apologize for your lack of credentials. On the flip side, you don't have to boast about your impressive credentials. Just be honest.
And remember, the published authors you meet might not be exactly where they want to be either. They still deal with rejection. It may have taken them years to get published, too. Listen to them and empathize. They aren't holding the brass ring in the middle of the carousel. They're struggling with the same work and life issues as everyone else.
Remember, you have something special to offer the world. Be proud of who you are and where you're at.
Have a lovely weekend!
I felt comfortable because I'm at ease with other writers. It's fun learning about them. I enjoy meeting new people. I never felt like the odd-man-out; indeed, I felt right at home.
However, I felt uncomfortable because I'm not quite where I want to be on my journey. It felt crummy saying "No, I'm not published," especially when many of the authors I met either were published or about to be. In my mind, I set them at the big kid's table and myself at the little kid's table. But when I talked to them, they didn't make me feel that way. In fact, they treated me with dignity and respect.
From minute one, I had to remind myself not to quantify my work or my path. The temptation to excuse my unpublished state arose, but I didn't give in. (The good Lord listened to my prayers.)
My truth is this: I'm ready to be published, but my writing isn't. Maybe it will be soon, maybe it will be a few more years. Who knows? I didn't gloss this truth over, apologize for it, or try to make my writing sound better than it was. If someone was interested in where I was at, I was honest. And they didn't think less of me.
If we want to be accepted, we have to be comfortable with who we are, even if we aren't where we want to be. If you want other authors to take you seriously, take yourself seriously. You don't have to apologize for your lack of credentials. On the flip side, you don't have to boast about your impressive credentials. Just be honest.
And remember, the published authors you meet might not be exactly where they want to be either. They still deal with rejection. It may have taken them years to get published, too. Listen to them and empathize. They aren't holding the brass ring in the middle of the carousel. They're struggling with the same work and life issues as everyone else.
Remember, you have something special to offer the world. Be proud of who you are and where you're at.
Have a lovely weekend!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Meaningful Networking
When you attend a conference, you meet people--it's impossible not to! I'm sharing a few tips to soothe the meet-and-greet jitters. If you're like me, you may be socially at ease in your own circles--family, church, work, school--but a tad uncomfortable (or downright terrified) at the thought of meeting hundreds of writers.
If you're attending the conference with a few friends, you're very blessed. They're comforting, like a security blanket. You won't have to worry about having someone to sit next to at lunch, nor will you feel like a green M&M in a sea of yellows, and you'll have friends to share the ups and downs of each day with. Be thankful!
For all of you first timers who don't have a circle of friends to rely on, please remember you aren't the outsider looking in. Sure, there will be little cloisters of writers dotted throughout the facility. They all seem to know each other. They're laughing and patting each other on the back, hugging and hollering. And you might feel lonely, left out, as if you're the only stranger in the hotel. You aren't.
From the minute you arrive until the minute you leave, don't let the "poor me, everyone knows each other" attitude overcome you. You're going to have to step out of your comfort zone and make an effort.
And for all of you writers with a built in circle attending, you're going to want to step out of your comfort zone and make an effort too, or you'll miss out on meeting some incredible people.
Stop hyperventilating. You can do this. I'm going to show you how.
Here is my tip for meeting new people.
Mingle.
That's it. Easy!
Don't spend every second with your friends. Walk around and introduce yourself to people. Are you in line for something? Strike up a conversation with the lady in front of you. After the day's events are over, go down to the lounge. Sit next to a group of writers and introduce yourself. At workshops, talk to the people next to you before it starts. Don't let opportunities to be friendly pass you by.
So how do you strike up a conversation with a stranger at a writing conference? Again, easy!
1. Introduce yourself
2. Ask them where they're from.
3. Ask them what they write.
It's a guaranteed conversation starter. Everyone loves talking about what they write. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to all of the intriguing books people are working on.
If you think of it, ask for their card. Then, when you're back in your room, write a few notes about the person so you'll remember them. I met many, many people, but had meaningful conversations with about a dozen. When I returned home, I e-mailed the dozen. Will we always keep in touch? Doubtful, but I know I'll stay in touch with a few, and that's pretty great.
So here is my question for you: are you comfortable meeting new people or does it intimidate you? How will you handle the social aspect of conference?
If you get there and need a boost, e-mail me. I'll give you the nudge you need to meet some great people!
On a side note, I'm guest blogging over at Reality Covered in Chocolate today, so if you're addicted to magazines, or curious about someone who is (ahem), head on over! I appreciate your support!
Join me on Friday when we'll discuss the impression you make on people.
Happy Writing!
If you're attending the conference with a few friends, you're very blessed. They're comforting, like a security blanket. You won't have to worry about having someone to sit next to at lunch, nor will you feel like a green M&M in a sea of yellows, and you'll have friends to share the ups and downs of each day with. Be thankful!
For all of you first timers who don't have a circle of friends to rely on, please remember you aren't the outsider looking in. Sure, there will be little cloisters of writers dotted throughout the facility. They all seem to know each other. They're laughing and patting each other on the back, hugging and hollering. And you might feel lonely, left out, as if you're the only stranger in the hotel. You aren't.
From the minute you arrive until the minute you leave, don't let the "poor me, everyone knows each other" attitude overcome you. You're going to have to step out of your comfort zone and make an effort.
And for all of you writers with a built in circle attending, you're going to want to step out of your comfort zone and make an effort too, or you'll miss out on meeting some incredible people.
Stop hyperventilating. You can do this. I'm going to show you how.
Here is my tip for meeting new people.
Mingle.
That's it. Easy!
Don't spend every second with your friends. Walk around and introduce yourself to people. Are you in line for something? Strike up a conversation with the lady in front of you. After the day's events are over, go down to the lounge. Sit next to a group of writers and introduce yourself. At workshops, talk to the people next to you before it starts. Don't let opportunities to be friendly pass you by.
So how do you strike up a conversation with a stranger at a writing conference? Again, easy!
1. Introduce yourself
2. Ask them where they're from.
3. Ask them what they write.
It's a guaranteed conversation starter. Everyone loves talking about what they write. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to all of the intriguing books people are working on.
If you think of it, ask for their card. Then, when you're back in your room, write a few notes about the person so you'll remember them. I met many, many people, but had meaningful conversations with about a dozen. When I returned home, I e-mailed the dozen. Will we always keep in touch? Doubtful, but I know I'll stay in touch with a few, and that's pretty great.
So here is my question for you: are you comfortable meeting new people or does it intimidate you? How will you handle the social aspect of conference?
If you get there and need a boost, e-mail me. I'll give you the nudge you need to meet some great people!
On a side note, I'm guest blogging over at Reality Covered in Chocolate today, so if you're addicted to magazines, or curious about someone who is (ahem), head on over! I appreciate your support!
Join me on Friday when we'll discuss the impression you make on people.
Happy Writing!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Conference Preparation:What is Your Goal?
I know many of you will be in Colorado next month for ACFW's Annual Conference and some of you are signed up for other conferences this year or next. Congratulations!
The week before you leave will be full of little details--packing, smoothing out family and work problems, printing out travel plans, and making sure you have everything necessary to thrive at the conference. So, I'd like you to take some time now, or a few weeks before you're scheduled to leave, to clarify what you want out of the conference.
What is your goal in attending this conference?
You may have several, but one will stick out more than the others. This is your main goal, the one you want to focus your energy on. When you have met this, you can relax and pick activities that will meet your other goals. But don't waste all of your energy on activities that don't matter to you at the expense of the one that does.
My goal in attending RWA's National Conference was to make a personal connection with my dream editor and agent. In order to do this I scheduled pitch appointments. I wanted to discuss my book with each of them so they could put my name to my face, and, more than anything, I wanted to make a positive impression on them.
My lesser goals were to network and to make a few real connections each day, and to learn more about the publishing industry.
Please, please, do not set your main goal as "selling your book." A conference isn't a book-selling sweepstakes. It may help you sell your book. It may help you get your project in the right person's hands or it may nudge your foot in an agent's door, but you will not come home with a contract.
And many of you will disagree with me on this, and that's okay, but here is my opinion on a touchy subject.
Save your pitches for your pitch appointments.
These poor agents and editors are stalked relentlessly. They don't want to get accosted in the elevator. They're tired, they're stressed, and they want to relax at night. They don't want to listen to a complete stranger's book concept outside of a pitch session. (If I were an agent or editor, I might not even want to listen to the pitches in the sessions! It looked exhausting.)
I'm not saying to ignore the agents and editors if you see them in the lobby, but treat them as you would any other human being. Be friendly. If you've already pitched your book, go up to them and say hello, chit chat a minute, then leave them alone. Don't make it all about you and your writing. Respect them.
If your main goal is to learn more about the industry, then plan on attending at least one industry related workshop each day. If you want to immerse yourself in craft, attend at least one craft related workshop each day. If you're there to network, try to make two or three meaningful connections every day.
Remember, everyone has different goals at a conference. Don't be afraid to say no to an invitation from another writer if the event will take away from one of your goals. You can always meet up later that evening or for breakfast.
Join me on Wednesday when I'll discuss the finer points of meaningful networking.
Happy Writing!
The week before you leave will be full of little details--packing, smoothing out family and work problems, printing out travel plans, and making sure you have everything necessary to thrive at the conference. So, I'd like you to take some time now, or a few weeks before you're scheduled to leave, to clarify what you want out of the conference.
What is your goal in attending this conference?
You may have several, but one will stick out more than the others. This is your main goal, the one you want to focus your energy on. When you have met this, you can relax and pick activities that will meet your other goals. But don't waste all of your energy on activities that don't matter to you at the expense of the one that does.
My goal in attending RWA's National Conference was to make a personal connection with my dream editor and agent. In order to do this I scheduled pitch appointments. I wanted to discuss my book with each of them so they could put my name to my face, and, more than anything, I wanted to make a positive impression on them.
My lesser goals were to network and to make a few real connections each day, and to learn more about the publishing industry.
Please, please, do not set your main goal as "selling your book." A conference isn't a book-selling sweepstakes. It may help you sell your book. It may help you get your project in the right person's hands or it may nudge your foot in an agent's door, but you will not come home with a contract.
And many of you will disagree with me on this, and that's okay, but here is my opinion on a touchy subject.
Save your pitches for your pitch appointments.
These poor agents and editors are stalked relentlessly. They don't want to get accosted in the elevator. They're tired, they're stressed, and they want to relax at night. They don't want to listen to a complete stranger's book concept outside of a pitch session. (If I were an agent or editor, I might not even want to listen to the pitches in the sessions! It looked exhausting.)
I'm not saying to ignore the agents and editors if you see them in the lobby, but treat them as you would any other human being. Be friendly. If you've already pitched your book, go up to them and say hello, chit chat a minute, then leave them alone. Don't make it all about you and your writing. Respect them.
If your main goal is to learn more about the industry, then plan on attending at least one industry related workshop each day. If you want to immerse yourself in craft, attend at least one craft related workshop each day. If you're there to network, try to make two or three meaningful connections every day.
Remember, everyone has different goals at a conference. Don't be afraid to say no to an invitation from another writer if the event will take away from one of your goals. You can always meet up later that evening or for breakfast.
Join me on Wednesday when I'll discuss the finer points of meaningful networking.
Happy Writing!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
August Topic: Believe in Yourself
The last hurrah of summer--August! I know many of you will be attending ACFW's conference in September, and I wanted to encourage you as you prepare. After my experience at RWA National Conference, I can guess what many of you are feeling in the days leading up to such an exciting event.
Please take a few moments each day this month to believe in yourself. It doesn't matter if you're writing your first book or have completed your tenth--you're a writer and that's enough. Do not feel inadequate if you aren't published yet. Do not pin every hope on your current manuscript. And do not wish you were further on your journey. You are exactly where you need to be right now.
If you're attending next month's conference, relax. Soon, you'll be out of your cocoon, surrounded by talented writers, and it will be an absolute rush. But it might also prove intimidating for anyone not published. Don't worry and don't compare. No one will think less of you if you aren't published. And if you are published? Please take time out of your busy schedule to encourage a few writers who aren't. They'll remember you forever.
If you aren't attending next month's conference, relax. Maybe you desperately wanted to go but couldn't afford it. Or maybe you've never heard of it and could care less. Either way, you're blessed with time at home to focus on your current project. When it's the right time for you to go, you will.
So join me as I share practical tips on keeping your confidence level high this month. No matter what step you are on in your journey, you should feel elated. You're in the game. That's all that matters.
Happy Writing!
Please take a few moments each day this month to believe in yourself. It doesn't matter if you're writing your first book or have completed your tenth--you're a writer and that's enough. Do not feel inadequate if you aren't published yet. Do not pin every hope on your current manuscript. And do not wish you were further on your journey. You are exactly where you need to be right now.
If you're attending next month's conference, relax. Soon, you'll be out of your cocoon, surrounded by talented writers, and it will be an absolute rush. But it might also prove intimidating for anyone not published. Don't worry and don't compare. No one will think less of you if you aren't published. And if you are published? Please take time out of your busy schedule to encourage a few writers who aren't. They'll remember you forever.
If you aren't attending next month's conference, relax. Maybe you desperately wanted to go but couldn't afford it. Or maybe you've never heard of it and could care less. Either way, you're blessed with time at home to focus on your current project. When it's the right time for you to go, you will.
So join me as I share practical tips on keeping your confidence level high this month. No matter what step you are on in your journey, you should feel elated. You're in the game. That's all that matters.
Happy Writing!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
What Agents Want: RWA National Conference 2009
At RWA Nationals, I was fortunate enough to listen to a panel of agents tell exactly what they're looking for right now. It was interesting to hear what's hot and what's not. Also, I couldn't help but get the scoop from other writers. Whether they learned something from an agent pitch or their published friend, they shared the latest info.
Paranormal is still really huge. Almost every agent wants paranormal. However, I'm going to hone in on the bits and pieces I gleaned from them. (This is only my opinion based on the comments I listened to in workshops.) There's an oversaturation of writers emulating the Twilight series. Agents are getting bombarded with vampire stories, but many of the books aren't original. So yes, keep sending paranormals, but try to set yourself apart with a truly unique idea, and maybe stay away from vampires for a while.
Next wave of the future? STEAM PUNK. I heard this term over and over from agents. They see the next hot trend as steam punk aimed at young adults. Think historical settings with steam-powered modern technology. If you're confused about this, rent Wild Wild West.
Also, post-apocalyptic thrillers, like Cloverfield, seemed to excite a few agents.
For all you inspirational writers out there: do your agent research. Four out of six agents on a panel I listened to specifically said they DO NOT WANT INSPIRATIONAL. It seems to be a hot-button genre. Either the agents want it or they don't. And many agents don't. So please, verify what genres the agent represents before you query. Why waste your time and theirs?
Historical is still hot. Chick-lit is not. If you're writing contemporary romance, you need to have a high concept or "upmarket women's contemporary fiction" to get someone to take a chance on you right now. Upmarket women's fiction is a more literary story. Think Jodi Picoult, not Sophie Kinsella. (Although both are tremendous writers!)
As always, every agent is looking for an extremely well-written book. So don't be afraid to take a chance with a lukewarm genre if your writing is phenomenal. They want fresh ideas and great writing.
If you have any questions about this topic, please ask. I don't know all the answers, but I'll be happy to share anything I learned.
Happy Writing!
Paranormal is still really huge. Almost every agent wants paranormal. However, I'm going to hone in on the bits and pieces I gleaned from them. (This is only my opinion based on the comments I listened to in workshops.) There's an oversaturation of writers emulating the Twilight series. Agents are getting bombarded with vampire stories, but many of the books aren't original. So yes, keep sending paranormals, but try to set yourself apart with a truly unique idea, and maybe stay away from vampires for a while.
Next wave of the future? STEAM PUNK. I heard this term over and over from agents. They see the next hot trend as steam punk aimed at young adults. Think historical settings with steam-powered modern technology. If you're confused about this, rent Wild Wild West.
Also, post-apocalyptic thrillers, like Cloverfield, seemed to excite a few agents.
For all you inspirational writers out there: do your agent research. Four out of six agents on a panel I listened to specifically said they DO NOT WANT INSPIRATIONAL. It seems to be a hot-button genre. Either the agents want it or they don't. And many agents don't. So please, verify what genres the agent represents before you query. Why waste your time and theirs?
Historical is still hot. Chick-lit is not. If you're writing contemporary romance, you need to have a high concept or "upmarket women's contemporary fiction" to get someone to take a chance on you right now. Upmarket women's fiction is a more literary story. Think Jodi Picoult, not Sophie Kinsella. (Although both are tremendous writers!)
As always, every agent is looking for an extremely well-written book. So don't be afraid to take a chance with a lukewarm genre if your writing is phenomenal. They want fresh ideas and great writing.
If you have any questions about this topic, please ask. I don't know all the answers, but I'll be happy to share anything I learned.
Happy Writing!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Whew! I Made It Out Alive!
It's Monday, July 20, and I'm still shaking from head to toe. How can I describe the RWA 2009 National Conference? I'm not sure it's possible! Thank you, thank you, for all of your support and prayers while I was away. Your well-wishes make such a difference in my life. Although we have not met in person, I feel we are all kindred spirits. I appreciate you all so much.
Here are a few conference highlights and lowlights:
I met Stephanie Laurens. I met Stephanie Laurens. Yeah. I did. And I almost cried. I could barely speak. I was a complete idiot, grinning, babbling, and here's a picture of the two of us!! She's one of the coolest, classiest, nicest women I've ever met, and I would have loved to ask her a million questions. Yet, I stood there like an imbecile, just basking in her presence. It was awesome!!
Here are a few conference highlights and lowlights:
I met Stephanie Laurens. I met Stephanie Laurens. Yeah. I did. And I almost cried. I could barely speak. I was a complete idiot, grinning, babbling, and here's a picture of the two of us!! She's one of the coolest, classiest, nicest women I've ever met, and I would have loved to ask her a million questions. Yet, I stood there like an imbecile, just basking in her presence. It was awesome!!
Stephanie Laurens and I. I'm the one grinning like a fool on the right! Meeting her was like meeting a movie star. I'll always cherish this picture!
(Funny story. My roomie met her the next day and told her about me. My roomie said, "Stephanie, I'm going to tell Jill you remembered how weird she was," and Stephanie said, "I don't remember anyone being strange. Oh, no, don't tell her that!" Guess what my roomie did? She told me, "Yeah, Stephanie remembered what a spaz you were." I was laughing, yelling, "I know! I was a spaz!" and then she came clean. We laughed so hard!!)
Let's move on. Pitching. Wow. Both of my appointments were on Friday. I woke up with a horrific migraine. I barely made it out of bed, but after a few Motrin tablets and a coffee, I could speak without sounding like a head wound victim. I'm pretty sure my eyes were not focusing properly, though.
My first pitch went well. The agent was professional, friendly, and I was very impressed. I then went straight back to bed with more Motrin and repeated the process later in the afternoon, when I pitched to my target editor. She also was very professional, very honest, and later that evening I processed things both the agent and editor told me. I could see myself working with both women. (And yes, I got two requests for partials, although my book may not work for the editor and she was up front about why, which I appreciated.)
I spent hours in workshops. It's one thing to read guidelines online and another to hear what an editor is looking for from her own mouth. After listening to agents, editors, authors, and publicists speak, I felt like I took a crash course in publishing. I met many warm, inviting, and generous writers. Some were best-selling authors. Some were on the cusp of being published. Some were not entirely certain they want to write for a living. And everyone I met amazed me.
I dare any writer at any level in his or her career to not feel elated and humble in a room of two thousand writers. Talk about inspiring. I can't even express.
What did I take away from the conference?
1. I'm refocusing my energy on what I write best: category inspirational romance (aka: Steeple Hill Love Inspired). I'm not edgy or gritty, and I think targeting suspense is not appropriate for me right now.
2. I can write more. Stephanie Bond gave an incredible workshop on making a living writing romance novels. She broke down how to make money, how to keep your money, how to squeeze out extra pages every day, and how to make annual goals and keep them. If any of you get a chance to take one of her workshops, do it.
3. Steeple Hill authors are genuine, welcoming, and extremely inviting. They went out of their way to include me and I am very thankful to them all.
4. I will not even dream about sight-seeing when I go to another conference. There simply isn't time!
5. Free Books!! I bought tons of books at the Literacy Signing (proceeds go to charity) but I also got plenty of free books. In a few days, two boxes of fresh books will arrive and I can't wait to touch them all.
Again, thank you all for your comments, prayers, and thoughts while I was away. I can't wait to catch up with you all and see what I missed.
Have a wonderful Monday!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Hyperventilation Wednesday!
Guess what? Today I'm in Washington D.C. attending Romance Writers of America's National Conference!! I've been dreaming of this moment for six months, although the past few weeks have mostly filled me with nervous dread.
Will I make a fool of myself at some point this week? You betcha! I don't look for ways to embarrass myself; it's inevitable.
But who cares? I'll be in the same room as Stephanie Laurens tonight! She writes historical romance. Her Cynster series is so good, I've read several of the books more than once. She'll be at the literacy signing and I'll wait in line for hours if need be to get her autograph. I wonder if I'll be rendered speechless with my mouth flapping in the wind or will I babble incoherently? Hmm? The other option is that I'll be poised and cool and fabulous, but that's just crazy talk.
Have any of you watched Notting Hill? Do you remember when Hugh Grant's little sister meets Julia Roberts? She says something like, "this is one of those moments when I have a chance to be really cool and I'm going to blow it 100%."
Yep. I'm going to blow it 100%.
Have a terrific Wednesday!! I won't be able to check comments until I get back, but please leave one because I love, love, love hearing from you!
Will I make a fool of myself at some point this week? You betcha! I don't look for ways to embarrass myself; it's inevitable.
But who cares? I'll be in the same room as Stephanie Laurens tonight! She writes historical romance. Her Cynster series is so good, I've read several of the books more than once. She'll be at the literacy signing and I'll wait in line for hours if need be to get her autograph. I wonder if I'll be rendered speechless with my mouth flapping in the wind or will I babble incoherently? Hmm? The other option is that I'll be poised and cool and fabulous, but that's just crazy talk.
Have any of you watched Notting Hill? Do you remember when Hugh Grant's little sister meets Julia Roberts? She says something like, "this is one of those moments when I have a chance to be really cool and I'm going to blow it 100%."
Yep. I'm going to blow it 100%.
Have a terrific Wednesday!! I won't be able to check comments until I get back, but please leave one because I love, love, love hearing from you!
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