In only a few weeks, our staff will be venturing west for the Writer’s Digest Conference in Los Angeles, set for Oct. 19-21.
On tap this year, writers can expect keynotes by Aimee Bender and Steven James, sessions taught by authors Elizabeth Sims, James Scott Bell, Rob Eagar, Nina Amir and many others, workshops on everything from crafting characters to agents and marketing, and, of course, our signature speed-dating style pitch slam loaded with agents.
If you’re going (or if you’re planning to attend another conference any time soon), here’s some valuable advice from an article the brilliant Elizabeth Sims wrote for us. (If you see her at the Writer’s Digest Conference West, I highly recommend offering to tap her wisdoms over a martini. She’s good people. And wise people, if you’ll forgive my already broken colloquialisms.)
*
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF ANY CONFERENCE
1. Arrive early to scope out everything, get settled and make friends. It’s incredibly bracing to have someone you can eat with or wave to as you enter a room.
2. Be on the lookout for faculty hanging around during downtime. Strike up a conversation, not about yourself and your work, but about them, because you’re here to learn. Try questions like, “If you were just starting out today, what would you be writing?” or, “What’s the best attribute an author can have?”
3. Carry a full-sized notebook for the full-sized ideas you’re going to write—not a tiny one for tiny ideas.
4. Focus sharply on what you want. Make a mission statement: “At this conference I intend to learn how to write better suspense / organize my nonfiction project / figure out an ending to my novel.”
5. If you’ve submitted work for critique, be open and receptive. Never argue or try to justify anything. Ask for more explanation, but don’t take notes—it’ll only distract you. As soon as it’s over, write full notes.
6. Make up your mind you won’t be judgmental, easily offended or needy. Remember, it’s not about you—it’s about your writing.
Bonus tips:
- Take nothing for granted. Speak up and ask lots of questions.
- Cut your losses and leave a session that’s not right for you. Step in late to another one where you might learn something truly useful. If that fails, find a sunny spot outside, open your notebook, and do some writing until lunch. Any writing.
- Writing is the only thing that matters. Do it.
- Agents might be only human (as they continually insist they are), but they can also be as callous as dingoes, so cast a wide net when searching for a good one.
- In spite of everything going against us, writers are as doggedly hopeful as orphans on Parents’ Day. This, I think, should be celebrated.
- Fight smugness and spitefulness for all you’re worth.
- Worship ye not heroes.
- Figure out how much whiskey you think you’ll need, then pack double that amount.
Zachary Petit is an award-winning journalist, the managing editor of Writer’s Digest magazine, and the co-author of A Year of Writing Prompts: 366 Story Ideas for Honing Your Craft and Eliminating Writer’s Block.
Like what you read from WD online? Check us out in print, or check out our digital subscription. Also, do you have a question for a writing pro? We’re starting a new advice column, and nothing is off limits. Click here for more details and the scoop on how to submit your question.
No matter if you are new to writing or looking to connect with other passionate writers like yourself, the Writer’s Digest Conference West is the place to be. This special event takes place October 19-21 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel & Spa in Los Angeles, CA.
5 Reasons to Attend the Writer’s Digest Conference West
When you attend this conference, you’ll:
- Explore publishing trends. Hear industry pros debate the pros and cons of self-publishing, discuss the best ways to market your book, and listen to them share their perspectives on writing the first chapter or mastering conflict and suspense.
- Get discovered. Ever heard of a pitch slam? During the conference, you’ll have opportunity to sit down with agents, pitch your work, and receive immediate feedback. More than 30 agents who are seeking new writers will be in attendance.
- Learn from bestselling authors. Do you want to know the secrets to writing a novel or building an audience? Attend sessions focused on writing-related topics with award-winning writers like James Scott Bell, Steven James, Elizabeth Sims, Aimee Bender, Nina Amir, Victoria Lynn Schmidt, and many more!
- Network and connect with liked-minded writers. Being around other writers can not only provide you with the inspiration and encouragement you need to hone your craft but also potentially lead to new opportunities!
Additional Details
Interested in attending this year’s conference? Look at the register page and choose from several options!
The price to attend the full conference for an individual is $495.
If you only want to attend all the sessions offered on Saturday, including the Pitch Slam and lunch, you’ll pay $375.
The price to attend the exclusive boot camp with Rob Eagar, author of Sell Your Book Like Wildfire, is $199.
You can also choose to attend all three conferences–StoryWorld Conference + Expo 2012 (October 17-19), Screenwriters World Conference 2012 (October 19-21), and the Writer’s Digest Conference West 2012 (October 19-21) at the Loews Hollywood Hotel–for $945.
If you book your hotel by September 24th, you’ll be able to take advantage of a special, discounted hotel rate of $199 (plus taxes and gratuities). Click here to see rates and to reserve your room.
Mark your calendar now & plan on attending this year’s Writer’s Digest Conference West!
Register now!
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
~Seneca
I am a big believer in preparation, especially when it comes to writing conferences. Probably because I look at conferences as more of “workferences.” I mean, yes, I confer with a ton of people. But honestly, I work that event like a politician in a room full of babies.
Which doesn’t exactly sound polite. And I am
very polite. But I’m also a writer determined to maximize my return of investment. And that takes weeks of preparation before I ever walk (nervously) through the doors of opportunity.
Here’s what I do. (Maybe it’ll help you.)
Check the schedule and target the sessions that offer you the advice and information you need
for where you are in your writer’s journey. If you’re a sparkly new writer, you’ll want to find classes for the beginner. But if you have a couple of finished manuscripts, you'll want to hear what agents and editors have to say. Most conferences offer plenty of sessions, for all levels of writers.
Research the speakers. Read the books they’ve authored, or at least familiarize yourself with what they’ve published. For agents, know what they’re looking for, and for editors, check the books they’ve edited. Because you may find yourself at lunch (mostly because you planned it that way) sitting next to the editor from a huge publishing house. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could say, “Oh, I loved (fill-in-the-blank-with-a-book-she-edited)!” And a delightful conversation ensues.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. You don’t want to be
that writer, the one who’s sucking up. But you’re not sucking up; you’re working. Speakers want to help you. They’re happy to share their expertise. They come to conferences, expecting to meet and talk with lots and lots of writers.
They’re looking for their next writer star.Of course, if you know
too much about a speaker, you’re saying, “I’m that crazy writer who’ll pick up your used napkin after you leave.” You do
not want to be that writer.
You
do want to be that writer who says, “Wow. That conference was worth every penny!” So put in the work before the conference and you may find yourself quoting Henry Hartman who said, “
Success happens when opportunity meets preparation.”
(I prepare
Cathy-on-a-Stick for conferences as well. But she never really behaves herself.)
This year’s NE-SCBWI Conference (my sixth) was different for me. As the On-the-Spot Critique Coordinator, I was one of numerous volunteers responsible for making a successful conference. In my position, I felt deeply obligated to the attendees, wanting to facilitate proper connections to editors/agents, and I’d promised these same professionals that I’d do my best to secure them additional critiques. In truth, I was scared. Since becoming the On-the-Spot Critique Coordinator less than a month ago, I have secretly fretted, while my daily early-morning writing time turned into early-morning e-mail communication, chart-making, and teaching myself how to make a spreadsheet. (I am also a committee co-chair for the upcoming New Jersey SCBWI Conference.) My manuscripts lay untouched; my muse went on strike.
Preparing for the conference reminded me of my earlier years in the business of writing for children, when I was unsure and questioned my abilities. Self-doubt hinders your growth as an artist. So I stopped thinking about What Might Not Happen (that the on-the-spot critiques would be a failure) and I began to believe that I could, indeed, pull this off. But to do this, I had to call on my Inspired Frame-of-Mind, which is strong, determined, and follows the muse with much delight, like a kitten chasing an unraveling ball of red yarn. I write what my characters tell me, and on some level, believe they are the ones shaping their stories, not me. I continue to struggle with writing for my blog, for that voice comes from a different place, where self-criticism has rented a tiny room and ignores my weekly eviction notice.
So in my Inspired Frame-of-Mind, I faced the task of being a successful conference coordinator: I worked diligently and focused on being positive, while doing everything possible to sell these critiques. The bar to succeed is set high due to the tireless efforts of our region’s longtime coordinators, who have given so much of their time over the years: Marilyn Salerno, Joyce Shor Johnson, Kathryn Hulick, Melissa Hed. Valarie Giogas. Laura Pauling. Melissa Stewart. Casey Girard. Betty Brown. Sally Riley. Jean Woodbury. Linda Brennan. Jennifer Carson. Joannie Duris. Anna Boll. Jennifer O’Keefe. Greg Fishbone. Francine Puckly. Margo Lemieux. And Shirley Pearson, who I hope can one day step out from behind the registration table to pursue her own dreams. I apologize in advance for not listing every name, though my gratitude is intended for all. Thank you! The NE-SCBWI Conference reflects your efforts, selfless dedication, and enthusiasm for our wonderful community. A community filled
I’m going to go ahead and toss the illusion of journalistic objectivity out the window for a second, and put this on the table: I love ThrillerFest.
We sponsor it every year, and in 2011 I attended for the first time. I was blown away. There are craft sessions taught by bestselling writers. Lively panels. A pitch slam. Some of the most fun cocktail parties in publishing (I was reduced to a giggling teenager when I saw Margaret Atwood wandering around).
Perhaps the best part: Everyone is approachable, from the debut authors to the heavy hitters.
This year, ThrillerFest is July 11-14 in New York. Of the dozens and dozens of authors on hand, Jack Higgins, R.L. Stine, Lee Child, Catherine Coulter, John Sandford, Ann Rule, Richard North Patterson and Karin Slaughter will be there.
And here’s the scoop on how you can be part of it. Executive director Kimberley Howe is giving one WD reader a Day Pass for Friday, July 13—one of the best days of the conference. The pass includes full access to all ThrillerFest programming for the day, as well as a ticket to the Love is Murder cocktail party that celebrates the release of the International Thriller Writers’ third anthology.
Event programming runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and includes spotlight interviews with Lee Child and Catherine Coulter. Former FBI and counterterrorism expert David Major will also share his tales from his days at the White House.
… So how do you win the pass? Easy enough.
In the comments section below, just tell us who your favorite thriller writer is by 2 p.m. next Friday. We’ll put all the names of the commenters into a hat and randomly draw one winner. We’ll announce the winner Monday, July 19.
Good luck! Hope to see you there.
For more on ThrillerFest, visit thrillerfest.com.
Now, back to being objective and such.
Zachary Petit is an award-winning journalist, the managing editor of Writer’s Digest magazine, and the co-author of A Year of Writing Prompts: 366 Story Ideas for Honing Your Craft and Eliminating Writer’s Block.
Like what you read from WD online? Don’t miss an issue in print!
This year for our Houston SCBWI conference, I put together a video of the authors who were selling books at our conference bookstore and the books they would have for sale. Click here if you would like to take a look at our conference bookstore. This is by no means the full range of published authors in our chapter and many of the authors in this film clip have more books (in some cases many, many more!) than they chose to include in this year’s bookstore. The logo artwork is by Diandra Mae, and the music is courtesy of Ginny and the Weasley’s at http://www.ginnyandtheweasleys.co.uk/.
And now for this week’s events, including one of my critique partners And a much-appreciated Beta reader. I need to learn teleportation!
April 14, Wednesday, 7:00 pm
Blue Willow Bookshop
Gayle Forman
Gayle Forman will discuss and sign her newest YA novel, WHERE SHE WENT.
In Where She Went, the follow-up to If I Stay, it’s been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam’s life forever.
Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard’s rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia’s home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future-and each other.
Told from Adam’s point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.
For important information about this event, please go to Blue Willow’s Special Events page.
April 16, Saturday, 2:00 p.m.
Blue Willow Bookshop
Varsha Bajaj
Varsha Bajaj will discuss and sign her picture book, T IS FOR TAJ MAHAL: AN INDIA ALPHABET. From the quiet grandeur of the Himalaya Mountains to the urban city of Calcutta, T is for Taj Mahal: An India Alphabet showcases India’s exotic treasures.
Visit the haunting Taj Mahal, a tribute from an emperor to his dead wife. Traverse the bustling streets of Mumbai, the second most populated city in the world. Sample a traditional meal fragrant with garam masala spices, or attend a cricket match where some games have lasted up to five days!
For important information about this event, please go to Blue Willow’s Special Events page.
Before I show you this week’s events line up, including the book launch for Christina Mandelski’s THE SWEETEST THING, I have a few more things to share from the Houston Writers Guild conference this past weekend. When you’re tired of reading my two posts on this conference but still want to hear more, check out these posts:
Josh Getzler
Nikki Loftin
S. L. Hennessy
Sarah Warburton
I think I mentioned on my last post that I was on the Young Adult track for this conference, which means I got to hear Elaine Scott, Nikki Loftin, Kimberly Morris and C.C. Hunter (aka Christie Craig).
Elaine Scott, who spoke on writing nonfiction for kids, told us how she got into the business and her bold approach to an agent during Elaine’s first writers’ conference, which resulted in her signing with that agent. Along with giving us complete details on how to write a nonfiction book proposal, Elaine gave us some tips on writing a successful nonfiction book for kids:
- You don’t have to write what you are an expert in—research and make contacts.
- Don’t forget you are telling a story.
- Look at School Library Journal to see what librarians are looking for, but don’t forget that your passion for the topic is essential to its success.
Nikki Loftin, whose debut novel The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy pitched as Coraline meets Hansel and Gretel, about a young girl whose seemingly delightful new school hides frightening secrets, will be published by Razorbill in 2012. Nikki talked about her path to publication and emphasized the importance of a perfect query letter, (even suggesting you trick friends into reading your query by making it a find-the-hidden-mistakes game) and the importance of not querying before your manuscript is ready. Nikki left us with these querying tips:
- Be bold.
- Be resilient.
- Be nice.
- Be brave.
- Then write your next novel.
Though I am eager to start my third day in Chautauqua, I wonder how Monday can match Sunday’s experience. Not only is Send in the Clowns stuck in my head (and I can’t stop singing the song), for last night’s supper, we were treated to the best barbecued chicken I have ever eaten. And then, there were those chocolate frosted brownies next to an invisible sign with my name on it that said, “These special writer’s brownies are meant to be eaten in multiple portions. Do not eat just one!” I think everyone had an invisible sign with his or her name, because I was not the only one going for seconds—and thirds, and then, halfway to the bus, I turned around, yelling to Nanci. “I can’t help it. Save me a seat. Do you want another brownie?”
Prior to being served dinner, we were encouraged to walk the lovely grounds at Westfield and to pick our own blueberries to eat—one of my favorite fruits. I was so smitten with photographing the blueberries that I realized–too late–that I had nothing to collect the blueberries in. I did the next best thing: I ate one after another, until a gentleman offered me his full cup of blueberries. (I savored them for days.) Thank you, kind sir!
My belly full of blueberries, I listened to the birds sing, studied insects on leaves, and then discovered The Land of Dinosaurs Versus Trucks, which is where I was when the call of “Chicken being served,” resounded through the fields.
After everyone had eaten, we settled in our seats, where we quickly fell under Joy Cowley’s spell. If I had attended the Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop in 2010, I would have missed Joy. And I can’t imagine missing the opportunity to connect with her. Joy returned this year after a three-year absence, and she is an absolute joy!
- Joy Cowley
Joy speaks from the heart and from years of experience, and with such love for others, you feel as if you are a child, alone in a room with her, listening to stories. I would have sat there all night if I could. She stresse
When I was a student back in the last century, there were three things you could count on happening the first day of school; somebody would throw up, the PA system issued a stream of incomprehensible directives ("First lunch students will eat during second lunch..."). While my teacher figured out the intricacies of her Delaney Book seating chart, there would be our first assignment on the chalkboard, right under "Hello, my name is Mrs. (Fill in the Blank). 99 per cent of the time it was "What I Did on My Summer Vacation." Sometimes this was followed by the threat "Spelling and punctuation count. Must be at least 250 words."
This assignment was so predictable that after second grade, I started wrting the essay in advance, so I could read a library book instead. The kids who went to the Wisconsin Dells or some place truly exotic like Disneyland had no problem. Kids who stayed home and spent the summer running through the lawn sprinkler or worse, in summer school, (the equivalent of a stint in Sing Sing) stared at their three ring binders, and sweated bullets. Five minutes into the school year, and the threat of next year's summer school was already nipping at their heels.
Somewhere between my school days and my daughter's, the "What I Did..." essay had gone the way of the dodo bird. Instead, every morning, she was expected to write in a "journal" for five to ten minutes, using a writing prompt on the white board. I am not a fan of writing prompts. It's hard to come up with a hundred and eighty or so age-appropriate writing prompts, year after year. The kids knew that what they wrote didn't matter, just that they wrote something. Their grade came from the teaching flipping through the journals looking for blank pages or suspiciously short essays.
Whoever came up with the journal idea had good intentions. Being able to write English fluently is always a handy skill. Unfortunately, journals turn an awful lot of kids off. I wouldn't be a writer today if I had been expected to write on a narrowly defined topic, first thing in the morning. Every morning. By middle school, these journals were used in every class (except P.E.). Six or seven prompts a day would give me brain freeze.
OK teachers, I am going to give you a writer's workout that will cause you to roll your eyes, gnash your teeth, and call me nasty names (hopefully, not in front of your class.) And yes, it will take more time (in the beginning). Ready? Let's rev up that creative part of the brain that has probably lain dormant all summer.
Writer's Workout
(This is adapted from
Writing Workshop: The Essential Guide by Ralph Fletcher and JoAnn Portalupi.)
Equipment needed: Teacher: A timer, a small legal pad, and writing instrument. Students; the same,minus the timer.
Plan plenty of time for this exercise; the more students you have, the more time you'll need. Don't plan on multitasking. Your students will need your full attention.
First, share a couple of your own (short) ancedotes. This serves several purposes. One, students seem more open to learning if they know a little something about you. Something interesting to
them. For instance, second graders are probably not going to care that you like gardening, have two grandchildren and your cat got stuck in a tree last week.
They
may be intereste
Last week, I mentioned what an amazing line-up of events we have going on in Houston in September. As well as having many wonderful bookstores in Houston, both big chain stores and outstanding independent bookstores, Houston is also fortunate to have several excellent writers’ organizations. One event I forgot to mention is a multi-author signing at the Barnes & Noble at Town & Country Village on September 17th. The writers at this event are part of the Houston Writers’ Guild—an organization with authors across all genres and age groups—which hosts a conference each year featuring prominent editors and agents. They have already announced the date for next year’s conference, so if you are a writer or an aspiring writer, mark Friday, April 13-14, 2012 on your calendars! I had a great time this year (and part 2 here), and I’m looking forward to Market Sense for the Writer, 2012.
This week’s event:
September 10, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Katy Budget Books
Sophie Jordan
Sophie Jordan presents VANISH, the dramatic follow up to her debut paranormal young adult novel Firelight.
To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.
.jpeg?picon=2850)
By:
Kristi Holl,
on 10/7/2011
Blog:
Writers First Aid
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
strategy,
time management,
writing conferences,
writing challenges,
writing books,
writing advice,
marketing,
making money,
Uncategorized,
Add a tag
The Frugal Book Promoter: Second Edition: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher.
I very rarely read an e-book and then buy the hard copy–but I did in this case. I have to mark it up, add my colored flags and post-its, and turn down page corners.
Why? Because it is so very full of practical, usable, frugal marketing advice. (And I mean frugal in terms of both money and your time.) I already owned the 2004 first edition, but publishing times have changed so much–and this 2011 updated version reflects that.
Why a New Edition?
We all know that book promotion (and life!) has changed since The Frugal Book Promoter was first published in 2004–particularly in ways that have to do with the Web, but in other ways, too. As an example, the publishing world in general is more open to independent publishing now than it was then. So, this update includes lots of information on ways to promote that were not around or were in their infancy a few short years ago.
So here is what is new:
- A simplified method for making social networks actually work–without spending too much time away from my writing
- How to avoid falling into some of the scam-traps for authors
- The best “old-fashioned” ways to promote–the ones I shouldn’t give up on entirely
- How to write (and publish) an award-worthy book
- How to promote your book to mobile users and others
- The pitfalls of using the Web and how to avoid them
- Unusual methods of getting reviews–even long after your book has been published
Up-to-Date
Today’s technology, social networking and marketing techniques are covered. Updated web resources abound. Advice in sync with today’s Internet are incorporated:
* Blogging tips and pitfalls
* Obtaining reviews and avoiding scams
* Finding places to pitch your book
* Using the eBook explosion to promote sales
* Using Google alerts to full advantage
* Staying on top of current trends in the publishing industry
* Writing quality query, media release letters and scripts for telephone pitches
* Putting together power point and author talk presentations
This is just a tip of the iceberg too. I highly recommend Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s updated Frugal Book Promoter. (NOTE: Be sure you get the new 2011 edition with the cover above.)
By: Vonna Carter,
on 2/7/2012
Blog:
VonnaCarter.com
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Authors,
Conferences,
Houston YA/MG Writers,
Kidlit Author/Illustrator Events,
Middle Grade Book Authors,
Middle Grade Books,
SCBWI,
Writing Workshops,
Young Adult Books,
Barnes & Noble,
Lynne Kelly,
Mary Lindsey,
MG Authors,
MG Books,
writing conferences,
Writing Workshop,
YA Authors,
YA Books,
Add a tag
Hey everyone, I want to pass on some tasty info:
Item #1
In case you missed her announcement, Lynne Kelly, author of the upcoming middle grade novel CHAINED, is offering a book club kit giveaway for teachers and librarians. The kit will go to a classroom or reading group and includes ten books, a tote bag, a Skype visit, and bookmarks and signed bookplates for each kid in the group. Lynne will also send bookmarks to everyone who enters. Details and instructions are here in this blog post. Lynne’s contest is open from now until May 1st.
Item #2
If you are in the Houston area, mark your calendars for Saturday, February 18. The Houston YA/MG Writers are hosting a FREE workshop by award winning, multipublished author, Kimberly Ivey.
Purpose, Power and Pizazz!
Learn to organize the components of your book, beginning with visualization of your story’s structure, followed by dividing those components into chapters with purpose and punch. Discover how to avoid trouble spots and fine tune tension, pacing, and hooks like the pros.
We start at 9:30 but come at 9 if you’d like to chat. The meeting is in our permanent location- the Community Room at the H.E.B. at 9710 Katy Freeway, on the north side of the freeway. For questions, please email Jessica Capelle at jessicacapelle@gmail.com.
IMPORTANT: Bring one full chapter of your work in progress for brief exercises, plus pen, paper and laptop for notes. If you don’t have a full chapter to work with, bring what you’ve got or just take notes- this will be valuable for us all.
Item #3
If, after the Austin SCBWI conference on February 17-19, the Houston SCBWI conference on March 31-April 1, and the Houston Writers Guild conference April 13-14, you are still hungry for more, check out West Texas A&M University’s Writers’ Academy on June 18-22. Sherry Garland, award-winning and best-selling author of thirty books for children, teens and adults, will teach Writing for Children and Young Adults.
By:
Emma Walton Hamilton,
on 2/19/2012
Blog:
Emmasaries
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Blog,
Childrens Lit Workshops,
Childrens Literature Conference,
Cynthia Leitich Smith,
Greg Leitich Smith,
Kate McMullan,
MFA in Creative Writing,
middle grade fiction,
Patricia McCormick,
Peter H. Reynolds,
picture book workshops,
picture books,
Rocco Staino,
School Library Journal,
Southampton Childrens Literature Conference,
Stony Brook Southampton,
Summer Writers Conferences,
Writers Conferences,
Writing Conferences,
Writing for,
writing for children,
writing middle grade novels,
writing picture books,
Writing YA,
YA workshops,
Add a tag
“If you’re dreaming of becoming the next J. K. Rowling, we’ve got the perfect place for you—the Southampton Children’s Literature Conference!” So said School Library Journal last year after Rocco Staino paid a visit to the Stony Brook Southampton campus to observe the Conference in action.
As Director of the Conference, I am delighted to announce that applications are now being accepted for our July 2012 workshops. We have a truly stellar line-up of faculty members this year, every one of whom is an esteemed, award-winning author in his (or her) own right, including:
Every workshop is capped at 12 students, which makes for a uniquely individualized experience and an incredible opportunity for specific and direct feedback and support. It also means they fill up quickly – so don’t delay if you’re thinking of applying!
A bit more information about the Conference… this year there will be two sessions, a five day one (July 11-15) featuring workshops in picture book, middle grade and YA with Peter H. Reynolds, Kate McMullan and Cynthia and Greg Leitich-Smith, respectively, and a 12-day session (July 18-29) in YA with Patricia McCormick. Mornings are spent in workshop, and in the afternoons a series of electives are offered such as craft lectures, panel discussions and mini-workshops. You can also choose to spend time writing at one of the beautiful Hamptons beaches or on the gorgeous campus grounds.
Because the Childrens Literature Conference is part of the Southampton Arts Summer, it runs concurrently with workshops in playwriting and screenwriting, as well as with adult workshops in poetry, memoir, novel, creative non-fiction, and even acting and visual arts. Evening events feature well-known authors, playwrights, and filmmakers. The schedule of formal and informal social gatherings is rich—from author receptions to an open-mic night—with a few surprises, too. And because Southampton Arts sponsors an esteemed and long-standing MFA in Creative Writing and Literature at Stony Brook Southampton, as well as new MFA’s in Theatre, Film and Visual Arts, the workshops may be taken for credit. There are even a few partial scholarships available.
To find out more, or to download an application, visit http://www.southamptonchildrenslit.com
By: Vonna Carter,
on 3/21/2012
Blog:
VonnaCarter.com
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Agents,
Authors,
Conferences,
Editors,
Illustrators,
SCBWI,
Writing Workshops,
Crystal Allen,
Joy Preble,
MG Authors,
Picture Books,
writing conferences,
Writing Workshop,
YA Authors,
YA Books,
Add a tag
This year, the NE SCBWI Conference is offering something new: on-the-spot critiques.
Not to be confused with agent quick query meetings or manuscript/portfolio critiques, this is a new and exciting platform for receiving feedback from an editor or agent. As the On-the-Spot Critique Coordinator, I want to help, so if I haven’t addressed all of your questions, let me know!
What is an on-the-spot critique?
An on-the-spot critique lasts fifteen minutes, the same as a standard critique. The only difference is the editor/agent will not receive your work ahead of time, or have the ability to offer a written critique. In real life, your submissions must garner interest immediately. So this is a rare opportunity to see if your writing can indeed capture a professional’s eye. If it doesn’t, find out why. Ask questions, and always keep in mind that everything is subjective.
How do I sign up?
At the registration table, please ask for Betsy or Shirley, and do come early!
Can we contact you earlier to reserve a spot, via e-mail?
Unfortunately, no. You must sign up during the conference weekend. Spots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
What does it cost?
$40. Payable in cash, or a check made out to: SCBWI New England.
How many spaces are available?
I have secured 50 slots, all thanks to the generous editors and agents.
We are also offering the opportunity to connect with a children’s magazine editor…
This editor from a renowned magazine in the Cricket group edits non-fiction, historical fiction, and retold folktales. Don’t miss your chance to get feedback on writing for this market, especially if you have been told, “Great story, but it might be better suited for a magazine.”
Which editors and agents are participating?
When you sign up for an on-the-spot critique, we will provide you with a list of available editors and agents.
Elizabeth Carpentiere, editor of FACES magazine will be at the NESCBWI conference this weekend! She has been the editor of FACES, a world cultures magazine for middle school readers, for 15 years. FACES is one of several award-winning magazines published by Cobblestone Publishing. During her tenure, the publication has received numerous honors and awards including being named a Parents’ Choice Honor Winner and the Most Improved Publication by the Educational Press Association. Elizabeth has also worked on special projects for Cobblestone Publishing including a supplement for the Boston Globe’s Newspapers in Education program. She has also edited several eBooks with more titles to come. Elizabeth began her career in weekly and daily newspapers. In 1997 she was named Writer of the Year by the New Hampshire Press Association.
On Sunday, Elizabeth is giving a workshop on query letters, and on Saturday, she will be available all day for “on-the-spot critiques,” a brand new offering at this year’s conference.
Sign up at the registration desk during the conference weekend for the fifteen-minute meeting. You can bring up to five pages of a work in progress (picture book, novel, or magazine article—non-fiction or historical fiction) and/or a query letter, or simply ask questions about the children’s magazine writing industry. Elizabeth is also happy to read/critique retold folktales. The cost is $40.
Come early to secure a slot with Elizabeth! We are thrilled to have her join us this year!
View Next 25 Posts
The Write Stuff Conference
Write it Right Writers' Conference
.jpeg?picon=893)
You’re such a talented person, good-hearted person—an inspiration in many ways. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to our time together, too 
Very wise advice indeed. We often, as writers, shy away from making connections when it's these connections and relationships that help with word-of-mouth advertising.
Just as necessary as it is to make changes at the advice of readers and editors, it's mandatory for writers crack their spine and socialize a little - and I don't mean using the online networks, either.
Thank you for sharing this good advice. Could you also share some advice about the best way to find writing conferences (other than the large ones that are greatly advertised)and/or find out places where speakers are presenting workshops about writing.
Thanks for any help you can give me!
Let's see, Audrey...if you write for children, check out the SCBWI website. They list conferences by states and all over the world. And Shaw Guides lists conferences by states AND genres. For some of the smaller conferences, you might consider joining a professional writing group in your area/state. They'll keep members informed of regional conferences and workshops. Plus, writers love to share rides to conferences! (Hope that helps--and good luck!)
It sounds like you are going to have to limit the "beverages" Cathy-on-a-Stick has. Be ever vigilant.