Category Archives: Writing

San Francisco Writers Conference

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From February 11 to 14, 2016, I attended classes, met other writers, presenters, editors and agents. Everyone gave us their best advice and did it with kindness.

This conference would not exist without the many volunteers who gave their time before, during and after the conference. Their smiles and friendly attitude added to the appeal of the event.

The Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco gave a discounted rate to conference attendees. We appreciated that because it is a four star hotel with a great reputation. Their service was excellent and the meals outstanding. I recommend it to anyone.

I prepared for the conference by writing and memorizing the pitch for my completed novel, Against the Wall. My critique group helped me ahead of time by giving their input in order to make it the best presentation possible. On Sunday morning the agents listened to many writers tell about their book. Each of us had three minutes per agent. I saw six agents and four were interested in receiving a query letter and sample of my book. One agent said she was intrigued. My head swelled a bit at that compliment.

Now I need to compose four fantastic query letters and write in less than one page about my book. In addition, I’ll choose the sample of my writing I wish to include. This won’t be a simple process even though it sounds like it. Agents toss hundreds of queries a year because the writing in the letter is poor, the story is poorly written or they aren’t interested. They need to market a superb book to publishing houses. I want to meet the challenge.

Writers and Their Helpers

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I’ve learned why authors have an acknowledgement page in their books. We need the expertise and advice of others in order to write effectively. I depend on my husband to encourage me when I feel thwarted by writer’s block or indecision about what topic to tackle next. He believes in my ability to write. That doesn’t mean he thinks every word or sentence is perfect. Yes, I take constructive criticism from him too.

I recently conducted interviews with an art therapist and a music therapist. I was thrilled they were willing to grant me the time and share their knowledge with me. I’m contemplating using both professions in a future book. I didn’t know how to find either kind of therapist, but the universe aligned itself, or something like that. I met a traditional therapist on a boat outing with a group on a river. She was part of the weekend crew. I mentioned I was a writer and thinking ahead to a sequel of my current novel. I asked her if she knew an art therapist. She said she did and would get permission to give me contact information. Help in an unusual place. A friend put me in touch with a music therapist.

Research is an important part of writing. Even if an author knows the subject well, the need for documentation still remains. I endeavor to find reliable sources. I either print the information or store it on my computer for future reference.

There is, of course, the need for a critique group, a professional editor who can look at the novel as a whole and relay in writing what the book needs. The ongoing need for help keeps me humble. I am reminded I don’t write in isolation. I need the help of other professionals.

Writing Related Opportunities

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Inspiration to write often comes when I am with other writers. This is true whether I am with my critique group, monthly writing club meetings or writing conferences. The camaraderie we share, and the tips we gain are invaluable. I’ve learned to be a better writer.

On April 18, 2015, I attended the day long California Writers’ Club, Tri-valley Branch first writing conference. There were over eighty people and nine presenters. It was well organized and the quality superb. I focused on marketing techniques and e-book publishing since my novel is almost ready to release. It is in the hands of beta readers. Two of them have already responded and there are a couple of issues I need to address in my novel. Both are easy to fix, for which I am thankful. And there was positive feedback as well. I’m looking forward to receiving more comments.

Besides getting my novel ready for publication, I am writing a short story a month about subjects I care about. From these, I will determine what my next novel will be about. Short stories challenge me. They are concise, and the urge to meander is hard to control.

This month I’m submitting a short story to Glimmer Train. This is a top quality anthology published once a quarter. Competition is tough, so if I even received honorable mention I would consider it an honor.

April is a busy month for me. Many writing related activities occur. I’m one of the judges for the Tri-Valley Writers’ high school contest. We received fifty-one entries. The contest last year, which I also judged, had inventive, well written short stories. It will be hard to choose the winners of first, second, third and honorable mention winners.

I continue to believe in the written word. It is a powerful education device, and also a means of escape into the world of interesting characters who have meaningful stories to tell.