Tag Archives: critique group

San Francisco Writers Conference

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

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.

Book Launch

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOn December 10, 2013, I was thrilled to be part of a book launch at Towne Center Books in Pleasanton, CA. Four authors, including me, joined in reading excerpts from our books. Julaina Kleist-Corwin and I read from our true Christmas romance stories, which appear in an anthology, A Kiss Under the Mistletoe by Jennifer Basye Sander. This book was published by Harlequin and released on October 29, 2013, in time for the holiday season. It is available on www.amazon.com in paperback or Kindle formats. It is also on Nook. Jordan Bernal’s novel, The Keepers of Eire, is set in Ireland. It’s an adult fantasy book that takes you into the world of dragons and magic. You can order it on Kindle or from Jordan’s website: www.jordanbernal.com. Elaine Schmitz’s cookbook, Recipes and Recollections of My Greek American Family contains entertaining tales and delectable recipes, which range from easy to gourmet. To order: www.elaineschmitz-writer.com.

Our warm, welcoming audience had the chance to purchase books and we were privileged to autograph them. We basked in the glow of the evening as our audience laughed and applauded. We enjoyed our fifteen minutes of fame and look forward to more chances to promote our work in our progression of being published.

Any success in publishing I receive also goes to my critique group and my writing teacher, Julaina Kleist-Corwin, who encouraged me to enter this contest. My learning curve has been steep, and the practice of my craft is important. Previous credits were in local anthologies, which was a good start. Now, I desire to continue writing and entering other contests for short essays, stories and poems. This should help me build a better following, which will aid in sales of my novel when that day comes.

I can’t emphasize enough the importance of the support of my fellow writers who cheer me to go forward and also critique my writing, as well as the family and friends who encourage me to write. I appreciate everyone who has purchased this book. Your support has been a source of encouragement to me.

The Awful Rough Draft

cropped-P8190838.jpgOnce I wrote the rough draft of my novel, I allowed myself to subscribe to Writers’ Digest magazine to supplement what I learned at writers’ club. Why? Because I wrote a book. And with fear of the unknown I joined a novel writers’ critique group. People were kind but honest in their opinions. I revised and revised, and wondered if I had the ability to write. Stubborn like my dad, I forged ahead.

At writers’ club I heard a book editor speak and decided to hire her to proof my manuscript. I didn’t know how to proceed with my novel. She responded with a written appraisal, suggested edits and ways to improve. I followed her advice and continued to submit a chapter at a time to the critique group. More revisions needed. Oh, dear.
About two-thirds of the way through a major re-write, I seemed to finally understand the necessary ingredients to make a book successful. My critique group became excited about what I wrote and encouraged me to continue to work on my novel. I needed that.

I decided to take a writing class, which one of my writer friends suggested. She said it was low key, but good. People took turns reading portions of their writing aloud, and then comments from the class were given on how to improve. One day, I finally decided to read the first three pages of my novel. Comments and suggestions were given, and I gave my teacher a copy. At the next class, she suggested I change the beginning. It needed more tension and she gave me an idea about what to do. I liked it. Another major re-write ensued.

The urge to be done with this tome waxes and wanes. Sometimes I want to quit and start a new novel. But I’ve invested so much time and energy in this book, I will continue to edit it until it’s as perfect as possible.
To keep me motivated, I submit essays, poetry and short stories to contests. I’ve had a few successes, which build my confidence.