I have this same passion as a writer. I'm always reading craft books and devouring blogs that share writing tips and "Ah Ha" moments. The third leg of my learning trifecta in writing is conferences. Love them. If you haven't taken the conference leap, you are cheating yourself out of crazy wonderful experiences that will make your writing grow.
This last weekend I attended the San Diego State University Writer's Conference. It was fantastic. Here are ten tidbits plucked from the conference treasure chest.
- Do advanced reading appointments/critiques - Super advice from industry pros.
- Networking - Don't be shy, you'll meet fascinating new friends
- Always have a pitch ready - Yes, an agent sat down at our table and invited us to pitch our books. Just like that.
- Bring your first five pages and don't be afraid to go to a "first pages" critique.
- Style wise - Thoughts are no longer italicized
- There is a big difference between learning how to write and learning how to be an author - business savvy matters
- No one really know what is going to happen in the industry with the rise of e-books and indie publishing
- In sex scenes, emotions matter more than parts
- Try using the Meyers-Briggs personality test to create character profiles
- In fantasy/sci-fi show an unknown object in action to teach the reader about it, as opposed to just describing it
Any tasty conference tidbits you have to share?
