Philadelphia Writers’ Conference 2008

June 18, 2008

Well, another writer’s conference has come and gone and I am, once again, pumped up and ready to make some characters come to life. I met some great new friends and got to catch up with friends I met last year. This year’s conference was filled with great workshops by local and national authors, editors and writing professionals.

Opening Remarks

The conference got started with an opening session talk by Michael Smerconish, columnist for Philadelphia Daily News and Inquirer, and author of Flying Blind: How Political Correctness Continues to Compromise Airline Safety Post 9/11, Muzzled: From T-Ball to Terrorism True Stories that Should be Fiction and Murdered by Mumia.

His topic? Be Brave: Write What You Believe. Sometimes the story that need to be told are right in front of you and we overlook them looking for something grand. It’s the little everyday stories that people remember most.

The Pitch

The first day of the conference proved to be my best day personally. For it was on this day that I pitched my book to an agent for the first time…ever! E-VER! I was so nervous and talked myself out of it more than a few times. Finally it was my turn to take my place in the 5 minute hot seat. Five minutes. That’s all you get.

I sat down, introduced myself and was greeted by the nicest agent. Her energy definitely made me fill more at ease. The beginning of the conversation went a little like this:

Me: I’m a little nervous. Do you mind if I read from my paper?

Agent: No, go right ahead. Why are you nervous?

Me: This is my first time pitching. (Damn, should I have told her that? Do I look totally unprofessional?)

Agent: Really? You’ll be fine. Just relax. So, tell me about your book.

I proceed to talk about my book and answer questions about characters. She’s nodding her head. Does that mean she likes the idea? Stop talking with your hands!

So this goes on for what seems like forever. The good thing is the nerves have settled down and I can actually hear myself speaking. The story is pitched the questions are answered and I’ve successfully stopped myself before the babbling completely take over.

The end of the pitch? Here’s how that went.

Agent: Your story sounds interesting. I’ll tell you what, (she reaches down to get something) send me the first 3 chapters of the book. (She hands me her card.)

Are you freaking kidding me!!!!! You want to see more?? THANK YOU JESUS!!!

Instructions and other guidelines were given, but I’ll spare you the exciting details. All that needs to be said is that she wants to see more of my book. I have a lot of work to do. The book is finished, but it needs to be edited. This is one opportunity I will not let slip through my fingers. For me, outside of my pitch being excepted, the most important things is that I followed through. I didn’t give in to the fear and self-doubt and I followed through. Whew! God is Good!

On to the workshops.

If I had to pick workshops that I enjoyed most, I would have to pick the Romance workshop with romance writer Susan Meier. Not only was this workshop funny and informal, it was FULL of valuable information that can be used across any genre. After the first day, I believe everyone left feeling less confused by subplots vs. story threads. A lot of writers, me included, didn’t know the complete distinction between the two. Now we do and now we know how to move our stories forward.

The second workshop I really enjoyed was Literary Short Stories by Kathleen Volk Miller, co-editor of the Painted Bride Quarterly. I missed the first day of the class because I chose a different workshop, the following two days more than made of for it. I learn some real world information to tighten up my short stories and excellent tips and advice about submitting.

Last Remarks

The conference banquet, which signals the last night of the conference, was great. The keynote speaker was Mark Bowden, author of Black Hawk Down. He told his story and gave great advice about finding yours.

What did I take away from the weekend? Don’t be afraid to tell your own story. Don’t be afraid to write what you know. Don’t be afraid to write what’s within you to write.

Posted in Pen to Paper