Last year I told you about my first time at The Philadelphia Writers’ Conference.  I told you all about my first pitch and how the agent requested the first three chapters of my book.  What I neglected to tell you, because I’m so into blogging consistently, is that I sent the chapters late.

This is what happened.  I wrote a manuscript 10+ years ago.  It took me 6 years to write, and yes, it’s complete.  At the time, the goal was to complete the project.  Needless to say, it’s high up on the “this sucks” pole.  But, what did I have to loose by pitching it at the conference.  In the very least, it would be good practice.  So, I pitched and she wanted to see the first three chapters.  On queue I went into panic mode and read the first three chapters and wailed in despair.  There was no way I could send her those chapters! 

I recruited my co-worker, who writes & edits, to help me whip the three chapters into sellable condition.  A month later, it was done and ready to go.  I sent the chapters with a note and waited.  And…waited.  And waited some more.  Finally, I emailed Jonathan Maberry, who is Philadelphia’s Stephen King, to ask about follow up etiquette.  He suggested I wait three more months and then follow up.  Last October I sent out another email to the agent to inquiry about the manuscript.  You know, something light and no pressure to say “hey I sent those chapters you requested.  did you get them?  did they suck so much that you temporarily lost you sight?”.  The response?  Nada.  Rien.  Nichts. Niente.  Nothing.  Does this mean she’s not interested?  I have no clue.

Well, I’m going to the conference again this year.  I haven’t worked on the manuscript since last year and had no plans to pick it up until he summer.  I haven’t worked on my craft, but I have been reading.  I plan to pitch the book again to a different agent (the first agent isn’t there this year).  Which means I need to finish writing the second draft of the completed manuscript.  I also need to practice my pitch so I’m clear and not all over the place this time.  What will be different is that I plan to shop the manuscript this year.  What do I have to loose right?  Right!

Any advice for a writer in training?

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.

I am anxiously awaiting this year’s Philadelphia Writers’ Conference. Last year was the first time I attended and it was intense. There were so many great workshops that it was hard choosing which to take. When it was all said and done, I was exhauasted, but in a good way.

I had the opportunity to meet local writers and authors like romance writer Alice Wootson, horror writer Jonathan Maberry, and paranormal and romance writer Leslie Banks. I had the pleasure of taking Ms. Banks workshop and she was the bomb! She made time for anyone who had a question and all of her workshop classes were lively and real. After picking up a few of her books at the conference, I am addicted to her stories.

This year is going to be no different. I still haven’t figured out which workshops to take, but I know I will have my butt in a chair taking notes. Lots and lots of notes.

If you are a budding writer and have never been to the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference, you should diffinitely attend. It’s a great experience.