For the past couple weeks, I've been flying high--figuratively and literally. (A few of you who know me personally understand that statement. For the rest of you, I know you're here for writing-related stuff, not updates on my personal life.) So...
Writers conferences inspire me. Those of you who have attended one (or more) know what I'm talking about. Meeting other writers, developing new friendships with like-minded people, learning from seminars, hearing success stories, the list goes on and on.
I can't say enough great things about RWA. I don't write genre romance (although, currently I could write one humdinger of a romantic memoir) but I learned SO MUCH about writing and the publishing business from the RWA conference. A few agents said this during conference and it's worth repeating: Even if you don't write romance, RWA is one of the best organizations out there for writers.
I couldn't agree more.
Join.
And plan on attending the national conference in NYC next year.
I assure you, they offer PLENTY of seminars that have nothing to do with romance.
Now that I'm home, I have lots to do. I met agents who are interested in not just my current MS, but the first one I wrote too. So, guess who has been an editing/revising fool? I attended workshops like Donald Maass's, THE FIRE IN FICTION, where I learned things I want to apply to my projects. As tempting as it is to send off my MSs right away, I know agents would rather wait until my stories are the best they can be. I'm not delusional. I am certain no agent is sitting at their computer, waiting on the edge of their seat for my manuscripts. It's better to take my time, make them stronger, and THEN send.
My creative mind has been jump-started, and the ideas wont stop coming. Revising 2 manuscripts while writing a new 3rd story is total mental chaos. (Not to mention a 4th real-life fairytale I've got going on.) For the record, mental chaos makes me extremely happy. I love when my mind is a whirlwind of characters, scenes, dialogue, etc. I welcome it, no matter how overwhelming it may be.
Moral of this blog post:
1.) Join RWA no matter what you write.
2.) Attend great writing conferences. They are priceless.
3.) Take time to revise and strengthen your MS before sending to agents. (Donald Maass gave this advice during his workshop, so follow it!)
4.) No matter how much I try to keep my personal life off this blog, some people/things make me so giddy that they sneak their way in there.
Happy Monday!
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I attended the LA SCBWI conference last weekend. It was amazing . . . and addictive. I can't wait to go next year. :D
ReplyDeleteThe RWA does sound like wonderful writing inspiration. I'm very glad you had a good time and came back with things to use. Good luck with revisions,. and I understand your chaos- cause I'm like that too. lol
ReplyDeleteI'm determined to get to one of those conferences one day! And that advice from Donald Maass is golden. I've seen what happens to someone who sends out queries too early and it makes the whole process so much more nerve-wracking that it should be.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...#4 has me very curious:)
I wasn't aware there were aspects of RWA that catered to non-romance writers. Thanks for sharing your experience, it's much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to my first writing conference in November (Georgia Writer's Assoc. Redclay Writer's Conference). And, it's given me a deadline for completing my MS (I love deadlines!)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with all your projects (including that little real-life one you alluded to!)
Happy week!
I always feel at home when I attend conferences. Like those people understand me...really get me, you know? It is inspiring. And, congrats on the interest..woot! woot!
ReplyDeleteOkay, two things:
ReplyDelete1. I probably won't be joining RWA, since violent, gritty UF doesn't seem a good fit for that organization. And also I fear estrogen poisoning. And
2. Congratulations? :)
Oh, what an infectious post, Karen! I hope I get into Rutgers. I want that conference high again!
ReplyDeleteDude, something is going on. Something you can't keep to yourself. Hmmmm?
ReplyDeleteOkay- glad to hear that your conference was amazing and that you learned a lot and that you are a busy little bee...but, what the Sam Hill is going on in your personal life? I'm so intrigued now I can't stand it...a new love affair perhaps? Is there a congratulations in order over something? I'm not ashamed to say I want details! ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm totally sold! I mean, you already sold me from before this post but STILL.
ReplyDeleteAlso *sticks tongue out* I got all the references, nanny nanny boo boo ;-)
You sound so excited and happy! How wonderful! Thanks for posting on RWA. I'm definitely considering attending the one in NYC.
ReplyDeleteYAY. Agents interested in your work! This is definitely exciting. Like really. Good on you for taking the time to do it right.
ReplyDeleteYour allowed to talk about your real life on the blog. Of course I love the writing stuff but I also care about you as a PERSON. And as a person, you are more than writing.
Real life fairy tale is awesome. Yay you!
becoming a writer is too much work :P I think I'll stick to reading. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are such an inspiration when it comes to these conferences. I'm still nervous to talk out loud to people who want to know about my stories. I feel silly for not having a good elevator pitch and worry that I'll look like a complete fool when they ask me what my novel is about. I want to look confident.
ReplyDeleteSo do you already have elevator pitches prepared for your stories, do those special agents tell you how to contact them? Is it really an in to the literary world?
Happy Tuesday!
I love that you are flying high right now. So, so happy for you.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm still sad I couldn't go to RWA :(
But I hope to see you soon anyway.
Miss you, girlie. <3
Reminder - Guess that Character Blogfest is this Thursday and Friday! Look forward to describing your character!
ReplyDeleteOne of my critique partners was at RWA and came home inspired, too. I went to SCBWI-LA then followed it with WriteOnCon. It's been a summer of inspiration for all of us :)
ReplyDeleteI loved this, Karen! I think your real life fairy tale definitely deserves a bit of blog time. And I'm totally planning on RWA in NY next year!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun time. I've been thinking about it as well. There's a local chapter here ;o)
ReplyDeletePsss I like the personal stuff too. I'm happy you are flying high ;o)
I have heard so many fabulous things about RWA.
ReplyDeleteThanks for following. I can't wait to read more from you!!