I'm back from the Florida Writers Conference. Had a great time. I went to a great workshop led by Deborah Grosvenor (agent) and then another one led by Stacey Barney (Editor, Harper Collins). I got to pitch to Tina Columbo (agent, Harlequin) who told me my next book would be perfect for Harlequin's MIRA line.

I also had some fun at the conference. I was a consultant for the conference (I'm a founding member and one of the past presidents for the Florida Writers Assn). Part of the entertainment was a Mysterty Theater production. (very hilarious) I filled in for someone who didn't show up so I got to do a bit of acting. (mostly ad libbing) But I did have one long introduction I had to give and I memorized it. "I'm the President of the Benevolent Brotherhood Benefiting the Buzzards and the Blue Footed Boobies and the Preservationists Protecting the Plight of the Perilous, Paltry Pelicans." Hoo-boy, you can imagine the kinds of laughs I got after saying all that!!

The best part of all? I hadn't seen a lot of these people for a year, most for 2 years (I missed last year's conference due to pneumonia) and the amazement on their faces after seeing me 50 pounds lighter. I kept getting wonderful comments all weekend long. Some people didn't even recognize me!

I highly recommend that you go to a writers' conference if you can. The comradarie, the networking, and the knowledge you gain is wonderful. You come back very motivated and ready to conquer the world with your writing.

[ November 08, 2004, 04:48 PM: Message edited by: Vicki M. Taylor ]

Vicki, what a weekend. I recall that you couldn't make your conference last year. I forgot about all of them seeing you 50 pounds lighter. What a BONUS! YOu must feel on top of the world. Is't it wild what compliments can do for your self esteem?

Tell us more about your pitch to Harliquin. Was it planned, or did it just happen? Please keep us posted on that.

I'm going to a conference this weekend. I can't wait. I'll fill you in next week.

Happy writing. I bet you have a productive week after all that motivation.

My pitch wasn't planned. I heard that Tina Columbo has some open appts left on her schedule and I was asked if I wanted to take one of them. I said sure and in I went! I gave her my one sentence description of the book and then went into a little more detail with a few more sentences. The pitch was less than 10 minutes. That's how long the appt was scheduled - 10 minutes.

She was really nice and very supportive.

Vicki,
It sounds like you had a real hoot! Acting and pitching and all. I'm so happy for you. I want to go to one now! But reading your account was almost as good.
Robin

That's wonderful that you got a bite on your book proposal! Good for you! And I'm impressed you could give a one-sentence description followed up by more details. We talked about that at our last SCBWI meeting.

Also- good for you on the weight loss. 50 lbs. Wow! - Donna

Vicki the conference sounds wonderful! Good for you not becoming tongue-tied with that sentence you had to say...not sure I could have done that - especially if I'd had a glass of wine (haha).

Wonderful about Harlequin too - that would be grand! As Dotsie said, I hope you will keep us all up to date if anything develops there.

I haven't been to a conference yet....Sisters in Crime has one in Washington, DC every year but I haven't had a chance to go to one YET. I'm sure it's very invigorating to meet so many other writers and other "related" folks in the business. Networking is SOOO important. The big book-signing I went to a few weeks ago was my first chance to really talk to other writers. Everyone is so open and willing to share and help each other.

GOOD LUCK and thanks for telling us about the conference. I bet you really did WOW them (literally) with your weight loss and I just know you felt super showing off the new you!

Pam, if you ever get the opportunity to go to a SinC conference, I hope you do. I've heard that they are wonderful. You will be able to do some great marketing and networking, I'm sure.

One of the best things about coming back from a conference is how "fired up" I am about writing again. You really get motivated.

You can learn everything from developing characters to pitching to an agent, to promotion and publicity. to the latest publishing trends to writing for television.