San Francisco Writers Conference

    The first time, last February, that I walked into the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco for the SF Writer's Conference, the mahogany paneling and the crystal chandeliers reinforced my feelings of awe and timidity at joining such a group of august people:  best selling writers, agents who've sold many books to publishers and editors would ultimately make the decisions as to whether the 3,000 hours plus (unpaid) I've put into my writing my book would bring its birth into print.
     This last Friday morning when I again walked into the rich ambiance of this famous hotel on a hill, the sweaty palms and knotty stomach were gone. I knew that I'd be in a hospitable, nurturing,informative and inspiring place. I thank the great leaders of the conference - Michael Larsen and Elizabeth Pomada, for that; also the wonderful team of volunteers Michael and Elizabeth organized and lead.  These "angels" greeted with smiles and gave out information ungrudging.
    So from Friday early morning to Sunday at 3;30 pm. I packed into my wee brain truck loads of  information, met fascinating people, continued past relationships, tried out a "pitch" for my novel on others, and read three opening pages of my novel and got feedback at an open mike session.  I couldn't have done all that last year. Being there for the second time made it all less stressful and more productive.
    My tips for others thinking of attending:
        1) sign up now for the February 2009 conference so that you can save $50 to $100
       2) if you can, stay in the hotel - they have a conference rate and the refuge I got by retreating to my
room gave this "social introvert"  the energy to then go out and forge new connections and sell my work
       3) it's worth it to pay for professional, wise advice: my novel has improved drastically since I engaged
             a professional editor, Donna Levine. Last year's conference acquainted me with her and her
            services.  This year I paid Kevin Smokler to take my amateur and confusing "pitch" and figure
            out how to explain my novel in 2-3 minutes in an clear, enticing way.
       4) ) don't go to all the fascinating, must-hear sessions.  Instead, buy recordings afterwards. Because
            I opted out I could attend the "meet the editors" round tables at 4:45 on Saturday and speak
             to three editors about my work with confidence and energy.

MY NEWS:
    -  I now know how to get into travel writing and article writing
    -  Two editors of big name houses would like to see a query letter and writing sample from my novel
    -  Four literary agents  also would like the same (I've had some response before, but not this much)
    -  I hit it  with one of those agents and, unless Someone shows me otherwise, would like to work with
        her
    - I have LOTS and LOTS of work to do to finish up my novel and now I jazzed about throwing myself into it

Comments

[skeeter]

Hi Carol--I love your blog. You say things so well. Good to hear that you are thriving as a writer and a wife. God is good. xox, s