Notes From A Writer’s Conference
Wow, what an incredible three and half days I had at the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association conference, also known as the PNWA conference.
Since this was my first ever writer’s conference, the nerves and the imposter syndrome were strong when I first arrived. But I am here to say after a few minutes surrounded by so many amazing people the nerves were quickly quieted and I knew I was in the right place. Well at least they were until the pitch block session, but more on that later.
For those that are new to my journey as a writer or even this site, a quick catch-up for you. I am in the midst of editing my first novel, Between The Beats, with hopes of publication sometime in the next year. Because most of what I have learned has been through online classes and forums, this conference was an opportunity for me to connect with real-life people who are doing what I want to do and learn as much as I possibly could over the course of three and half jam-packed days. I was not disappointed.
Not only did I get to attend amazing workshops covering all aspects of the craft of writing, the business end, and a hilarious keynote by R.L. Stine, but I also found a tribe of other new writers and published authors who were willing to share with me their help, feedback, knowledge, and moral support. Especially when it came time to pitch to agents and editors. For me, that was the most terrifying aspect. It’s been way too long since I’ve had to do any public speaking and this was going to be the moment when I would either be accepted or rejected by potential gatekeepers of my dream.
We bonded quickly, shared notes from different sessions, and yes, we all had success in our pitch blocks. I now have to prepare a query, synopsis and two chapters for a potential agent, and for an acquisition editor, I have to create a package including an author bio, query letter, synopsis, comps, blurb, and the entire manuscript (once edits are complete). So to say I’ll be busy these next few weeks would be a fair assessment.
There is plenty more I have to share from the conference, and I will. I just had to share this bit of news first and now I must get to work.
6 Comments
Stacey
Busy…but the best kind of busy! So glad the conference was such a positive experience for you. You’re helping me ease into the idea of attending one next year. 🙂 Can’t wait to hear how things progress with the agent and acq editor. Congrats!
M.E. Cooper
Stacey,
The best description I have for the conference was 500 introverts gathered in one place and sharing their passion for writing. It truly was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about their writing journey.
M.E.
Wendy Pearson
M.E.,
Sounds like you had an amazing time! I would have loved to be there.
All the best with your editing and pitching. I’m sure it will go well. Miss you around the forum.
M.E. Cooper
Wendy,
They put on this conference every year at the same time. If you can make it to Seattle, I would definitely recommend it. You can find out more here. https://www.pnwa.org/default.aspx – The dates for next year are September 12 – 15, 2019 at the DoubleTree Hotel SeaTac.
I’ll be back around the forums soon. Life is finally settling down to the point where I can focus on all things writing 🙂
M.E.
Selma
Oh M.E. I’m so happy your first time was such a blast. I have every confidence in your ability to win this game.
And I will be so happy for you when that happens.
Wow! I can just imagine the good vibes and excited chatter resonating throughout that area.
I wonder if… me… omg, me… i wonder.
All the best Author M.E. Here’s looking at you.
M.E. Cooper
Selma,
If I can do it I know you can too. The vibes there were incredible. 500 people gathered for the same reason, all supporting one another. Coming in as strangers and leaving as friends.
It was the cartel class condensed into 3 days 🙂
And hardly an ego in sight. Okay, there were a couple of what I would call diva’s or high maintenance people, but they were few and far between, and if I had to guess, they weren’t willing to put in the work necessary to achieve their dream.
Keep writing and sharing. The world needs your story too.