Conference Highlights

I know...you've all been waiting with bated breath. The conference was.... just awesome. The best part of it was getting to know many of the members of my RWA chapter and some new writing friends. It was also great meeting Deidre Knight of the Knight Agency, Suzanne Brockmann and her husband, Ed Gaffney, and many others. http://jhthomas.blogspot.com/2008/04/monday-musings-and-i-love-my-pantry.html

I didn't have anything ready to pitch, so I spent my time in workshops and took copious notes. I'll be transcribing them (in my spare time). One thing that surprised me was ALL the agents and editors who were there said not to sweat the synopsis so much. If you're going to spend a lot of time on something, make sure it's on the story. Some of them (and, sorry, I can't remember who for sure) said they never even READ the synopsis and the others, if they did read it, read it after they read the story. So...that was comforting to know...that for these editors and agents, anyway, the synopsis was not a deal breaker or maker.

Another thing I found interesting is that so many agents and editors are looking for YA and Middle Age work. I know that Marianne is always looking for things for her 4th grader to read, so that's something to think about. I woke up this morning with the idea of a fantasy for the middle-schooler who reads on a higher level, so we'll see how it pans out. AFTER I get the things done I'm working on right now!

If you've never been to a writer's conference and have the opportunity to go to one, don't turn down the chance. There is sometihng incredibly freeing about being with a group of people talking the business...and who don't look at you like you're crazy when you start talking about the people who live in your head! You'll not regret it.

If you've been to a conference, share with us your thoughts about them.

Just a reminder: I'm giving away an ARC of Brief Gaudy Hour and to have a chance to win, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. The contest will run until Friday.

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