Surrey International Writing Conference
This past weekend I attended the Surrey International Writers Conference. It was, in short, an amazing weekend.
But of course there is never a “short†version for an author.
So here we go…
I spent Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the conference. On Thursday I attended a Masters Class on revision with Barbara Rogan. I took three pages of notes and got a lot of good ideas in the workshop. After that hubby and I – I dragged him with me since I was getting an award and all – went out for Sushi… yummy.
Friday was an incredible day. I got to attend workshops with writers Nancy Warren, and Jacquelyn Mitchard, as well as having author and Agent interviews with Rachel Vater and Kelley Armstrong.
After all that I went to my room and changed clothes for my big night. At dinner I was given the Storytellers award. The Contest was judged by Jack Whyte and Diana Gabaldon, of all the entries these two wonderful writers chose my story “A Decade of Scottsdale” as the winner for the 2007 storytellers award.
This is such a huge honor. I am flattered that my story made such an impact on these two writers. During the course of the conference I was able to get both writers to sign my copy of the anthology. Also kc dryer was kind enough to sign it as well, she is the conference and contest coordinator as well as an author… I am not sure how she gets it all done.
Saturday was just about the perfect day. I don’t think my feet actually touched the floor all day. As I floated onto the elevator to begin my day I was offered congratulations and complements on my story from people I had never met.
Throughout the day I was enriched by attending workshops with Diane Duane, Jacqueline Mitchard, Kelley Armstrong, Diana Gabaldon, Wendy Roberts and I met Vicki Pettersson at the Blue Pencil Cafe. I really enjoyed talking to Vicki and she gave me some great advise and ideas at the Blue pencil cafe.
At the banquet that night I had the honor of eating dinner with Kelley Armstrong. She was friendly and personable and I was privileged to be able to share a meal and conversation with her.
Throughout the entire day people came up to me and offered congratulations on my story winning first place. I felt like a minor celebrity. The beautiful crystal book sitting on the dresser of my hotel room only heightened my sense of surreal bliss.
Sunday began with a funny and insightful keynote address by Bruce Hale. His take on rejection letters had me laughing but at the same time gave me encouragement to stick with my goals. Since I was in Query mode I went to the panel on Fiction Queries that work with agents Sorche Fairbank, Nephele Tempest, Michael Bourret, and Cricket Freeman. After that I enjoyed a very light hearted session with Michael Slade and his collaborator (and daughter) Rebecca Clarke. The day closed with advise shared by Diana Gabaldon on life.
It was another wonderful day.
I am very glad I chose to attend this conference. The entire experience was motivating and uplifting. It was great to meet other amateur writers just like myself and to interact with people who have been exactly where I am, and ended up getting published. I learned a great deal about writing and about myself as a writer. I am so excited to start putting all the things I learned into practice over the next weeks and months.
Will I attend again next year? Without doubt.
I wish you all a happy Monday.