At the end of this week I'll be attending my first writer's conference. I'd love to say I'm flying off to Rome or even Vegas, but I'm not. This conference is actually being held about 30 minutes from my home. Actually, this is a good thing. It saves me air fare. WisRWA is Wisconsin's Romance Writers of America and through this organization I have met many, many wonderful people. This weekend I'll be surrounded by even more.
During the conference I plan to attend most, if not all of the workshops, have my first (2) editor and agent pitch appointments, and network my butt off. I've been signed up for at least 3 months, yet still the time got away from me and I am now cramming to get ready.
Ready? What could I possibly have to do to get ready. I'm so glad you asked. Let me tell you. Last night I designed and ordered business cards. They are simple and mysterious. I think they're perfect. I'm also reworking my first 3 chapters. I've been told that editors and agents rarely ask for full manuscripts. Normally it is just the first 3 chapters, plus, Beth just told me that I'll also need to send a synopsis. Ack! I've never written one and every single writer I've ever met calls them dreaded and agonizing and downright painful. Thanks for keeping it positive, peeps!
If--and that's a BIG IF--I have time, I will start writing the synopsis. Any hints/tricks are welcome.
What I'm really looking forward to, and I know this may sound corny, but it's being a writer amongst writers. I still find it hard to believe how everyone within the same community, with the same goals, can be so helpful, friendly and truly happy to and for other writers. One would think the competition would be cut throat and ugly. It's the complete opposite. Everyone is happy to share their experiences, their knowledge, their shoulders and their hugs. It is definitely a great place to be.
So if I'm a little invisible this week, you'll know why. My head is in the game. I want to make a good impression and I want them to love my story as much as I do.
How about you? Where is your head these days? What goals have you set?
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
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13 comments:
Elle,
I see you at the conference! Great.
As for synopsis, use present tense verbs, introduce your two main characters, hit their goal, motivation, and conflict points and the main elements of the plot. Shouldn't contain dialogue and should indicate the the work end. Good luck
Mary Jo,
Can't wait to see you this weekend! Thank you so much on the synopsis advice. I didn't know about the use of present tense verbs.
Will you be signing? I have my copy of BLACK RIBBON AFFAIR and I'd love if you would sign it for me!
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Barb,
I am excited for you! Is it your paranormal that you will be pitching? If so, I am sure they will love it! I do.
Is the synopsis what some on the back of the cover? Just wondering but if it is, I just checked a few of my books and everything is in present tense. Learn something new everday, huh?
Um ... I meant shows. What shows on the back cover.
Thanks, Brandy.
It is the paranormal. It's not quite finished, but I'm getting pretty close. Right now I'm reworking the first 3 chaps.
A synopsis is kind of like that, but much more in depth. Depending on who requests it, it needs to be anywhere from 3-5 and even up to 10 or more pages. Crap! That's tough.
I hadn't noticed that back covers were in present tense. I'm off to peruse my bookshelves!
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Barb
Good luck at the conference. I know you'll do great. Most of all, have fun!!!
You'll have a great time, Elle! I'm so proud of you, because I know you'll wow their socks off :)
What are my goals? Honey, you already know what my goals are! lol
BJ,
Thanks so much. I will do my best to remember to have fun. We do forget that sometimes.
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Alyson,
I'll be channeling you when I'm trying to WOW them! In regards to your goals: You are so close to attaining them, I bet you can almost see that finish line. And after that, another race begins!
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
My first romance writers conference was one of the smaller ones, too. In Memphis. I had so much fun! That was um, over 10 years ago. In fact, all the writers conferences I've attended were the smaller ones. :)
Tori,
I'm glad to hear it was fun. Do you still go? Are you still able to learn new things even after this many years?
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Have a fantastic time. Be a good networker. Soak it all up and take notes because your head will be buzzing by the time that it is over.
Regarding the synopsis -- Get your hands on a copy of The Dreaded synopsis by Elizabeth Sinclair. Follow the steps and you'll be able to write a fantastic synopsis.
Mary Stella,
Thanks so much for the book tip. I will definitely pick it up!
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
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