Day Three, Fabulous End to WLT Conference

The last day of the WLT 2012 Agents & Editors Conference didn't disappoint. I liked the "Pitch Review Session" (although some of them did seem longer than 250 words) because the panel gave some fabulous tips on what worked and what didn't (as in "would NOT keep them reading or wanting more"). Valuable insight!

I had a great time. Met a lot of great people--agents, editors and other attendees. Got a lot of great ideas on what I can do to make my sci-fi story better. And really, that's what it was all about, making your writing better. Thanks to everyone who hosted the event, and thanks to all those who took the time to talk with me.

Day Two of WLT Conference: YA or MG?

I attended six sessions today and did my 10-minute pitch. Whew! What a day. Here are some of the notes I took and key points I learned:

• With queries: keep it short, relevant and get to the point
• If I'm going to write children's lit, I need to join the Austin SCBWI
• When doing a synopsis, pretend you are your biggest fan--how would you describe your story?
• Learn the psychology of the age group you're writing for
• If you have a series, make sure your first manuscript is a story that can stand on its own (in case you don't get to do books two, three and so on

The 10-minute pitch went well. Because of Jennifer's great advice on Friday night,

• I was able to remain calm and poised
• I talked about my story as if I was chatting with a friend
• I wasn't nervous at all
• I should stick with what I started with and write what I want to write...
• and that makes my story Middle Grade science fiction instead of YA (Now I know!)

Elena, the agent, made it so nice, too. She was really low-key and easy to talk to. Thank you, Elena!

All I can say is, if you're debating about going to a writer's conference, GO! Even if you only do it once, GO! It's so worth it.

P.S. And when the trend swings back to science fiction, I'll be ready!

Can't wait to see what I learn on Day Three.

Day One at WLT 2012 Writer's Conference

What an incredible day! This is my first writer's conference and after just one afternoon, I feel my money was well spent. Sure, I've finished my manuscript. I've had others read it. And I've revised it countless times. And yeah, I've sent out a few query letters (I've revised those more times than the manuscript!). But in just one afternoon listening to an agent give her tips on querying and pitching, my eyes have been opened.

Jennifer Laughran gave great insight on what an agent wants to know about your book in your query letter. I took her handout and rethought my approach to pitching and querying. Actually, she made it more relaxed, and I wasn't expecting that, so that was quite nice. She answered everyone's questions and used references that all of us could understand and relate to. She also received great praise from authors on this evening's Opening Panel. If you have a chance to hear her speak, I highly recommend it.

Thank you, Jennifer. :)

Writer's Conference is next weekend

I can't wait for the WLT Writer's Conference in Austin, Tx, next weekend. I signed up for the YA A to Z track and look forward to learning alot of good information from those in the know. I'm hoping to learn what interests young readers and keeps them turning the pages. Also, I hope to meet new friends and fellow writers that I can correspond with and begin a critique group. As much as I love writing, I love doing my natural gifts, which are proofreading and editing other fascinating stories. I hope to gain much insight in the writing craft that will kick my writing up to the next level. Sure, I may have a manuscript that's complete, but I know I need pointers to get to "great".