Write on the Sound, Writers Conference

If you're looking for a writer's conference this fall, you may want to pencil in the 24th Annual Write on the Sound Writer's Conference. It will be held October 2-4, in Edmonds, Washington.

Blake Snyder had originally been scheduled as the keynote speaker, but as many of you know, he recently passed away. He's been replaced though by award winning filmmaker, Brian MacDonald.

If you've never been to this conference, you should check it out. It's $137 for two days ($112 if you pre-register) and the classes cover a wide range of topics — character development, dialogue, genre, marketing, freelancing writing, maintaining a successful writing group, just to name a few.

The brochure is online. It's a fabulous selection this year. Plus, downtown Edmonds is gorgeous. You can't miss with this one.

di

The Winner is . . .

Hi,

This will be a quick post because I'm off to celebrate my anniversary. I'm not only lucky to have a fun, intelligent and creative work partner, but I'm doubly lucky to have the guy as my husband too!

But I digress. What I wanted to say was "Congratulations" to Charlcee Davis for winning the Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA) screenwriting competition.

I'd like to think it was due to all the great feedback she got from myself and our writers group, but Charlcee is an extremely talented writer and it's going to be fun watching her continue to excel and reach great heights.

There was a lot of interesting discussion that came up at the conference this year and I'm looking forward to blogging about it. But right now, I'm off to celebrate.

Until next time, write on!

di

Live from the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference

The PNWA conference seems to be a success this year — at least that's what I'm hearing from the writers who are filing past my table.

One of the big draws this year is the huge number of agents and the chance to pitch to them.

I've been watching the post-pitch reactions. Some writers are all smiles and it's easy to guess the agent has asked to see their manuscript. Then there are others who look like they've been hit by a buss — I'm assuming that these folks got a "no". Then there are the stunned and confused writers

Stunned and Confused

I talked to one of the "stunned and confused" at little. The agent liked his story, but had given him a list of things to work before on. Once he'd made these changes he should give her a call. The changes included things like: getting into the story faster, creating move tension for several of the characters, etc. The writer was ready to do the work, but not exactly sure how to do some of these things.

As a story editor (actually standing at my story editing table) I wanted to say, "Hey, that's what I do! I help writers figure this stuff out. Let's talk."

But I've stood in those shoes before and sometimes you just need to go home and digest all the information. You're feeling half rejected, half inspired, and not sure what to do with all this information someone has just handed you.

Today I'm bringing more chocolate. After these agent sessions, I think the writers need more comfort than advice.

More to come!

Diane

Pacific Northwest Writers Association

I'm on my way out the door to the Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA) annual conference in Seattle.

I have a booth. So, if you're attending please feel free to stop by and say "hi". You can't miss me, I'll be the one with big green and yellow posters talking about "how and editor can give you an edge" and "when you might need a writing coach."

I want to send out my best wishes to Charlcee Davis. She's a fabulous writer, part of my writer's group and a finalist in the PNWC Screenwriting contest. Awards are announced tomorrow night. Good luck Charlcee! Your script is great.

Well, I've got to run. I plan to blog from the conference, so stay tuned.

Write like crazy,

di