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