Sorry I've been out to lunch lately. In truth, I've been on the road. Logged more than 300o miles in the past two weeks. (I'll tell you about the rest of the trip another time.)
Started my trip in Norman, OK at OWFI. Now if you haven't been to OWFI, you haven't been to a writer's conference. OWFI stands for Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc. Those folks really know how to throw a great conference. This is my second year. I didn't think they could top last year, but they did.
The keynote speaker was New York Times Bestselling Author Tess Gerritsen, and she was amazing. Her speech was motivating and peppered with personal anecdotes about her writing.
My new favorite author Jodi Thomas was there and I attended every one of her sessions. My only downfall was not getting her to sign the book I bought. I got so wrapped up in conference, that I got away without asking. There was even an autograph party, but I wasn't able to stay. I did get Tess to sign hers.
Jodi was also motivating and very personable. Her willingness to talk to people just stunned me. Several times she gave out her phone number and told people to call her, especially if they got stuck or felt like their writing career was stalled. (Sorry, I won't give it out, but bet if you check Jodi's website, she'll have a way for you to get in contact.) Jodi, if you read this, I heart you. All the advice you dispensed will be taken to heart by me. And I sure hope to see you in Amarillo next year. Can't make it this year, but I've got my fingers crossed for next year.
The Book Doctor Robyn Conley did two great talks that I attended and also reviewed the first five pages of my manuscript. I received a glowing report and she only found a couple of things.
Started my trip in Norman, OK at OWFI. Now if you haven't been to OWFI, you haven't been to a writer's conference. OWFI stands for Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc. Those folks really know how to throw a great conference. This is my second year. I didn't think they could top last year, but they did.
The keynote speaker was New York Times Bestselling Author Tess Gerritsen, and she was amazing. Her speech was motivating and peppered with personal anecdotes about her writing.
My new favorite author Jodi Thomas was there and I attended every one of her sessions. My only downfall was not getting her to sign the book I bought. I got so wrapped up in conference, that I got away without asking. There was even an autograph party, but I wasn't able to stay. I did get Tess to sign hers.
Jodi was also motivating and very personable. Her willingness to talk to people just stunned me. Several times she gave out her phone number and told people to call her, especially if they got stuck or felt like their writing career was stalled. (Sorry, I won't give it out, but bet if you check Jodi's website, she'll have a way for you to get in contact.) Jodi, if you read this, I heart you. All the advice you dispensed will be taken to heart by me. And I sure hope to see you in Amarillo next year. Can't make it this year, but I've got my fingers crossed for next year.
The Book Doctor Robyn Conley did two great talks that I attended and also reviewed the first five pages of my manuscript. I received a glowing report and she only found a couple of things.
All of the sessions that I attended were excellent, the speakers professional and approachable and the buzz of excitement in the air was exhilerating. And they had a great crowd. I met several writers and had a great time. I also took tons of notes.
Oh, oh, oh... The best part. An agent asked to see my first three chapters and a synopsis. Now the waiting begins.
Oh, and Ody got hailed on again. Not sure what it is about Oklahoma and my van, but this is the second year in a row, that it has hailed on us in Oklahoma. I'm beginning to believe that it hails every day down there. Thank goodness it was only pea-size. Last year it looked like golf balls. Several vehicles suffered broken windshields. Ody just had hudge dents. This year I couldn't tell, because I never had him fixed from last year. Good thing. Next year, I'm flying.
6 comments:
Wow! Tricia! Sounds like a conference I want to attend! Maybe next year you could post something on your blog a few months in advance. (If you did that this year, I missed it....sorry!)
Welcome back! Are the five pages the ones you brought to the group a few weeks ago?
No way! Hail again? At least no tornado warnings this time, I hope? Welcome back.
It sounds like a great conference, and I love it when the author's inspire you to keep going.
Becky, awesome conference. I thought I had posted about it, but looked back and didn't find anything. Next year I will.
Tom, Yep, those were the five pages. Cool, huh? Critique works!
Tricia, Tornado warnings, rain, hail, except this year it was the middle of the night and the hail wasn't as big or as long lasting. But we didn't have to go to the tornado shelter.
Do you think there's enough stuff for children's writers there? I would love to go too, especially if I knew other people were going. . .AND LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Embassy Suites hotels. Congrats on agent asking for work. That's exciting.
Margo
http://margodill.com/blog/
Hey girl!! I know you haven't blogged in so long, 'cause you're busy cranking out that book of yours...but just wanted to say a huge CONGRATS for your beautiful story being published in Sasee!!
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