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Inklings Issue 6.11
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i n k l i n g s
Inkspot's newsletter for Writers on the Net
http://www.inkspot.com
Issue 6.11 Over 45,000 subscribers June 7, 2000
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<http: www.inkspot.com inklings issues ink0611.html>
In this issue: B.J. Bassett describes how to get the most from
a writer's conference, and Lee Wardlaw discusses conflict in
children's (and adult) fiction.
This issue sponsored by:
*****************************************************************
XLIBRIS exists to help authors publish. Promptly, permanently.
You retain control. We make it happen: your book in beautiful
hard cover and trade paperback editions, available on-demand,
forever. Call for a free information pack: 1-888-7XLIBRIS, email
info@xlibris.com or visit us online: http://www.xlibris.com/
*****************************************************************
ISSN 1205-6413. Copyright (c) 2000 Inkspot Company Of Canada.
See end of issue for full copyright and contact information.
*****************************************************************
CONTENTS THIS ISSUE:
From the Managing Editor's Desk: Copyright Myths
Fresh Ink and Market Information
Ask the Children's Book Writer
A Writer's Conference Can Change Your Life
by B.J. Bassett
Writers' Classifieds
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FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR'S DESK
-------------------------------
Do you love Inklings? Do you feel it's so good that it just has
to be shared with online friends and associates?
We're flattered -- but if you wish to pass along Inklings, or any
part of Inklings, please pay heed to the issue of copyright
infringement. We're more than happy to have you pass along the
entire issue (as noted at the bottom of each issue) -- but we
must ask that you refrain from passing along selected snippets,
such as individual articles.
Why? Because those articles belong to the writer, not to Inklings.
While authors have given permission for their work to appear in
Inklings, they have not given permission for that work to be used
separately -- i.e., posted in a message to a newsgroup. (If you
do want to post an article separately, simply contact the author
directly -- chances are, you may get permission.)
Here are some of the most common myths and "mythperceptions" we
hear about copyright:
1) It was in a free publication, so I assumed I could pass it on.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The cost of a publication has nothing to do with copyright. Assume
that anything you read is covered by the author's
copyright, whether you paid for it or not. The same applies to
what you write as well: Even if you allow others to read your
work for free, you still own the copyright unless you transfer
it directly through a contract.
2) Someone sent it to me...
---------------------------
Unless that person wrote it, you can assume that the copyright
belongs to someone else. Be very cautious about passing along
articles, stories, jokes, etc., that someone else forwards to you.
3) There was no copyright notice...
-----------------------------------
I've heard this one even in situations where (as with Inklings)
such notice is plainly displayed by the article and on the
publication as a whole. However, you will often receive
information that has been forwarded and reforwarded and, in the
process, lost all copyright notice (and often all author and
publication attribution). Just because the notice isn't there
doesn't mean it doesn't apply. Again, assume that what you are
reading is owned by someone, somewhere: Copyright is established
by the very fact that someone wrote the material, NOT by whether
or not a notice has been posted.
4) Authors appreciate having their work passed on and shared.
-------------------------------------------------------------
No, they don't. Authors invest long, hard hours into their work,
and expect -- like anyone else -- to be paid for what they
produce. Do auto mechanics appreciate being asked to give free
oil changes? Do doctors make free housecalls? Of course authors
are glad that their work is appreciated -- but no one appreciates
having their work passed on without permission.
5) I'm just trying to be helpful...
-----------------------------------
The best way to be helpful is to pass along the URL to a useful
article. If the people you are trying to help aren't sufficiently
motivated to go read the article for themselves, they probably
won't benefit that much from getting it any other way!
Remember, the steps you take to protect the works of others are
the same steps you'll want others to take to protect you!
**-----------------------------------------------------**
I'm moving next week! On Thursday, June 15, the movers are
coming to haul us from California to Virginia. This means I'll
be out of touch for about a week or so, so if you have a question
about Inklings/Inkspot, don't be surprised if you don't hear from
me for a few days. I'll try to be back online just as soon as
possible! My e-mail address remains the same: moira@inkspot.com.
Inkspot Survey
--------------
Many thanks to those who participated in the Inkspot Annual Survey!
Winners and results will be announced in the next issue as well
as on the survey page by the end of the month:
http://www.inkspot.com/survey/survey2000.html
Coming next week in Global Writers' Ink
---------------------------------------
Two perspectives on writing for UK children's and curriculum
markets. For details, see http://www.inkspot.com/global/.
*****************************************************************
FRESH INK
---------
Prize Giveaway:
A WRITER'S GUIDE TO GETTING PUBLISHED IN MAGAZINES
--------------------------------------------------
By J.J. DeSpain (Aletheia Publications).
Unlock the mysteries of writing for the magazine publishing
industry with this resource that focuses on all aspects of
the genre, including how to craft query letters and proposals
as well as the proper way to format a manuscript and the finer
points of running your own freelance business.
To find out how to enter Inkspot's Writers' Challenge and win
this book, please see INKPRINTS, Bev Walton-Porter's bi-weekly
book review column, at
http://www.inkspot.com/books/inkprints.html
** If you have a writing-related book you would like to
be considered for review and/or giveaway, please contact Bev at
bev@inkspot.com. The BookStop: http://www.inkspot.com/books/
New Articles on Inkspot
-----------------------
Dynamic Beginnings: Getting Your Story Off to a
Great Start
By Will Greenway
Eight characteristics every story opening needs to hook the
reader and start your story or novel right. (First in a series.)
http://www.inkspot.com/feature/greenway1.html
Getting Your Zine Seen
By Jason Gurley
Once you've started an e-zine, how do you promote it? Here are
some tips that take you beyond "post it and they will come."
http://www.inkspot.com/feature/gurley2.html
How to Write for the Music Market
By C.J. Chilvers
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the most exciting
opportunities in writing!
http://www.inkspot.com/feature/music.html
**-----------------------------------------------------**
Themestream: Writing Tips and Advice
------------------------------------
When I first heard about Themestream's "pay per view" program --
where authors receive a fee for each hit their articles receive
(paid by Themestream; there's no charge to the readers) -- I was
a bit leery. How good could such a site be? But this section
offers an impressive selection of high-quality writing articles
on a range of topics, plus a daily newsletter announcing new
posts. (MA)
http://www.themestream.com/tax/Arts/Writing_tips_advice/
Copyright on the 'net: What you need to know
--------------------------------------------
And speaking of Themestream, here's one of those great articles:
Sal Towse's excellent, detailed piece on what does and does not
constitute copyright infringement online. If you've ever thought
of posting a portion of a newsletter (like Inklings), or a great
joke, or a piece someone forwarded to you, please read this first!
(MA)
http://www.themestream.com/articles/65766/
KaZoodles
---------
Sponsored by Klocke Publishing (The Writing Parent), this e-mail
newsletter is nothing but links and announcements sent in by
readers or gathered by the publisher. It's a great source for
"what's new" online (if you can get past the format). (MA)
http://www.klockepresents.com/KaZoodles.html
Publishing Poynters
-------------------
Dan Poynter's well-known Book Marketing Newsletter, formerly a
quarterly print publication, is now a monthly e-zine. Find a
complete set of back issues here. (MA)
http://ParaPub.com/news.html
Xrefer
------
This is a "lookup" reference site that offers access to a host
of resources, including a number of Oxford University Press
references, Penguin references, and more. Type in a word or
phrase; you'll be surprised at the range of responses. (MA)
http://x2.refer.com
eLibraryBook
------------
Still under construction, this purports to be a site where
teachers, librarians and others will offer online reviews of
e-books. (MA)
http://www.elibrarybook.com
Find Writing Help Online
------------------------
A huge list of topics and references from the University of
Kansas. (MA)
http://www.ukans.edu/~writing/resources.html
WRITER'S POLL for children's writers
------------------------------------
"You write kids' books? So when are you going to start writing
REAL books?" Have you encountered this attitude? (DRO)
http://writers-bbs.com/inkspot/?forum=childreal
WRITER'S POLL: writing rituals
------------------------------
What are your writing rituals? e.g. Do you have a favourite time
or place for writing? Do you do anything special before starting
your project, or after you finish your project? (DRO)
http://www.inkspot.com/poll/
MA: Moira Allen. DRO: Debbie Ridpath Ohi.
** Please send suggestions for Fresh Ink to freshink@inkspot.com
*****************************************************************
MARKET INFORMATION
------------------
Please get current, detailed guidelines before submitting to
publications if possible. Don't submit to email addresses unless
specifically stated. Include a SASE for surface mail replies.
More market info at: http://www.inkspot.com/market/.
**-----------------------------------------------------**
"FNASR": First North American Serial Rights, "SASE":
self-addressed, stamped envelope, "simsubs": simultaneous
submissions, "mss": manuscript, "RT": response time, "GL":
guidelines, "cc": contributors' copies.
Markets Editor: Sal Towse (ST). Research assistants: Shane Stacks
(SS), Margaret Shauers (MS), Jan Edwards (JE), Jerri Ledford
(JL).
**-----------------------------------------------------**
BOUNDARY WATERS JOURNAL
Editor & Publisher: Stu Osthoff
9396 Rocky Ledge Road, Ely, MN 55731; (218) 365-6184
BOUNDARY WATERS JOURNAL is a quarterly print magazine covering
the Boundary Waters Area, including the Boundary Waters Canoe
Area Wilderness (BWCAW), Quetico Provincial Park, and surrounding
Superior National Forest. Each issue contains 12 in-depth articles
and color photographs. CIRC: 30,000. NEEDS: "We publish the best
material we can find on the Boundary Waters area. Subjects include
wilderness canoe trips, fishing, camping, hiking, history,
wildlife, natural resource issues, fiction, hunting, cross country
skiing, profiles of interesting area people, places and events.
We want in-depth coverage of particular canoe routes, fishing
techniques, life-styles of local residents." LENGTH: 2,000-4,000
wds, or two to four magazine pps for unsolicited standard feature
articles. RTS: FNASR. PAY: $200-$400 for unassigned feature
articles (pay could be more for deserving material) will be paid
30 days from article publication. Assigned articles are negotiable.
Slides $50-$100 each for 35 mm color slides. Front Cover $150; $100
for any slide used as full page photo and $50 for slide used as
less than full page photo. RT: As soon as possible; slides may be
held 6-12 months. SAMPLE COPIES: Available for $4.95, plus $2.50
shipping and handling; add 50 cents postage for each additional
issue. Some content is available for viewing on the Web site.
SUBMISSION: Articles submitted without a Writers Agreement (used
for assigned articles) are welcome. Please include SASE. Assigned
articles will be accepted according to the terms of the Boundary
Waters Journal Publishing Co. Writer's Agreement. Query letters
are welcomed and necessary in assignment of articles. Submission
deadlines: Spring Issue - February 1; Summer Issue - May 1; Fall
Issue - August 1; Winter Issue - November 1. ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION: Does not accept color print film. See the guidelines
for detailed instructions regarding the submission process for
slides, black and white photos and artwork. (JE)
URL: http://www.boundarywatersjournal.com/index.htm
GL: http://www.boundarywatersjournal.com/glines.htm
E-mail: bwjournal@boundarywatersjournal.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE VOLUNTEER'S SOUL
Co-Editors: Laura and Tom Lagana (along with Jack Canfield, Mark
Victor Hansen, Arline Oberst, and John Boal)
P.O. Box 7816, Wilmington, DE, 19803
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE VOLUNTEER'S SOUL is an upcoming addition to
the popular "Chicken Soup" series of inspirational books, with an
approximate publication date of early 2002. NEEDS: "Touching
stories, poems, cartoons, and anecdotes about people helping and
serving others." LENGTH: 1.2K wds max. GL: Submit via e-mail or
postal mail. For e-mail, send as text in body of e-mail with no
attachments, using a separate e-mail for each submission. For
postal, use standard ms format and include SASE. Simsubs, multiple
subs and previously published material accepted (please specify who
owns copyright, including name and date of the publication, page
number, publisher's name, address and copyright date). Also:
"Include 50 wds about yourself that you would like published in
the back of the book, including your name, address, telephone
number, e-mail address, and Web Site." DEADLINE: August 1, 2000.
RTS: Author retains copyright and signs permission form for story
to be used. PAYS: $300/story and credit for work. Pays on
publication. RT: 2 weeks. TIPS: "The best stories are those that
elicit emotion in our readers, such as choking them up, bringing
tears to their eyes, making them laugh, or making them proclaim
'Wow' after reading it. Great stories also allow readers to draw
their own conclusions without preaching to them. Stories from
previously published 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' books provide
excellent examples of what our readers prefer and stimulate
creativity." (SS)
GL: http://www.angelfire.com/de/lagana/volunteersoul.html
E-Mail: VolunteerSoul@TomLagana.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
EPICURE EXCHANGE
Epicure Exchange Internet Coffeehouse/E-zine
Editor: DK Smith
P.O. Box 633, Sisters, OR; (541) 549-0536 Fax: (541) 549-0540
EPICURE EXCHANGE is a virtual worldwide community where
information about coffee and tea is exchanged. CIRC: 25,000 hits
per month. AUDIENCE: Consumers, industry professionals, retailers.
NEEDS: Innovative features, news, reviews, essays, and other
media that explores any aspect of coffee, tea, restaurants and
cafes, and interesting personalities. Desires to "edutain" readers.
Publishes material in four channels: Java Journey (coffees of the
world, handling, preparation, history, equipment usage, training
and education); Tea Trek (history of tea, varietals, handling,
preparation, history, equipment usage, education); Cafe Culture
(cafes as places for the exchange of information and ideas,
interesting cafes, the culture of cafes -- art, people, talk,
music, food); Market Place (business, news, consumer news,
product reviews and announcements). Possible article ideas for
these headings are on the Web site. Feature: In-depth articles on
key topics of national or international interest -- environmental,
consumer, industry trends, analysis. Shorts: stories, experiences,
academic positions, training or educational pieces, interviews
with industry professionals, commentary or consumer surveys.
Briefs: news items with topical and temporal elements. Products
and consumer events, cultural events and happenings. Educational
tips related to buying, grinding, brewing, roasting, and serving.
LENGTH: Features 1,000 wds, (max 3,000 to 4,000); Shorts 200 to
1,000 wds; Briefs 25 to 300 wds. RTS: First Electronic Rights.
Author may retain all other rights by requesting that a
copyright statement be placed on the work. Epicure Exchange
retains the right to archive the work indefinitely after
publication. PAY: Variable and independently arranged. Approximate
pay rates: Features $70; Shorts $25-$70; Briefs $10-$25. Payment
upon publication unless other arrangements have been made in
advance. SUBMISSION: Electronic submissions preferred. Will
accept submissions on floppy disk or via snail mail. Compress
all files into one subdirectory if sending more than one file.
Prefers plain or marked-up (HTML) text in plain ASCII text file.
Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect and Adobe Framemaker are
acceptable as attachments. Include a three- or four-sentence
byline. Material will not be returned unless prior arrangements
have been made with a staff member. Slides are best for graphics.
Please submit PICT or TIFF file formats. Do not convert to GIF or
JPEG formats. If sending slides by snail mail, advise in your
e-mail. See Editorial Policies and Submission Guidelines on the
site. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Query with article ideas. Also
interested in humor, cartoons, beautiful art. Maintaining a
dialogue with Epicure Exchange is an excellent way to match
writers' interests and areas of expertise with specific writer
assignments. (JE)
URL: http://www.epicure.com
GL: http://www.epicure.com/about/writers_guide.html
Editorial Policy: http://www.epicure.com/about/ed_policies.html
E-mail: submissions@epicure.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
PALIMPSEST PRESS
Co-Editors: J.E. Aldana & Shannon Wendt
PALIMPSEST PRESS electronically publishes novels and shorter
works in RocketEditions, Microsoft Reader, PDF, Palm, and Windows
CE formats. NEEDS: "We accept novels, novellas, and novelettes of
all genres (including literary/mainstream)." GL: "Currently, we
only accept submissions electronically (see below). We would like
to see the first 7,500 words or so, along with a synopsis/outline
and word count of the complete work. We will accept both plain
text submissions and file attachments, but we prefer attachments.
We highly recommend visiting the site to get a feel for our
submissions/editorial process and philosophy before submitting."
Simsubs and previously published material okay, no multiple subs
accepted. RTS: Exclusive world-wide electronic text rights. PAY:
"60% royalties on cover price, paid quarterly." Pays on
publication. RT: Two weeks. "Preliminary acceptances and 'close
calls' may take longer." TIPS: "We particularly encourage quirky
works that blur genre boundaries. Currently, we have quite a bit
of historical fiction, but not much of the other genres. We would
like to see more horror, science fiction, fantasy, literary,
'slipstream,' and mystery works." (SS)
URL: http://www.palimpsestpress.org/press/
GL: http://www.palimpsestpress.org/press/writers.htm
E-Mail: Queries: inquiries@palimpsestpress.org
Submissions: editors@palimpsestpress.org
**-----------------------------------------------------**
millenniumSHIFT
Editor: Ken J. Davies
Hawkeye Studios, 75 Bernard Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada T3K 2B5
millenniumSHIFT is an Eclectic on-line magazine for "the virtual
community of the literate." Diverse range of subject matter on
all aspects of life, from sweet to gritty. Described by the
editor as "a forum for words that may reveal truths, lift the
human spirit, stretch our intellect, expand our consciousness,
entertain, inform, challenge the old paradigm..." FREQ: An
evolving entity, edited continually. CIRC: Currently 3,000 -
4,000 hits per month, and growing. AUDIENCE: mature, educated,
open-minded (material sometimes politically incorrect, irreverent,
opinionated). NEEDS: Short pieces that are timely, compelling,
and have true character. "Forego the trite and the mundane: Give
us something with personality -- with an edge!" Topic categories:
Feature, Life, Death, Love, Hate, Sex, Religion, Politics, Weird,
Other. Submissions may be in the form of prose, poetry, articles,
imagery, story excerpts, other bits of wit, wisdom and insight.
Editor will determine appropriate category. If work merits another
category, one will be invented. LENGTH: Ideally under 800 wds.
RTS: First Electronic Rights. Published items will remain posted
for a minimum of 30 days; after which time author or publisher may
remove items; during the 30 day period, authors retain full
copyrights to their material. Submissions, posted or otherwise,
do not grant publisher any exclusivity, nor any rights beyond
First Electronic Rights for the 30 day minimum period. PAY:
$10 U.S. on the 15th day of the month following publication. Note:
WordHammer Writer's Award. In addition to regular payment, one
writer each month will be paid a $20 bonus for the best published
item in any category. Posted items will include byline, link to
author's email, and URL if available. COMMENTS: 'Nom de plume' is
acceptable for the byline, but author's real name and address for
payment must be provided to the editor. RT: Time may not allow a
response to submissions other than to those items chosen for
publication. Most responses are within a week of submission.
SUBMISSION: Submit electronically to submit@millenniumshift.com.
Do not send anything as an attachment. All submissions should be
pasted as plain ASCII text into an e-mail. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Simultaneous and multiple submissions are acceptable. TIPS: To
keep the editor in an amiable frame of mind, work should be
carefully checked before submission. (JE)
URL/GL: http://www.millenniumshift.com
E-mail: kjd1@millenniumshift.com
Submissions: submit@millenniumshift.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
MARKET UPDATES: TK
Please send market news to Sal Towse, towse@inkspot.com.
*****************************************************************
Ask The Experts
---------------
*** Please put "inklings question" in the subject header. ***
Judith Bowen (ROMANCE WRITER) judith@judithbowen.com
David Breeden (POET) dbreeden@schreiner.edu
Charles Deemer (SCREENWRITER) charlesd@inkspot.com
Mark Fowler (LAWYER) askthelaywer@inkspot.com
Ken Jenks (ELECTRONIC PUBLISHER) MindsEye@tale.com
Ginger Knowlton (AGENT) agent@inkspot.com
Michelle West (SF/FANTASY WRITER) Michelle.Sagara@sff.net
Lee Wardlaw (CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITER) lee@inkspot.com
Marcia Yudkin (FREELANCE WRITER) yudkin@inkspot.com
Columnists may be unable to reply privately to every message,
but will answer selected questions in future issues of Inklings.
Please keep your question BRIEF and send it to *one* columnist.
*****************************************************************
ASK THE CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITER
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Lee Wardlaw <lee@inkspot.com>
The Five Types of Conflict in Fiction
-------------------------------------
Q: I read somewhere that there are five types of conflict in
fiction. What are the five? And are they found in children's
books as well as adult books?
A: Conflict is essential for any story. Why? Because without it,
there IS no story.
Let's say you've planned to take a cross-country road trip with
your family. You want the journey to go as smoothly as possible,
right? No flat tires, no fender benders, no kids puking in the
back seat, no running out of gas or getting lost at 3 a.m. in the
middle of the desert.
But what if you were reading a story about a family cross-country
road trip, a la National Lampoon's Vacation? What makes that
story (and the subsequent movie) so pee-in-your-pants funny are
all the mishaps and misadventures the Griswald family experiences
-- and causes -- along the way. Without these conflicts, without
any kind of obstacles to overcome, their goal of reaching Wally
World would lack importance... and the story would be Boring with
a capital B.
So, to ensure that your story journey has Excitement, Drama,
Mystery, Humor, and/or Suspense, don't forget to fill up with
plenty of Conflict before you back out of the garage!
These are the five basic types of conflict in fiction:
1. Character against Character:
-------------------------------
Rob knows The Shark will be waiting for him every day after
school, ready with taunts and jeers. Rob can't tell the principal
or his teachers because that would only make things worse. The
bully would then launch a "shark attack." Besides, no one would
believe him anyway. The Shark has already convinced everyone at
his middle school that Rob is a weirdo. (From MY LIFE AS A WEIRDO,
Troll Communications, Fall 2000.)
2.Character against Self
------------------------
Allison dreads tonight's party. Her best friend, Margo, has
confessed to setting her up with Brad Kelleher. But whenever Brad
is around, Allison turns into a basket case. Her stomach does
triple-spins, her hands flash hot and cold, and her side of the
conversation is reduced to bi-syllabic words such as "uh-huh" and
"oh, wow". Why can't she be charming and witty like the other
girls? How did her elevator of self-esteem get stuck between
floors? (From ALLEY CAT, Silhouette Books, 1987.)
3. Character against Nature
---------------------------
Corey's mouth opened in horror. The canyon was an ocean of orange
flame. How had it spread so fast? The blaze leaped frantically
like stormy surf, engulfing brush and trees. Hot embers and acrid
smoke blew into her face. Corey's eyes smarted with tears. Let's
get out of here! She had to scream for Topher to hear. The
crackling sound of the flames was deafening. (From COREY'S FIRE,
Avon/Flare, 1990.)
4. Character against Society
----------------------------
Jeffrey can't believe it. Not only is his mother their new fifth
grade teacher, but the whole class blames him for the horrible
rules she's enacting. Worse, they've started a new club called
KAPUT (Kids Against Perfectly Unbearable Teachers), and he's been
forbidden to join. Now KAPUT plans to put him on trial -- for
aiding and abetting an Unbearable Teacher! (From OPERATION
RHINOCEROS, Red Hen Press, 1992.)
5. Character against Fate
-------------------------
King Umi urges his people to leave the dry valley of Waimea, for
without water to irrigate the crops the people will die. "We
cannot leave," answer his people. "This is the land of our father,
and his father's father. It is the will of the gods that we
remain." (From Legend of the Menehune Ditch, Cricket Magazine,
September 1999.)
Remember: the best stories combine two or more of the conflicts
mentioned above.
**-----------------------------------------------------**
Lee Wardlaw is the award-winning author of more than 20 books for
children, ranging from picture books to young adult novels. New
books this year include: WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!
(HarperCollins); MY LIFE AS A WEIRDO (Troll); and SATURDAY NIGHT
JAMBOREE (Dial/Penguin Putnam).
Copyright (c) 2000 Lee Wardlaw
*****************************************************************
A WRITER'S CONFERENCE CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by B. J. Bassett <bunnybass@aol.com>
Does your writing career need a boost? A writer's conference may
be just what you need. Over 1,000 writer's conference are offered
each year. Select one that will stimulate your creativity and fit
your needs and goals. Personally, my heart is set on attending
the Maui Writers Conference.
It's important for writers to attend a conference annually.
Workshop presenters can give you valuable advice and speakers
can inspire you. To get the most from a conference, select one
that will benefit you, and go prepared.
How to Select a Conference
--------------------------
Search the Internet, read writer's magazines and brochures, and
ask a writer whom you respect his or her recommendation of a
conference.
There are several things to look for in a conference: date,
location, focus, faculty, activities, cost, and reputation. The
date needs to be convenient with your schedule. The location can
be nearby -- or, if expense is not a concern, make location the
last item to consider.
Conferences cover a wide variety of topics and activities. There
are conferences for mystery writers, business/technical writers,
children's' writers, journalists, and others. Conference
activities may include contests, manuscript critiquing,
consultation, keynote speakers, lectures, panels, readings,
social events, and workshops. Your choices are varied and endless.
Choose a conference with a focus and activities that interest you.
The faculty is probably the most important aspect in selecting a
conference. Research the background of the staff. Find instructors
whose work you're familiar with, or whose interests are similar to
yours. Who are the clients the agents represent?
Other questions you may want to ask yourself are:
(1) Will there be keynote speakers and who are they?
(2) What are the workshop presenters' credits?
(3) What types of workshops will be available and what are their
descriptions?
(4) Will there be an opportunity to meet with editors and agents
for consultation?
(5) Will there be manuscript critiquing? (If you have a thin skin,
I do not recommend a critique group.)
(6) Does the cost cover registration, room, and meals? (Some only
cover registration, and the attendee has to make his or her own
lodging and meal arrangements.)
Keep searching until you find a conference that seems right for
you.
What to Take
------------
Take comfortable clothes and shoes, an alarm clock, writing
supplies, manuscripts, your resume, and business cards. If you
don't have a business card, take a 3x5 card with your name,
address, phone number and e-mail address. Bring a tape recorder,
extra batteries, and cassette tapes. (Ask permission before you
record anyone.)
What to Expect
--------------
Go with a positive attitude. Expect new ideas, new markets, new
friends, and professional contacts.
Take full advantage of the conference you've chosen. Immerse
yourself in writing -- leave worry, stress and problems at home.
Arrive rested and don't be shy. Talk to editors, publishers,
agents, and speakers. Exchange phone numbers, addresses, and
e-mail addresses -- you never know when an editor is looking for
writers.
Conferences can be draining emotionally and physically. After a
while your brain can't hold any more new information. Take time
for yourself -- take breaks, go for a walk.
Bonus Ideas
-----------
Try these tips to benefit from your conference long after it is
over:
(1) Keep a conference journal that you can read again and again
for inspiration.
(2) Write an article on some aspect of the conference and submit
it for publication.
(3) Use the conference location as a setting for a novel.
Conferences are designed for writers to learn and grow. All the
conferences in the world can't make you write unless you're
willing to follow through with what you've learned. A conference
can inspire you to write, submit, and publish more. A conference
can change your life. Go believing in yourself and in your writing.
As for me, I'll write, market, and submit my work, and just
possibly, I'll see you at a conference this year -- maybe in Maui.
RESOURCES
---------
The following sites give lists and links to writing conferences:
http://www.writersdigest.com/conferences
http://www.shawguides.com
**----------------------------------------------**
B. J. Bassett has over 200 published credits with national and
international publications. She was a contributing writer to the
best seller THE FOCUS ON THE FAMILY GUIDE TO GROWING A HEALTHY
HOME. Her course, HOW TO BE A PUBLISHED WRITER, has helped many
aspiring writers become published.
Copyright (c) 2000 B.J. Bassett
*****************************************************************
INKSPOT WRITERS' CHAT CENTER UPDATE - by Shane Stacks
-----------------------------------------------------
UPCOMING CHAT: Brian A. Hopkins
Date/Time: Friday, June 23 @ 8 PM Eastern / 7 PM Central
Place: Inkspot Java Chat
Inkspot is pleased to welcome back dark fantasy/horror writer
Brian A. Hopkins as a valued guest speaker. Hopkins has recently
published a new book, won a coveted Stoker, been named Pulp
Eternity's Author of the Year, and been nominated for both a Nebula
and the Ted Sturgeon Memorial Award (both still pending)! On top
of that, he's also editing and releasing revolutionary electronic
CD anthologies under Lone Wolf Publications that are packed with
excellent stories from excellent authors.
How does he do it all, continually come out on top, and *still*
have time to chat with us? Join us and find out!
More Info: http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc
Brian's Bio: http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/speakerinfo.html
INKSPOT CHAT MAILING LIST: Send blank e-mail to
icc-subscribe@topica.com
DISCUSSION FORUMS: Join this growing community of writers!
Wide variety of topics and events, everyone welcome.
http://www.inkspot.com/forums/topics.html
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Inkspot Java Chat: http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc
(open 24/7, chat anytime!)
Inkspot Community Events Newsletter:
http://www.inkspot.com/forums/forumevents.html
Or send e-mail to Shane Stacks at staxx@inkspot.com
NOTE: Interested in being an Inkspot guest speaker? Contact Shane
Stacks with your name, publishing history, and possible focus of
the chat.
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