San Francisco Writers Conference
This weekend I'm off to San Francisco for the writer's conference. Yep, another one. I know, I know, I just got back from the last one! One of my resolutions for this year is to continue to improve my craft and to network by attending workshops, retreats, and conferences. It's more than that though. I'm dedicating 2011 to finding the right agent and/or editor and I'm a firm believer in the power of meeting people in person. As you might have noticed by the link close to the bottom of my sidebar I've finally joined the SCBWI (Society Of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators) and thanks to a Twitter friend in April I'll be attending the SCBWI conference in Washington. I'll tell you all about that one in April.
What made me choose the San Francisco Writer's Conference this month was not only its excellent reputation but the fact that several friends of mine recommended it. It's a big conference with a lot of big name authors, agents, and editors. There will be breakout sessions and lectures by great people, an opportunity to pitch to editors or ask them questions, and agent speed dating. I will admit, the last one sounds a bit like torture, for them and me. Though I am excited to meet Laurie McClean, a sci-fi/fantasy agent whom I've respected for some time now. You can check out her excellent blog here if you like. If I'm lucky I might even run into a few of my friends from Twitter.
I'll share pictures with you and tell you all about it when I get back! If you're attending leave me a comment and I'll try to find you and say hi.
What made me choose the San Francisco Writer's Conference this month was not only its excellent reputation but the fact that several friends of mine recommended it. It's a big conference with a lot of big name authors, agents, and editors. There will be breakout sessions and lectures by great people, an opportunity to pitch to editors or ask them questions, and agent speed dating. I will admit, the last one sounds a bit like torture, for them and me. Though I am excited to meet Laurie McClean, a sci-fi/fantasy agent whom I've respected for some time now. You can check out her excellent blog here if you like. If I'm lucky I might even run into a few of my friends from Twitter.
I'll share pictures with you and tell you all about it when I get back! If you're attending leave me a comment and I'll try to find you and say hi.
I would have loved to attend this one. You're write - I've heard excellent things about it. And I applaud you dedicating 2011 to going to as many as possible. I've only got 2 lined up - Pike's Peak at the end of April and a local one in September. I think Shannon Messenger might be at the San Fran one...do you follow her blog? Hope it does great things for you and your writing! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Donea! It won't be easy but I'm dedicated and have the opportunity so I figure I might as well do it! I do follow Shannon. Thanks for the tip I'll have to look for her!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great opportunity, Heather! Good luck w/ the speed-dating...I hope you find your perfect match. :)
ReplyDeleteHope you have fun at the conference! And btw, if you want to enter my contest, I can send the prize as a pdf file for your computer if you win. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous!I would love to make it to these conferences some day. I hope you have a fantastic time and it's as successful as the last one :)
ReplyDeleteKristi, thank you! I have two fulls out that I'm still hopeful on but I thought I'd participate in Speed Dating just in case so thanks!
ReplyDeleteLisa, thanks, on both counts! I'll drop back over and enter in that case!
Jamie, I wish you could make it too! Thank you so much!
Sounds awesome, can't wait to hear about it!
ReplyDeleteI WISH I was attending! Have fun, learn lots and we'll all look forward to your coming back and telling us all about it. Good luck with the speed dating! I feel good things for you this year. ;-)
ReplyDeleteFrankie, I can't wait to come home and tell you all about it!
ReplyDeleteKristie, I wish you could be there too! Thank you so much. I trust your feeling and am going to roll with it!
Have fun! I'm so jealous. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou’re such a jet-setter now Heather! Wish I were going with you on all these fab trips you’re taking but I’ll have to just be with you in spirit instead. *G*
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to hear all about this conference. The last one you attended sounded so great! Have fun!!!
Shannon, I will, thanks! I wish you were coming along!
ReplyDeleteLindsey, I wish you were too! We need to get together again for another conference or workshop. We're long over due!
You are living my dream, Heather. The San Francisco conference especially is supposed to be a pivotal one, visited by so many influential players in the world of publishing. I will be with you in spirit. If you see a shadow that looks like a grizzly bear, don't worry. It's just the ever-curious Hibbs, trying to see what all the fuss is about. LOL.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fantastic conference. Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous. I've heard it's supposed to be great.
ReplyDeleteSo now I expect you to be at the LA SCBWI conference in August. I'll be there. :D
I have so many friends attending the SF con. You're going to have a blast, learn a lot...and you'll dazzle those agents and editors!
ReplyDeleteGive Carol BIG HUGS for me.
And I look forward to a full report upon your return. :)
Love,
Lola
Roland, I've heard great things about it too. I look forward to seeing Hibbs' shadow over my shoulder! ;)
ReplyDeleteElle, it really does! I look forward to telling you all about it!
Stina, oh no, August?! I'm going to the PNWA conference in August!
ReplyDeleteLola, I will! Thank you so much for introducing me to some of your friends who are attending. Now I won't be alone!
How exciting that you're attending this conference! I love San Francisco. Can't wait to hear all about it.
ReplyDeleteThis will be my first time going to San Francisco Karen. I'm pretty excited both to visit the city and go to the conference!
ReplyDeleteHey, you won't be too far from us in L.A. Have a great time at the conference, and I look forward to hearing all about it when you return. And now I need to check out your Twitter Tuesday post. You always have the best tweets.
ReplyDeleteI'll be fairly close to it Julie! I wish I could meet up with you!
ReplyDeleteSquee! I <33 conferences! *hides yet again inside your backpack* *hopes to get soon to the conference with you*
ReplyDeleteTell us all about it! It sounds like it's going to be awesome.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time! I can't wait to hear what you've learned :-)
ReplyDeletePortia
Nice! I hope you have a great time Heather!! I look forward to hearing all about the conference :) I must say, you have inspired me Heather!!!! I will be going to my first ever conference this year :D The SCBWI conference in Washington :D I figured it was in my backyard, why not! :D Good luck to you!!!!
ReplyDeleteHere's wishing you a fabulous time, Heather! And lots of excellent results, but I don't have to wish those for you. You've earned them. That will be fun if you meet up with Twitter friends, too.
ReplyDeleteMonica, me too! They are such a great way to connect with others and get rejuvenated! I'm going to buy a bigger suitcase just for you!
ReplyDeleteLydia K, I will don't worry! :)
Portia, thanks! Will do, fingers crossed!
Saba, that's awesome! I'm so happy for you! It is a great experience and a step forward in your writing career. AND, I'll see you there!
ReplyDeleteLinda, you're so sweet, thank you so much!
Well, Heather,
ReplyDeleteYou are certainly off to a great start this year with San Diego, now San Francisco, then SCBWI in Washington.
I predict you'll have your agent by the summer. Good luck and enjoy the conference.
Michael
Thank you so much Michael! I love your prediction and your encouraging words mean the world to me!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck Heather!!! I know all your dreams will come true. But... you're still coming to PNWA!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a Blast, Heather! And best of luck!! :)
ReplyDeleteSisters, thanks, you ladies rock! And of course I'm still coming to ABNA! I wouldn't miss it.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, thank you so much!