Mystery Writers Forum
The Business of Writing => Conferences/Groups/Conventions => Topic started by: Bob Mueller on March 27, 2011, 08:30:33 PM
-
Anyone going, besides me?
Seems like a good idea for me. We're traveling, and can make our way up there, so lodging won't be an issue. The workshops look great, too (http://www.pennwriters.org/prod/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=266&Itemid=127).
Now I just have to overcome my shyness and introduce myself to any agents there. :o
What of Don't Stop Believin should I have copies of? Synopsis?
-
Yes, Bob, I'll be there. Look me up. I'd love to meet you.
And at least one other members of MWF will be there, too.
The best way to connect with an agent is to pick one that seems your best match and request an agent appointment with him or her. You'll have about 15 minutes one-on-one to pitch Don't Stop Believin'. Usually, they will ask you to send them so many pages or chapters and a synopsis after the conference. Do not bring your Ms and hand it to them. It's considered bad form.
The second best way is to keep your eyes open for them walking around the halls, having a drink in the bar, chatting with someone. Walk up, introduce yourself, and let the conversation flow from there.
Don't be shy. Pennwriters is one of the friendliest, most welcoming groups you will ever encounter. Spend some time in the hospitality suite. You'll see people sitting at tables talking. Sit down, say 'Hi, I'm Bob Mueller," and you're in. If you have a question, buttonhole a Pennwriter, and ask. They'll give you the answer or point you to someone who can.
Hope this helps.
Dave
-
Meant to mention, too, Bob that the hotel (Airport Marriot) has a bloc of rooms reserved for conference attendees at a special rate ($89/night) if you mention PennWriters when you make your reservation.
Looking forward to meeting you there.
Dave
-
Looking forward to meeting you in person too, Dave. Forgive me for not responding sooner. Internet was out here at the RV park for a while, and I got into a writing rush on the next story.
I think I may end up staying at my son's place while the family finds an RV park with full hookups. The nearest sites we can find are state parks which are fine for a while, but they present some difficulties in pulling this particular conference off.
I'm signed up for the Thursday Many Genres, One Craft pre-conference gig, and I'm mainly following the "Improve Your Craft" track.
-
Look for the rowdy group by the front door puffing on cancer sticks. I'll probably be there.
-
Well, finally recovering from this, and all I can say is "What a conference!"
It was great to meet Dave and Peg Hauser (http://mwf.ravensbeak.com/forum/profile/?u=136) in person, after all these years. And Dave was right: Pennwriters is one of the friendliest groups you'd ever want to be around. Nancy Martin was there with a session, as was Jonathan Maberry, doing critiques, sessions an awesome keynote, all while on deadline for 20,000 words the day after the con ended!
My conference write-ups are here: http://indefixa.ravensbeak.com/tag/pennwriters/
If you're not a member of a writers organization, find and join one!
-
Glad you had a good time, Bob, and a safe trip to and from your conference. Appreciate the write-ups, too.
In a former lifetime, I attended a week long professional photographers conference and learned tons from the instructors; but after the classes was when the fun started. Socializing with fellow professionals, sharing experiences and expertise, networking, making friends, having laughs and all round enjoying the thrill of it all was what made it special. You just can't get that from a book.
Old Bill
-
It was great meeting you, too, Bob, and putting a face with the name. After we officially met, I realized we had been in several of the earlier presentations.
Glad you enjoyed the conference, too, and that it lived up to my hype.
Anyone, everyone, seriously, the Pennwriters Conference is worth attending. Next year it will be held at the Eden Resorts in Lancaster, PA, the exact dates to be determined. Check the Pennwriters website (pennwriters.org) for more details. If you can make it, please come.
Dave
-
And a PS:
The keynote speaker at the 2012 Pennwriters Conference will be Hank Phillippi Ryan, author of 4 novels featuring Charlotte McNally, an investigative TV reporter in Boston, MA.
Dave
-
Sounds like a good conference. I always try to attend two conferences each year. I'll consider Pennwriters for next year.
Lynette
-
The dates are May 17 - 20, 2012. Pencil it in now.