The San Francisco Writers Conference offers many intriguing workshops and opportunities to talk with agents. Add to that the incredible city and all its diverse offerings, how can a writer go wrong?
This year even the weather cooperated. Well sort of. At times I was drawn toward the front door and escape into the bright sunshine. Then I would look at the list of workshops. With so many to choose from, I was pulled back into the crowd of writers rushing to the next presentation. Although some traveled from great distances to take advantage of this great conference, many came from local communities. For all, near or far, it was worth it.
There were so many workshops, that it was sometimes difficult to choose between them. I could easily pass on the ones for non-fiction writers, because I write fiction. The variety this year was amazing. Besides sessions for fiction and non-fiction, there was instruction on memoirs and poetry. One might think such variety would weaken a conference. Not in this case. Every workshop I went to was packed. In fact there were a couple I couldn’t get into, because they were already full.
For the final day of the conference, the organizers have come up with a unique opportunity to meet with agents. It’s called speed dating. The pro to this, is that it gives participants an opportunity to spread themselves between more than one agent. The con is waiting your turn. Even with the con, it gives writers a chance to talk with other writers.
Although I was not as successful as I had hoped at the speed dating with agents, I gleaned valuable information. The dream is always to be the shiny gem who draws their immediate attention. Sometimes that happens. Often it doesn’t. Oh well, I must continue to polish my diamond to make it more tempting and appealing.
A final thank you to the organizers for bringing this amazing conference together: All those who participated owe you a debt. Those who were unable to attend should consider it for next year. Besides developing our craft, we need to be part of the writing community. I made new friends to add to mine. You can do the same.
Happy writing, Jodi
Thanks for this post and reminder of a wonderful weekend! And thanks again for referring me to the Dugoni presentation. It was topnotch, and I had the pleasure of speaking to him in the hallway Sunday.
I had no idea a writing conference could be so worthwhile as well as fun!
Hi Lida,
Robert Dugoni is amazing, isn’t he. I just learned last night that he is doing a workshop in the town next to mine in March. I won’t be able to make it, but be sure everyone I think wants to write will know about it. Let’s keep in touch. Maybe we’ll meet again next year at the 2013 San Francisco Writers’ Conference. Until then, happy writing.
Jodi
thanks for share!
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Nice writing, Jodi. You are prolific. I wish I could figure out how to subscribe to your blog, here; but I have had five back surgeries and I take Dilaudid. It’s a wonder I remember how to use a keyboard. Nevertheless, I will continue to seek out your fine essays.
Hello Charles,
Thanks for the nice comments. I’m not sure how you can subscribe to my blog, either. I’ll have to talk to my friend, Christy Kiltz. She is a webdesigner, and I must add a real master at it. In the meantime, you can friend me on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter. When I post, I always link there. I look forward to reading your writing. Thanks again, Jodi