Date: January 28th. Arrival: San Diego Airport. Time: 1300.
Purpose: San Diego State University, College of Extended Studies: 27th Annual Writers' Conference.
What drives you to stay up when you're exhausted? Opens your eyes at 0230 after five hours of sleep? Has you sitting in a chair for endless hours? Crew scheduling-- the first thought that comes to an airline pilot's mind.
The real answer: Passion. Determination. Drive.
This weekend I was involved in a different kind of work. Pitching my novel, Flight For Control.
Not unlike pitching your plane to the perfect attitude--- enabling her to climb to new heights, soar above the world, fulfilling all your dreams by taking your career the next level, or your body to worlds that were once but a dream....
Pitching your novel is all about taking those endless hours of work, commitment and dedication, wrapping them up in a nice little package, and presenting it to an agent. Hoping they'll open this gift and scream with joy, "This is the most incredible piece of literature I've ever read!" Then share it with the world.
This weekend I attended the San Diego Writers convention. I pitched my novel to three agents and one editor. But this conference, unlike others that I've attended, enabled us to mingle with these agents and editors beyond our ten minute pitch. Everyone, on both sides of the table, got to know each other just a little bit better.
The mystery of the Agent/Editor/Author relationship is nothing unlike a partnership in business. The question for both parties: Would you go into business with this person? Do they have the same energy, work ethics, attitude, and willingness to do what it takes to make you both a success?
I attended this conference with my Critique Corner Sisters, Linda and Heather. My friend Darby joined us with laughter and humor of what she's been up to, and her future plans. And then I met a fabulous woman, Syd Blue. Syd and I smiled at each other from across the room, and when we spoke to each other, we both said, "You're a pilot too!" I guess pilots find pilots. Syd is also an author.
These incredible ladies found their success in this conference, too. Perfect Agent/Author matches have been made. How could they not? Talent. Commitment. Beauty. Energy. These are women that I'm proud to call my friends, and would love to call my business partners any day. I wish them all the luck in the world. Luck: When hard work, commitment, dedication and focus meet opportunity.
I'm excited for their future success. I, too, made connections, and have multiple submission requests. But in my heart, I know who I connected with. We work on the same energy level. Hold similar world views. Never say never.
"I am an Airline Pilot! I wrote a Thriller similar in style to Robert Dugoni with a strong female presence, and an Aviation Theme. Flight For Control is complete at 95,000 words, has a unique plot, and a powerful female protagonist."
I'm also a perfectionist. This is why I awoke at 0230--- I'm going to do one final read today and send my novel tonight.
Mark your calendar for the 28th Annual Writers' Conference:
January 27-29, 2012
~Enjoy the Journey!
Karlene
Purpose: San Diego State University, College of Extended Studies: 27th Annual Writers' Conference.
What drives you to stay up when you're exhausted? Opens your eyes at 0230 after five hours of sleep? Has you sitting in a chair for endless hours? Crew scheduling-- the first thought that comes to an airline pilot's mind.
The real answer: Passion. Determination. Drive.
This weekend I was involved in a different kind of work. Pitching my novel, Flight For Control.
Not unlike pitching your plane to the perfect attitude--- enabling her to climb to new heights, soar above the world, fulfilling all your dreams by taking your career the next level, or your body to worlds that were once but a dream....
Pitching your novel is all about taking those endless hours of work, commitment and dedication, wrapping them up in a nice little package, and presenting it to an agent. Hoping they'll open this gift and scream with joy, "This is the most incredible piece of literature I've ever read!" Then share it with the world.
This weekend I attended the San Diego Writers convention. I pitched my novel to three agents and one editor. But this conference, unlike others that I've attended, enabled us to mingle with these agents and editors beyond our ten minute pitch. Everyone, on both sides of the table, got to know each other just a little bit better.
The mystery of the Agent/Editor/Author relationship is nothing unlike a partnership in business. The question for both parties: Would you go into business with this person? Do they have the same energy, work ethics, attitude, and willingness to do what it takes to make you both a success?
I attended this conference with my Critique Corner Sisters, Linda and Heather. My friend Darby joined us with laughter and humor of what she's been up to, and her future plans. And then I met a fabulous woman, Syd Blue. Syd and I smiled at each other from across the room, and when we spoke to each other, we both said, "You're a pilot too!" I guess pilots find pilots. Syd is also an author.
These incredible ladies found their success in this conference, too. Perfect Agent/Author matches have been made. How could they not? Talent. Commitment. Beauty. Energy. These are women that I'm proud to call my friends, and would love to call my business partners any day. I wish them all the luck in the world. Luck: When hard work, commitment, dedication and focus meet opportunity.
 |
| Syd, Linda, Heather, Karlene |
"I am an Airline Pilot! I wrote a Thriller similar in style to Robert Dugoni with a strong female presence, and an Aviation Theme. Flight For Control is complete at 95,000 words, has a unique plot, and a powerful female protagonist."
I'm also a perfectionist. This is why I awoke at 0230--- I'm going to do one final read today and send my novel tonight.
Mark your calendar for the 28th Annual Writers' Conference:
January 27-29, 2012
~Enjoy the Journey!
Karlene
Your heart will lead you to the right partnership, Karlene, no doubt in my mind. Loved the conference, and am so glad you met Syd and introduced her to us--what a great woman! (Hi, Syd!) Here's to partnerships.
ReplyDeleteHow incredibly sweet and completelly accurate Karlene! We've made another great friend in Syd and I know each of us made huge strides forward this last weekend. I'm proud to have made those strides with you!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the SDSU Writers' Conference. Others did too:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sandiego.com/blogs/carrie-keyes/blog-blogger-thanks-san-diego
http://heathermccorkle.blogspot.com/2011/01/mondays-musesan-diego-state-writers.html
Good luck with your book!
Thank you Steve! And they you for sharing Heathers and Carrie's blogs too. They're both incredible women!
ReplyDeleteIt is so heartwarming to hear all the great comments and hear how the event went for everyone. You are obviously an amazing woman All the best of luck to you with your project. Sounds like a winner to me. For the newest updates for 2012 be sure to check www.WritersConferences.com and facebook me. Diane Dunaway Kramer
ReplyDeleteDiane, Thank you very much for the incredible comment, and a wonderful conference. I will facebook you too. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteHi Karlene,
ReplyDeleteThe 2012 SDSU Writers' Conference is almost here. Check it out:
http://thingstodo.signonsandiego.com/san-diego-ca/events/show/226318304-sdsu-writers-conference
Thank you for the heads up Steve! I'm waiting to bid and see what kind of schedule I get. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Karlene,
ReplyDeleteI'm attending the writer's conference for the first time and the strong confident woman inside me feels a bit like a 6th grader thinking about her first day of school, excited but apprehensive. I hope to meet you there. Thanks for writing this, btw.
Hi Shelley, I wish I could be there this year, but am not going to make it. I too felt like a sixth grader. You're going to have fun!
DeleteHave a great time and let me know how it goes.