A few hours ago, with exhaustion pooling at my ankles, I arrived home from the PNWA Writing Conference. My mind is still swimming with information, inspiration, and a little apprehension (although not enough to pull me under). Just last week I posted the good, the bad, and the ugly of this anticipated event, yet happily I can report it was all positive and worthwhile.
First of all, I had a book-signing for my poetry debut, Colors Collected. What an amazing event in which to have this first experience. To sit in a huge convention space filled to the brim with other amazing authors was something I will never forget. I appreciate all my readers and friends who stopped by, and especially two lifelong friends who drove across the state to see me. I was honored and excited and humbled and…the adjectives march on.
But, let’s talk about the workshops and classes, the keynote speakers, the panels. Wow! It was difficult to choose which ones to attend, and impossible to participate in them all. But, I loved all my choices. I started off with some agent and editor forums, then moved to a spotlight with Indy-publishers. After that I was onto Creating Characters That Dazzle, with Damon Suede. He was out of this world and I would pay to see him again and again. I am already thinking of verbs for each of my book characters!
After a wonderful dinner with my critique group friends, and a few new ones, Saturday arrived with an 8:00AM pitch session. Set up like speed dating, I pitched my YA/Contemporary Fantasy and got several interests (hoping they don’t slip into rejections later…I know the odds are not in my favor). Alas! I will stick with positive thoughts for now and busily send out my requests.
My classes throughout the rest of the weekend continued: 15 Must Knows for Writing Young Adult, taught by my incredible editor, and author, Christine Grabowski. She is extremely knowledgeable in this genre, and I was happy to participate. After that, things got even more interesting with, Unleash the Villain Within – How to Write a Great Antagonist, and then, Keeping the Normal in Paranormal. After that, my brain was feeling rather soupy, so thankfully it was time for the Saturday Night Award’s Dinner.
Sunday breakfast was spent with author Chris (C.C.) Humphreys and his encouraging spotlight on the Joys of Writing. I was able to meet him, chat him up about my third-grade writers, and have him sign his latest book, Shakespeare’s Rebel. Finally, I ended on more of the business side of things with, Launching to Win: Strategies for a Best-Selling Book Release. This one overwhelmed me, but I know I have to embrace this side of writing as well.
Whew! And these classes listed above were only a small scattering of the options to choose from. Thankfully I was able to order a bunch of audio recordings for some of the workshops I missed. Although, most importantly, time spent with writers, meeting authors, sharing meals and coffee and wine with other creatives, and simply immersing myself into the world of authoring has proven to be a memorable event I will not forget. In fact, I have already planned to sign up for next year’s conference.
Writing Advice: Verbs!
I will write more on this subject when I’ve rested up, but for now, as per the advice of author Damon Suede, go find yourself a gigantic thesaurus. Find all your verbs in your sentences…but then, use the thesaurus and find verbs for your verbs, and maybe even verbs for those verbs. There is a reason for this madness, but you’ll have to tune in next time to find out. I’m headed to bed!
Happy Writing (because at least you’re writing),
Celaine Charles, September 15, 2019
Image Links:
Conference photos are from my and my daughter’s iPhone😊
https://onlinewritingtraining.com.au/2018/08/16/verbing-turning-nouns-into-verbs/ (verbs)
Painting by Peder Severin Kroyer (Hipp Hipp Hurra!)
Categories: Thoughts on writing...
Tags: #authoring, #booklaunch, #celainecharleswriter, #conference, #friends, #marketing, #poetrycommunity, #poetrycorner, #Poetryfriends, #poetryseries, #poetrywriters, #stepsinbetween, #weekend, #writersjourney, #writingcelebration, #writingcommunity, #writingconference, #writinggroups, #writingjourney, #writinglife, #writingtime, authors, celebrate, Critique Group, encouragement, inspiration, PNWA, poetry, poets, professional writers, publishing, writer, writing, Writing conference, writingadvice, writingsupport
Steps In Between 
This is outstanding! I like reading about your adventures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha Ha – It was an adventure, but it truly was so much fun. 😂
LikeLike