2011 Write It Right Conference Schedule

It's here! Below is the day's schedule for the 2011 Write It Right Conference!

Write It Right Conference
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Best Western Genetti’s, Hazleton

8:00-8:50 a.m. Registration

8:50-9:00 a.m. Welcome

9:00-9:50 a.m. Breakout Sessions
Jodi Webb, “The Nuts and Bolts of Magazine Writing”
Jennifer Hill, “Altered Pages” (Poetry)

10:00-10:50 a.m. Breakout Sessions
Maria V. Snyder, “Maria’s Nitpicks”
Kelly Butterbaugh, “Marketing for Writers”

11:00-11:50 a.m. Breakout Sessions

Jodi Webb, "Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket: Freelancing Beyond Magazines"
Josh Berk, “Writing for YA Readers”

12:00-1:30 p.m. Lunch
Keynote Speaker: Maria V. Snyder, “The Path to Publication”

1:40-2:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions

Josh Berk, "Getting Your YA Novel Published"
Shirley Brosius, “Turning Your Memories into Memoirs”

2:40-3:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions

Lisa Miller, "Keys to Crafting a Mystery Novel: Knowledge, Inspiration, & Imagination"
Kelly Butterbaugh, “Stepping Over Your Writers’ Block”

3:40-4:30 p.m. Door Prizes and Book Fair

What? You Want Me to Talk?

by Priscilla Y. Huff

If you have had stories, articles, poems, or books published, many other aspiring (and published) writers want to hear your success “secrets.” One way to share your writing success tips is giving talks to writers’ groups and at writers’ conferences. Not comfortable doing public speaking? Maybe you were thinking of past oral reports you did for high school and-or college, and how you dreaded them. But talking in front of adults is not the same as giving a report to teenager classmates. Your audience generally wants to be there. They want to know how to succeed like you did, so they will be eager to learn and hopefully, not sending text messages while your are speaking.

Here are some added tips to make your talk or workshop successful:

*Know your audience and the reasons they came to your talk or class.
*Dress professionally and appropriately for your audience.
*Open with an anecdotal problem related to your experience or another person’s. End your talk with how this problem was resolved.
*Involve your audience by asking them questions, having them briefly working together and encouraging their input.
*Provide useful information, with handouts that reinforce your talking points; and also sheets that list your published works and contact information, including your web site, and business e-mail address. Include order forms if you have books to sell; and any information about upcoming workshops you might be holding.
*Allow some time at the end of your talk for audience questions or further discussion.
*Practice, practice your talk or speech.

Speaking to groups, helps establish you as an “expert” on your topic, garners publicity for your writing, and often provides leads for more publishing opportunities. You will have also the satisfaction of encouraging your attendees and helping them to reach their own publishing goals.

Suggested Resources:
101 Secrets of Highly Effective Speakers, 3rd Ed.

Controlling Fear, Commanding Attention by Caryl R Krannich

Priscilla Y. Huff led two workshops at 2010's BDWN’s writer’s conference

Write It Right Conference Updates

Due to a scheduling problem with our original location at the Ramada in Pottsville, we've had to change the location of our conference.

The 2nd Annual Black Diamond Writers Network's Write It Right Conference will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the Best Western-Genetti's Inn, Hazleton.

Early Bird Registration is now open, and will close on February 28th, 2011. Cost is $50; $45 for students and seniors.

After February 28th, registration is $60; $55 for students and seniors.

What I Did and Did Not Do at the BDWN “Write It Right” Conference

by Priscilla Y. Huff

Following the Black Diamond Writers Network's first annual “Write It Right Conference held on April 17, 2010, at the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, I reviewed what I did and did not do to maximize my attendance there:

What I did do: Asked other attendees why they were there and what writing or other creative genres they were interested in pursuing. It was fascinating to hear their backgrounds: one gentleman, retired from his career working with persons who were hearing impaired, was interested in publishing his poetry; and another young man was interested in publishing Schuylkill County photography. I also met a woman with a common interest in nature, who is also a photographer and creates unique bookmarks.

What I did NOT do: I should have asked MORE attendees this same question. People like to network and exchange ideas and love it when others show an interest in their goals.

What I did do: I exchanged business cards with numerous people.

What I did NOT do: I should have exchanged MORE cards; plus I should have made a notation on the back of these cards so I remembered what we discussed.

What I did do: Followed-up with e-mails with some of the attendees and the presenters with whom I spoke.

What I did NOT do: Followed-up with e-mails with ALL of the people I met. It is important to make a contacts with those people you met, ASAP, so you can both exchange more networking information.

What I did do: I took good notes at the two workshops I attended.

What I did NOT do: I did not transcribe all the notes. It is important for me to write out my notes when I attend workshops shortly after the conference is ended, so I can implement those new ideas and tips I learned into my writing.

What I DID do: I thanked the organizers and members of the BDWN and the presenters for the excellent job they did. If I did forget to thank anyone who was a part of this excellent conference, I apologize.

I am already looking forward to attending the April, 2011, BDWN Writer’s Conference, How about you? Are you going? You will be glad you did.

GLVWG's "The Write Stuff" Conference

We would be remiss in not giving a huge shout out to our friends at the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group (GLVWG), whose annual The Write Stuff conference will be held on March 25-27 at the Four Points Sheraton, Allentown, PA. GLVWG has the difficult task of staging a conference down to a science, and this year’s schedule is no exception. In addition to their regular schedule of breakout sessions, GLVWG is holding a special pre-conference workshop with bestselling author James N. Frey (How to Write a Damn Good Novel) on Thursday night. Additionally, the day includes appointments with agents and editors (you must register for a slot ahead of time), Flash Fiction writing contests, and the ever-popular author book fair at the end of the day. Some of our BDWN members have attended GLVWG’s conference, and can verify that it’s one of the best—definitely money well-spent. Kudos to conference chair Kathryn Craft and her committee for all of their hard work! For more information on the Write Stuff, visit www.glvwg.org , or their blog, All the Write Stuff.

5 Reasons to Attend a Writers' Conference

Writers tend to work in a bit of a vacuum, so every once in awhile it's nice to get away from the computer screen and have some face-to-face interaction. Conferences are a great way to pick up new info about different genres, meet other writers, and stay "in the loop" of what's happening in the field. Conferences can be pricey, so you want to make sure you'll get your money's worth if you decide to attend. Though offerings can vary, below are 5 of the biggest reasons why you should seriously consider attending a writers' conference:

Networking opportunities. It's nice to hear about others struggling with the same issues and how they're working through them. Networking can also lead to future business (for all of you nonfiction freelancers), writing buddies, or simply friends who can provide some feedback on projects.

Education through breakout sessions. Most attendees are looking for some new information about the field. That's where breakout sessions come in. Learn some new techniques for character development, how to write a stellar query letter, how social networking can boost your business, writing effective villains, or any other writing-related topic you can possibly imagine. Certainly attend a few sessions related to your genre, but why not check out a few on something completely different? It might help you approach your own work in a new way.

Inspiring keynote speakers. Even the most proficient writer needs a kick in the butt once in awhile, and often a strong keynote speaker can provide it. They are typically a highly established and respected member of the field meant to get the crowd to ask themselves "How can I renew my commitment to my craft?"

Author book fairs. It doesn't hurt to take advantage of opportunities for shameless self-promotion if they're available. Lots of conferences hold book fairs as a way for their published attendees to peddle their wares. It's a great way to support your local writers, and, if you're one of those writers, it's a quick and easy way to sell some books!

Giveaways. Who doesn't like free stuff? Conferences are notorious for their assorted giveaways or "swag" (stuff we all get). Pens, pencils, notepads, and often back issues of various magazines can be found on the average "freebie" table. Don't be greedy, but definitely take advantage!

What are some of your biggest reasons for attending writers' conferences?