This is it. This is the week. The anxiously awaited LDS Storymakers writers conference is finally here. This weekend, March 21st and 22nd, writers, both published and unpublished, will gather in Sandy, Utah to spend two days networking, learning, pitching and honing their craft. We've had some seats open up (illness, accidents, etc.), so take a look at our schedule and see if you don't really want to join us! Email Annette if you're interested.
FEATURED PRESENTERS:
Timothy Travaglini
Senior Editor at G.P. Putnam's Sons
(a division of Penguin Group, USA)
Timothy Travaglini
Senior Editor at G.P. Putnam's Sons
(a division of Penguin Group, USA)
Tim Travaglini has worked at Walker & Company; Henry Holt; Scholastic; and Books of Wonder, an all-children's bookstore in Manhattan. He is the editor of How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-boyfriend by Janette Rallison; the MONSTER BLOOD TATTOO trilogy by D. M. Cornish;
Blackbringer (FAERIES OF DREAMDARK, Book One) by Laini Taylor; Bean Thirteen by Matthew McElligott; and Yellowbelly and Plum go to School by Nathan Hale.
Blackbringer (FAERIES OF DREAMDARK, Book One) by Laini Taylor; Bean Thirteen by Matthew McElligott; and Yellowbelly and Plum go to School by Nathan Hale.
Jamie Weiss Chilton
Agent—Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc.
Agent—Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc.
Jamie Weiss Chilton represents children's books, teen novels, middle grade fiction, chapter books, picture books, and narrative nonfiction. Her specific interests include literary fiction with intense emotional content (character-driven, not issue-driven plots); smart thrillers and mysteries; science fiction; surreal stories and magical realism; sweet, funny, quirky chapter books and picture books.
Jamie's career in children's books began in 1998, with an editorial internship at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, followed by positions as an Editorial Assistant and Assistant Editor at Bantam Delacorte Dell, Wendy Lamb Books, and Knopf & Crown Books for Young Readers, all divisions of Random House Children's Books. After returning to her hometown of Los Angeles, Jamie pursued her love of children's books in a new arena, as Conference Manager and Golden Kite Award Director at the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Jamie's career in children's books began in 1998, with an editorial internship at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, followed by positions as an Editorial Assistant and Assistant Editor at Bantam Delacorte Dell, Wendy Lamb Books, and Knopf & Crown Books for Young Readers, all divisions of Random House Children's Books. After returning to her hometown of Los Angeles, Jamie pursued her love of children's books in a new arena, as Conference Manager and Golden Kite Award Director at the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Conference Highlights:
Friday Night Entertainer: David Nibley
Panel: LDS Publishers
Panel: Finding an agent
One-to-one interviews with editors/agents
And your favorites:
- Writing Contest-- NOW CLOSED -- Good luck to all who entered! (someone's gonna win a nifty-slick Neo Alphasmart)
- Boot Camp
- Exclusive Book Store
Special Announcement:
Saturday Night: The Whitney Awards Gala—
Recognizing excellence in fiction by LDS authors
(Watch for the announcement of finalists at The Whitney Awards
on January 15, 2008 at 7:00 a.m. MST.)
Recognizing excellence in fiction by LDS authors
(Watch for the announcement of finalists at The Whitney Awards
on January 15, 2008 at 7:00 a.m. MST.)
Schedule Tentative; Subject to Change
Friday, March 21, 2008
7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Boot Camp
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Registration
11:00 - 11:15 a.m. Welcome and Introduction by Master of Ceremonies Robison Wells
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Lunch & Keynote Speaker, Editor Tim Travaglini: Getting Out of the Slush Pile
12:30 - 1:20 p.m. Breakout Workshops #1
- Writing in Spite of a Busy Life: Rachel Ann Nunes
- ADVANCED - Writing a Synopsis: Josi Kilpack
- Writing about Real issues for Children & Youth: Tamra Norton
- The Middle Grade Writer: Character, Voice & Audience: Lael Littke
- 10 Things That Get You Noticed/What LDS Publishers are Looking For: Kirk Shaw, Covenant
- BEGINNING - Your First Novel: Step by Step Basics: Heather Moore & Julie Wright
3:00 - 3:50 p.m. Breakout Workshops #3
- Creating Your Inner Writing Team: Carroll Morris
- ADVANCED - The Editing Process: Lisa Mangum, Deseret Book
- Non-Fiction—Finding Your Niche: Shirley Bahlmann & Jaime Theler
- Q&A with representatives from major LDS publishing houses
6:00 - 6:30 p.m. Break: Bookstore & Mingling
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Dinner & Entertainment with Comedian David Nibley
Saturday March 22, 2008
7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Boot Camp Conclusion
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Registration for Saturday-only Attendees)
9:15 - 9:30 a.m. Welcome and Introduction by Master of Ceremonies Robison Wells
9:30 - 10:20 a.m.
- Panel: Finding an Agent, with Jeff Savage, James Dashner, Janette Rallison, & Brandon Sanderson
- Self-Publishing from Writing to Distribution: Jewel Adams & Marsha Ward
- Improve Your Writing: Tip from a Senior Editor at Putnam: Tim Travaglini
- Critique Groups in Action: Annette Lyon, Heather Moore, Lu Ann Staheli, Michele Paige Holmes, Jeff Savage, & James Dashner
- Fantasy—Creating a New World: Brandon Sanderson
- Internet Promotion—Blogging/Podcasts/Reviews: Tristi Pinkston & Candace Salima
12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Lunch & Keynote Speaker, Jamie Weiss Chilton, Agent
1:45 - 2:00 p.m. Break: Bookstore & Mingling
2:00 - 2:50 p.m. Breakout Workshops #3
- ADVANCED - It's the Story, Stupid: Jeff Savage & James Dashner
- Transitioning from the LDS to the National Market: Janette Rallison
- Writing a Historical Series from Start to Finish: Gordon Ryan
- Hooks That Will Get You Published—A Hands-On Workshop: Jeff Savage
- Research is Not Just for Historicals: Julie Bellon & Michele Paige Holmes
- ADVANCED - Magazine Writing: Annette Lyon
4:15 - 5:15 p.m. General Session - Self-Promotion: MaryAnn Jones of Deseret Book
5:15 - 5:30 p.m.
- Closing Ceremonies
TO RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM AT THE COTTONTREE INN:
Call 800-662-6886
Group: LDS Storymakers
Block: 901558
We have reserved non-smoking rooms for March 20, 21, and 22nd under our group.
You can select one night or multiple nights.
You are responsible for all charges.
The 2008 group rate is $89.00/night plus 12.85% tax rate.
If you're sharing a room, calling sooner than later will ensure securing a two-queen bedroom.
Call 800-662-6886
Group: LDS Storymakers
Block: 901558
We have reserved non-smoking rooms for March 20, 21, and 22nd under our group.
You can select one night or multiple nights.
You are responsible for all charges.
The 2008 group rate is $89.00/night plus 12.85% tax rate.
If you're sharing a room, calling sooner than later will ensure securing a two-queen bedroom.
So what do you think? Definitely worth joining us. We were completely sold out but, as mentioned before, some spots have opened up. Grab 'em quick folks. It's worth every penny and every minute of your time!
Find me when you get there. Tristi and I are in charge of the Boot Camp plus we have our Internet Marketing class as well. So find us both!
Find me when you get there. Tristi and I are in charge of the Boot Camp plus we have our Internet Marketing class as well. So find us both!
LDS Storymakers Conference
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Rating:
Have fun!
ReplyDeletesounds soooo awesome. have a blast, i am jealous :)
ReplyDeletekathleen
Thanks for posting to my blogs. I'm so glad that you did because now I know that I can possibly go to the writer's conference. I need to email Annette to get details.
ReplyDeleteTerry - I hope to see you there. It will be two of the most valuable days for your writing career.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you do in bootcamp?
ReplyDeleteTerry - Bootcamp is over a five hour period spread between two days. There are six instructors who each give a 10 minute presentation on a particular topic related to writing mechanics. Then we break out into groups for 30 minutes and the attendees each (along with 5 or 6 other attendees) meet with a writer to go over that particular concept.
ReplyDeleteYou bring something you've written which would apply to each category and it is gone over by the writer/instructor.
All who have attended this is the past have said it is one of the most valuable style of teaching writing they've ever been to.
Guess what?? My daughter and I got the last two spots in the conference! Thanks for posting this. We are very excited about going. I hope to see you there. I love reading your blog. I visit often.
ReplyDeleteI also hope that Brandon Sanderson is going to be there on Friday because Mindy and I are groupies of his. He writes incredible characters. My daughter is going back home to Mesa on Saturday morning, so I'm not planning on attending Saturday. I already regret it.
Enjoy your conference! Love the new look of your blog.
ReplyDeleteTerry - it'll be great to see you there. Come find me. Brandon is there both days, I think. Can't swear to it, but I think so.
ReplyDeleteHipWriterMama - we will enjoy it. It's an amazing event. And I'm glad you like the new look. I like it too.