Besides networking with authors, meeting new friends, and learning lots of helpful information, I won three great prizes: a free stay at the hotel, a free critique from Darlene Bailey-Beard, and free admission to the SCBWI-OK conference in Chandler this fall. What a blessing that was!
There were several speakers at the conference including an art director, an agent and several editors from various houses. It was interesting to hear about writing from their prospective.
My favorite part of the conference was the other authors. I met Anna Myers, Helen Newton, Pati Hailey, Jeannie Hagy, Una Belle Townsend, Gwendolyn Hooks, Susan Meyers, and, of course, Darlene. I got to sit at lunch with Dian Curtis Regan; but unfortunately for me, I was sitting across from her at a big table and there was so much noise behind me that I couldn't hear what she was saying. I did enjoy a nice conversation with Louise Jones who sat next to me. There were many others there that I did not get to meet. Hopefully, I'll meet them another day.
I also got a children's book I am working on critiqued. Let's just say it still needs a major rewrite! The critique was helpful and definitely pointed out some flaws. Oh those critiques - so helpful, yet so painful! But I'm not giving up. I've got some ideas on where to go from here.
So, the conference was well worth attending. I'd say the biggest benefit I got was from networking.
Next on my list: I'm attending a workshop by Susan Mae Warren in Tulsa on April 16-17. I'm looking forward to hearing her, as one of my bucket-list projects is to write a cozy mystery! I also love the WIN group. Maybe I'll see you there?
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete