Caitlin Hicks

PLAYWRIGHT. AUTHOR. PERFORMER. PRESENTER.

Search

San Francisco Writer’s Conference, tidbits

Just got back from The San Francisco Writer’s Conference, a 4-day immersion into all things publishing. For me, a first time author with a prize-winning debut novel, the conference was nevertheless a really dense, comprehensive sharing of knowledge and lived experience of publishing and writing today. Workshops and sessions were as much as one person could soak up. There wasn’t one in which I didn’t learn something new. There were also ample opportunities to meet other writers and other professionals related to publishing – editors, marketing gurus, even Mark Coker! Someone took a pic of me n’ Mr. Smashwords, but I don’t know who it was!

The pitch practice sessions were excellent and so needed, and a real service to writers. The exhibit hall allowed us all to meet and greet professionals who have created valuable apps and programs for writers and provided a place to gather and chat. (It was noticeably absent of predatory publishing houses, another relief). When I looked back on each day’s offerings, I was super impressed at the depth of knowledge and experience; the thoughtful and thorough planning to cover almost every aspect of writing and publishing. There was an enormous amount of advice on Self Publishing and a couple of sessions on the changing landscape of publishing in general, but I missed those!

The keynote speakers were inspiring. Here’s Jose Antonio Vargas, who pointed out, in a heartbreaking speech that despite being a star contributing member of society, ‘there is no process’ towards legal citizenship for him and others who came to America as immigrant children, illegally.

Jane Friedman hit it out of the park – using the terrified image of a black cat, with her keynote about ‘Author Anxiety’.

And all the organizers, although harried and pulled in a thousand different directions, were passionate about writing and enthusiastic about their ‘showtime’ at this beloved conference!

Who Said That?

I’ve spent the last few afternoons, post San Francisco Writer’s Conference, on Twitter, quoting the varied presenters who spoke tidbits of meaning to those of us living The Writing Life.  Even out of context, they’re gems. My hashtags were #miningthegold and #writingcommunity. Since I write to share, here are a few:

From @LaurieMcLean conference Organizer, in the workshop ‘Making This Your Best Writer’s Conference Ever’ there was the suggestion that we “create an ACTION list of what to do after each session, put it on a calendar” when we get back, and “every day, do 3 things to achieve your goal”.

Some tidbits felt like ‘aha’s’!

“make small goals/steps that can be measured” and

“play the long game – rejection is temporary and fleeting”.

“Publishing is a business; you’re looking for a business partner to invest in your product.”

Who said that? Was it Kevin Smokler? Nina Amir?

“10 per cent of books that get published are beautifully written. The rest? The idea is good and the writer speaks well.”

I think it was Nina, in a discussion of Author Platform and Know your Audience, who asked: “Who are the first 300 people who will care about your book? In other words, these people are your audience. Who are they?” You are writing for them!

Genre definitions:

High concept = easily explained; plot driven

Up market = Book club favorite, character-driven, plot is in the background, language = more elevated

Womens’ fiction = by women, about women & women’s issues, a quieter plot

Literary Fiction = voice-driven – sometimes tough subject matter

Describing Literary Fiction:

“ugly is illuminated by beautiful language”

On another topic altogether: Here’s Praveena, a volunteer who wanted a copy of my book!

During the conference, the weather was on and off horrible; frightening really and at one point a house in Sausalito slid down the embankment where it stood and crossed the street in the mud!

Someone said: ASK YOUR AGENT

“Are you an editorial agent? Or a shark agent?”

Agent Patricia Nelson said, referring the the ‘long game’

“Every agent works differently. I am not an agent who blitzes it and then it’s dead.”

Who said this?

“Publishing is a waiting game. You have to have rhino skin. Don’t let emotions drive the bus.”

Laurie McLean: “Think of us like plumbers, we’re a necessary evil.”

Carla King said:  “A podcast is an amazing way to attract audience.”

Find me and other @SFWC tidbits on Twitter: @CateHicks

Next up: weighing in on PITCH SESSIONS.

http://bookendsliterary.com/2019/02/21/the-value-of-pitch-sessions/

For a link to my podcast, SOME KINDA WOMAN, Stories of Us https://caitlinhicks.com/wordpress/podcasts-some-kinda-woman/

 

 

Acclaimed Debut Novel

Republished by Sunbury Press this summer

recent posts

follow me

Take my recipe, please!

Mother Marcelle's Spaghetti, as discussed in my podcast, "Some kinda woman - Stories of Us"

Sign up for podcast and writing updates and receive a copy of the infamous “Mother Marcelle’s Spaghetti” – a favourite that fed a family of 16 in the 60’s