Storymakers Conference

I just signed up for the LDS Storymakers Conference. I'm really excited by this year's conference. Part of that is because they've asked me to teach two classes! One will be on writing for magazines--partly emphasizing the Ensign and such, but also some more mechanical things on how to craft such stories.

The other will be on writing back cover copy--the secret to pitches and queries. I'll draw a lot from a webinar I took from Kristin Nelson of the Nelson Literary Agency, combined with a few other things. She deserves credit. That was a fantastic seminar that completely changed how I consider queries and such. Really opened my eyes. I hope the material will be useful for the class!

Fortunately, I've got over four months to prepare. Not to procrastinate, I hope!

There will also be other editors and agents coming. This is mostly a fiction-based conference, but it is excellent. I believe last year drew about 600 people. One of the finest writing conferences I've been too.

I also signed up to attend the Whitney Awards. I've been helping a little behind the scenes to prepare for the awards. I've been impressed with the professionalism of the committee and their efforts to ensure a quality contest. If you haven't nominated someone and think their book is worthy of the award, you have until December 31st. Better get on it!