The rest of the conference
I forgot to mention my editor/agent appointments that happened on Friday. 
Anyway, the first one was very low-key. The agent requested a partial from all of us without having to pitch, and then we asked questions about her agency. The second one was also low-key. I talked to a Mills & Boon editor about my submissions and asked advice on whether I should be focusing on medievals or whether I should diversify. She said until I sell, I should keep trying different things. Once I sell, that’s the time to focus. Interesting.
On Saturday, I listened to a combination of publisher spotlights and promotional workshops. I learned some interesting facts about promotion, namely booksellers. Stephanie Bond gave a great talk on how she contacts a new bookseller each week as a gesture of goodwill and sends them promotional items to give to their customers. Great idea. She said that over time, you start to build up a base of people, and when they order books, they’ll start to remember your name.
That night was the Golden Heart/Rita awards ceremony. I guess I must be clueless, but while some people were offended by the historical slant of the film clips and the fashion show put on by the presenters, I wasn’t. I was entertained. I guess if you look at it from an overall perspective, that the focus wasn’t as much on the nominees, then they’re right. Maybe it’s because I’m not a political person. In any case, I enjoyed the ceremony, the wacky fashions, and the theater atmosphere. 
Last night I finished reading Julie Kenner’s Carpe Demon. What a fun book! 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 6:47 am | Viewed 680 times
Peggy Says:
That’s interesting about diversifying. I always thought you had to concentrate in one area.
Michelle Says:
That’s what I thought, too. But I imagine it’s more of trying to find your niche. Once you sell and you have a niche, they probably want you to stay there.
Suzanne Says:
I’m reading Carpe Demon, too. It’s great!
Mary Says:
I’m not sure I can do that. I think in a straight line.
Rene Says:
Darn, everyone is reading Carpe Demon but me. I can’t even think about getting new books until I finish some that I’ve started. I’m struggling through The Historian right now and I have a sneaky suspicion nobody gets naked in this book:hissyfit:
Funny about the advice you received about diversifying. Isn’t that the exact opposite advice you got from the agent some time back? What’s an unpubbed to do?:banghead:
Kristen Says:
Carpe Demon is next on my TBR list!
Michelle Says:
It is a great read! Loved it.
Danica Says:
I enjoyed Carpe Demon too!
Christine Keach Says:
I’m with you, Michelle, concerning the Rita event. I had a great time. Plus, except for those couple of strange people who droned on and on, I thought it was a fun event.
Haven’t read Carpe Demon yet. Don’t even own it. However, I did read and love Night Moves (a Kenner Blaze) and I picked up the Givinchy (sp?) Code at the publisher sponsored signing.
Amy K. Says:
I find that wine makes anything more enjoyable, awards ceremonies not withstanding. :headspin:
Larissa Says:
Very interesting on diversifying. Good to know, since my writing is scattered all over the place. Thanks for that little tidbit!
Also, it’s refreshing to find someone who isn’t in an uproar over the awards thing. I probably wouldn’t have been, either, and it’s getting weird to read about it over and over.
Michelle Says:
I think it’s because I’m either not a controversial person or because I’m clueless about those sorts of undertones. I’m so easy to please and entertain. Really. I haven’t a political bone in my body.