Just having a big-time literary agent, not dropping names, YET, say…”This is excellent.” Sent shivers of excitement through me to rival my first time! That’s a bad analogy, my first time was dreadful, let’s say my first time with my über, awesome ex-husband. When words of wisdom flowed from her lips like buttery Chardonnay, I was ready to axe the very heads off of my characters to make them fit what she envisioned as the perfect tweaks. And now that I’m making those alterations…OH MY GOD, she was right!
Everyone at the conference brought such a depth of knowledge and approachability to the table, that I never once felt uncomfortable or like a bug under a microscope. My other critique group leader was the awe inspiring Eric J Adams, co-writer and producer of numerous books and movies, one hitting NETFLIX yesterday, December 6, ARCHIE’S FINAL PROJECT. (Please refrain from adding it your DVD cue until I’ve received my copy.) He was funny, honest, has met more celebrities than TMZ, and is way easy to talk to. He talked about his next film starting on January the tenth, the way I’d note my next dentist appointment. Not to mention he built us a fire and even saved me when the smoldering wood tried to attack. Yeah, maybe I developed a wee crush. But you would too, so shut up.
Ellen Hopkins, yes, THE Ellen Hopkins, was amazingly awesome to chat with and it was nothing at all like I imagined eating spinach salad with a two million copies sold NYT Bestseller author would be. Jealous, right? She was so totally chillaxed, I almost offered to pick out the stem stuck in her front teeth for her. I refrained!
I only had one regret...my critique partner the snarky queen herself, Gina White, was unable to attend with me.
I could gush and carry on about everyone there, but I won’t, it would make you physically ill that you missed it and I don’t want to be responsible for that. So why are you still reading this? Google, google my friends and sign up for the next one in March 2012.
Sounds like a good experience and in such a beautiful place too. I like the idea of having quality constructive feedback.
ReplyDeleteThanks Paul, it was invaluable.
ReplyDeleteI want to attend a writer's conference more than anything. Hopefully I can attend ThrillerFest in NYC in July. As for Big Sur, I love the Central Coast. I got engaged in Carmel, one of my favorite little towns in the whole world.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds so wonderful to get that kind of knowledge--and in such a lovely place. A Happy Christmas to you and yours and thank you for following.
ReplyDeleteI went to the Big Sur workshop year before last and it changed everything for me. I mark it as the turning point that made me get serious about what I was doing. I'm so glad you had a similar experience! And, it's sooooo gorgeous there.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good experience to me. It takes forever to find some inspiration as a writer but it eventually comes naturally. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteHow encouraging! When constructive criticism usually means, "change this," it's got to be great to hear, "this is excellent."
ReplyDeleteWishing you well, Wanton! :)
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