Storymaker’s Report
So, I spent the last couple of months in full anticipation for the LDS Storymaker’s Conference. I had entered the First Chapter Contest (fully not expecting to win and not giving it a second thought), I anticipated quality and QUANTITY time with my author friends (something that does not happen enough), and I submitted ten pages to Amy Jameson, agent extraordinaire to THE Shannon Hale (of whom I secretly worship–don’t tell the bishop).
The contest: did not win and did not care, but was disappointed for my friends that didn’t and was happy for my friends that did. I got high scores overall, but one poor fellow who was rather loathe at my writing and only gave me 2s out of 5s. Except for a lone 4 because “It takes really great writing to get a reader annoyed about something on that kind of level.” Whatever. I had to chuckle at that.
The friends: Oh, the friends! It was delightful! Skipping out on the conference to go shoe shopping. Gelatos late at night. Texting under the table to the annoyance of everyone around us. The giddiness that comes from belly laughing until you can no longer breathe. Late night and early morning conversations on living the life of a writer. (insert sigh here) How I love my writer friends! (And how lucky I am that my sister is one of them!) I met Ali Cross, Marion Jensen AKA: Matthew Buckley, Eric Swedin (okay I already know him, but we became better friends), Dean Lorey to name a few. I love meeting up with my friends! Kristi Stevens, James Dashner, Julie Wright, Jeff Savage, Janette Rallison, Karen Hoover, Shari Bird, and Rachelle Christensen are some of my favorite writing peeps. (Did I just type that? Peeps? I’m turning into a rapper now I guess.)
The Agent: Amy had positive feedback overall. She didn’t shout my praises and plead to represent me, like in my deepest of dreams, but she didn’t say no. She said: “Possibly.” Then she proceeded to give me great advice. Now I have a plan and direction. Yay! And a shout out to Julie Write who did get a contract from Amy. Hooray!
Now I’m back and it’s back to work. Finish and revise. I love the writer’s life!
Way to make me jealous I wasn’t there! Miss you!
You’re awesome.
Sounds like a good time. Was that last weekend?
Jill, I wish that you had been there! When are we going to hook up?!
Kristi, right back atcha, Babe!
Jared, it was last weekend in Provo. Good times. We need to get our group together soon.
It was great to see you too and to know that you’re still working hard on you’re writing. It was good a year a go, I’m sure it’s great now!
Thanks for the shout out! I am still grinning and giggling maniacally to myself (which further indicates my psychosis to people) I wish I had more time at the conference so I could hang out more! You are GREAT!
I’m floating that you included me in your peeps. I’m one of Melinda’s peeps! Cool.
It was so good to see you. Wish we could have actually hung out more. Let’s get together some time and do lunch.
Hey Pell Mel,
When are you going to write something new?
And how come my name isn’t linked to my blog? Rude!