All The Write Stuff

Katherine Ramsland on Research, Writing, and What Interests You

2012-02-02T11:42:00.000-05:00

by Mitzi Flyte After publishing more than 900 articles and 40 books, Katherine Ramsland can be called prolific. She can also be called "doctor" with a Ph.D. in philosophy along with her master's degrees in forensic psychology, clinical psychology and criminal justice. When she's not writing, consulting with law enforcement agencies on appearing on television documentaries, Dr. Ramsland

Programs to Make Your Head Spin and Your Words Spin Gold

2012-01-27T23:56:00.001-05:00

by David A. Miller, II "But I’ve never done this before,” he whined to himself…"interviewing a published author for The Write Stuff Conference.” Short silence. “However, I’m now a published author too. Yep, I CAN do this.” And he quit procrastinating, drafted four email questions, had a ball…and made a new friend. And intends to register for all three of Hana’s programs. As soon as he

A Word With Literary Agent Rachel Stout

2012-01-22T20:55:00.002-05:00

by Becky Bartlett Rachel Stout, from Dystel and Goderich, will be at the Write Stuff conference. She's hoping for pitches in Young Adult, Magical Realism, Literary Fiction and Narrative Non-fiction. Becky Bartlett: What makes writer's conferences better for finding authors than slush piles? Rachel Stout: Obviously, there are plenty of benefits to

Interview with Randall Brown

2012-01-19T23:40:00.000-05:00

by Tori Bond Do you want to make your fiction pop and sizzle? Would you like to see your work published? Then don’t miss Randall Brown’s workshops Flash Fiction and Submitting Your Short Fiction and Creative Nonfiction at the conference. Randall Brown is a fearless writer, teacher, editor, and publisher of flash fiction. Tori Bond caught up with him for a short interview about writing and

Deciding on That Agent/Editor Appointment

2012-01-10T09:27:00.001-05:00

by Donna Brennan 2012 Write Stuff Chair At the 2012 Write Stuff conference we have a great line-up of agents and editors ready to listen to writers pitch their books. Five agents, in fact. And two editors. But since you only get one appointment, how do you, an aspiring author, decide which agent or editor would be the best one for you to pitch to. Here are some pointers. First, read the

2012 Write Stuff Conference

2012-01-06T13:19:00.000-05:00

March 15 – 17, 2012 Welcome to the 2012 Write Stuff Conference Blog! This is the place to get the latest information on our upcoming conference and to read interviews with presenters, agents, and editors. The 2012 Write Stuff Conference is packed full of exciting and informative sessions taught by a very talented list of presenters. We also offer two pre-conference workshops designed to

Meet Pattie Giordani

2011-03-22T18:02:00.001-04:00

Pattie Giordani, a long-time editor and freelance writer, has mastered the art of PR. And she’ll help you become an expert, too – at her Write Stuff workshop – SSP: Shameless Self-Promotion, Online and Off. Q. Why is it important for a writer to know how to promote him- or herself?Pattie Giordani: If you’re just writing for yourself, maybe you don’t want or need to promote your writing. But if

A Quiet Word with Kathleen Coddington

2011-03-21T21:05:00.000-04:00

Your presentation, DRESSING YOUR CHARACTERS, at this year’s Write Stuff conference talks about using clothing, props and accessories to help create engaging characters. Which fashion era is your personal favorite, and why?When I was fourteen, I saw Gone with the Wind and became hooked on Civil War history. Fortunately, my husband, Neil, shares my passion. For the past 12 years we have been Civil

Write Stuff 2011 Interview with Janice Gable Bashman

2011-03-18T20:18:00.000-04:00

Q. It’s obvious why a nonfiction writer would need to know how to conduct interviews, but why should a writer of fiction develop this skill? Janice Gable Bashman: When writing fiction, writers often need to interview people to obtain source material that cannot be found through normal research channels. The information gleaned from these interviews can provide background material or information

LATE BREAKING NEWS! NEW OPPORTUNITIES!

2011-03-16T10:01:00.000-04:00

by Kathryn Craft, Agent/Editor Chair Folio Jr. agent Molly Jaffa has sent her deep regrets that she will not be able to attend this year's conference. The fifteen conferees assigned appointments with her have been informed of a substitute mode of pitching to her (if you are one of them, and didn't receive the e-mailed notification, please contact us with a correct e-mail address asap). We'll

You Mean There's More?

2011-03-15T10:23:00.000-04:00

by Donna Brennan Getting all set for the Write Stuff Conference? It's almost here. Do you have your manuscripts polished, your pitches practiced? Have you selected the workshops you plan to attend? Did you make your room reservation yet? Almost sounds like we need a checklist. With so much to think about getting ready for the conference, we don't always have time to plan for the “other” aspects

Flash Fiction Contest 2011

2011-03-13T11:15:00.000-04:00

by Bernadette Sukley A contest for writers of fiction, non fiction or, poetry that can be read in a flash. Here's how it works: 1. You must be an attendee of the Write Stuff Conference to enter. 2. Total length is 100 words or less, not counting the title. 3. Use an easy-to-read font, 14 points or larger, and print your story on plain bond paper. 4. IMPORTANT: Lightly print your name and

Meet Nate Hardy!

2011-03-08T17:12:00.001-05:00

You’re finally finished! Your novel, memoir or book of essays is ready for readers. How to market it? Don’t miss Nate Hardy and our conference workshop, Marketing Made Easy For Writers. Hardy is the founder of Plus Sign Business + Life Coaching, and a Pennwriters board member. A former journalist, Hardy has a writing and publishing background and is an experienced teacher and workshop leader

New Write Stuff editor opportunities!

2011-03-04T11:54:00.000-05:00

By Kathryn Craft With the conference almost sold out, Juliet Grames, of Soho Press, still has appointments available. We know why, of course—most of her acquisitions are in crime fiction set in other cultures, and apparently we don't have any authors at present who are targeting that narrow genre. Since Juliet's background in publishing and bookselling has so much to offer us, we've decided to

A Write Stuff Checklist/What do you write?

2011-03-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

by Kathryn Craft It's been a year in the making but now that it's almost here, it's hard to believe we're now accepting our final few registrations. Just one month from today, the 2011 Write Stuff conference will be over! As you prepare your personal countdown to The Write Stuff, here's a handy checklist you can use. If you have other ideas, feel free to add them in the comment section. Ahead

Explore the Tween Genre with P.G. Kain

2011-02-25T15:21:00.000-05:00

by Donna Brennan Kids who are too old for chapter books but not quite ready for teen books are part of the huge (and growing) audience for tween books. Author P.G. Kain is right at home in this vast market, and his session will acclimate you to this expansive environment. Donna: What ages are tween books marketed for? PG: Generally between 9 and 14, but this is an age group where

A QUIET WORD WITH JONATHAN MABERRY

2011-02-22T10:41:00.000-05:00

by Jon Gibbs Jon: How important is research for a novel, as opposed to non-fiction? Jonathan: Research is key to fiction. All novels have a nonfiction backstory. Everything from JURASSIC PARK (dinosaurs, genetics, the operation of zoological gardens, paleontology) to TWILIGHT (vampire and werewolf folklore; blood typing, the geography of Washington State). Obviously some

New Stuff at The Write Stuff 2011 - Part 2

2011-02-18T22:48:00.000-05:00

Tammy Burke, GLVWG’s 2011 Write Stuff Conference Chair, has had business articles published in magazines on the northeast coast and won an award for best mid-length article in 2001. She is currently working on her first YA book Uriah’s Window. Donna Brennan, GLVWG’s 2011 Conference Co-chair, was a technical writer in the corporate world for over ten years. Four years ago she

New Stuff at The Write Stuff 2011

2011-02-15T15:32:00.000-05:00

Tammy Burke, GLVWG’s 2011 Write Stuff Conference Chair, has had business articles published in magazines on the northeast coast and won an award for best mid-length article in 2001. She is currently working on her first YA book "Uriah’s Window." Over drinks after The Write Stuff 2010 conference had just concluded, Tammy Burke, then Conference Co-chair, was already contemplating who she might

Polish Your Pitch & Meet Agent/Editor Chair Kathryn Craft

2011-02-11T08:33:00.001-05:00

One of the annual staples and highlights of the Write Stuff conference is the opportunity to pitch to and network with agents and editors. The person in the know about this year’s panel is Agent-Editor Chair Kathryn Craft, a developmental editor at Writing-Partner.com, who writes women’s fiction and memoir, and was an arts journalist for 19 years. She has spoken about writing and the publication

Meet Keith Strunk

2011-02-07T14:22:00.001-05:00

Keith Strunk is an actor, teacher, author, co-founder and Managing Director of River Union Stage, and a partner in Interlude Group LLC, a company specializing in training and development. Keith will present “Writing Dialog That Works” and “The Author as the Storyteller,” at the Write Stuff conference. Tori Bond interviewed Keith about how his acting experience impacts the way he writes and what

Meet Publisher Karen Syed

2011-01-10T06:00:00.016-05:00

By Kathryn Craft Karen Syed, Publisher at Echelon Press, is becoming quite a friend of The Write Stuff conference. In her last few visits with us she has signed authors Kieryn Nicolas, Jon Gibbs, Ralph Hieb, and Carla Veno Jones. About Echelon Press Echelon Press is a small independent publisher of trade paperbacks and e-books. Its divisions include Quake (young adult), Explorations (SF,

Meet editor Juliet Grames

2011-01-09T06:00:00.014-05:00

By Kathryn Craft When Juliet Grames last came to our conference, in 2008, it was as Editor at Overlook Press. This year she will represent Soho Press, where she is the Crime Fiction Editor. Soho Press was last represented at our 2005 conference, by co-founder Juris Jurjevics. About Soho Press Soho Press is an independent book publisher based in New York City. They publish a superior roster

Meet literary agent Alia Hanna Habib

2011-01-08T06:00:00.008-05:00

By Kathryn Craft About McCormick & Williams McCormick & Williams is an independent literary agency specializing in literary and commercial fiction and quality non-fiction, including memoir, history, narrative, biography, lifestyle, sports, self-help, and pop culture. Devoted to representing authors at every aspect of successful publishing, their agents are closely involved in each stage of a

Meet literary agent Katie Grimm

2011-01-07T06:00:00.004-05:00

By Kathryn Craft About Don Congdon Associates Early in his career as a literary agent, Don Congdon developed an enviable reputation as a skilled editor, tough negotiator and shrewd judge of talent. While still a young editor at Simon & Schuster, he championed the early stories of Ray Bradbury (you may have heard of him!), who became one of his first clients after he became a full-time literary

Meet Literary Agent Blair Hewes

2011-01-06T12:54:00.000-05:00

By Kathryn Craft In addition to listening to pitches and participating on our agent panel, Blair Hewes of Dunham Literary, Inc. and her good friend, literary agent Katie Grimm of Don Congdon Associates, will co-lead our Friday night session on how to pitch to agents and editors, which they've titled "Tuning Your Pitch: The Essential Notes." There's business to their relationship as well:

Meet literary agent Molly Jaffa

2010-12-13T10:41:00.000-05:00

by Kathryn Craft Young adult (YA) and middle grade (MG) continue to be hot, and Folio Literary Management knows it. That's why they've created a new division, Folio Jr., to target this important market. One of Folio Jr.'s four agents, Molly Jaffa, will be at our conference to hear pitches and to give a session specific to YA/MG authors, Getting a “YES!”: From Query to Representation in Ten Steps.

Introducing Lisa Rector-Maass!

2010-12-10T17:35:00.002-05:00

By Tammy Burke It is with great delight to announce that independent editor and owner, Lisa Rector-Maass, of Third Draft New York City http://www.thirddraftnyc.com/ will be one of our conference presenters and one of our pre-conference workshop leaders. Lisa brings a wide range of experiences with her, starting her writing career at 17 as the youngest writer at BC Woman magazine in Vancouver

Meet literary agent Adam Friedstein

2010-12-06T13:21:00.000-05:00

by Kathryn Craft A great way for a rookie author to gain literary representation—beyond having a top-notch novel or nonfiction proposal—is to query a newer agent at an established literary agency. It's a "best of both worlds" scenario: you get in on the ground floor with an agent who is working hard to build his list and establish himself in the industry, while benefiting from the agency's

Our first agent revealed!

2010-11-26T13:18:00.000-05:00

By Kathryn Craft, Agent-Editor Chair As the letters of agreement start to trickle in, the Write Stuff committee realizes how much we have to be thankful for this year. It's fun to envision the conference, but our enthusiasm rises to a whole new level as we start to see the conference come together in black and white—complete with signatures! At this time we'd like to announce our first agent

2011 Write Stuff Conference

2010-11-19T15:37:00.001-05:00

First, welcome to the 2011 Write Stuff Conference Blog! In the upcoming weeks, you will find all sorts of information, interviews and tips about our upcoming conference on March 25 – 26, 2011, plus our two days of pre-conference workshops on March 24 – 25, 2011. The first announcement I’d like to make is regarding our keynote speaker. Donald Maass almost doesn’t need an introduction.

It's a wrap!

2010-04-02T15:24:00.001-04:00

From Write Stuff co-chair Tammy Burke, keynote Jim Frey, and chair Kathryn Craft: thanks to everyone who turned out for our 2010 conference! Thanks, too, for supporting this inaugural year of the blog. I (Kathryn) promised you a wrap-up here and an opportunity to post your favorite conference moments in the comments section. Sorry it took so long! Took me a week to whip my requested agent

Molly Cochran on the art of writing and the science of finishing, part 2

2010-03-20T07:42:00.000-04:00

Taking a cue from Molly Cochran, whose Write Stuff session is “Finishing Your Novel,” I thought, what the heck? We should finish our interview. To that end… Kathryn Craft: During the brainstorming process for your presentation topic, you put forth that selfishness can be an important attribute for attaining success in today’s publishing world. Why is that? Molly Cochran: Correction. Not today’s

Speaker change: Meet Bonnie J. Doerr!

2010-03-19T10:54:00.000-04:00

Due to a family emergency, Kitty Keswick will not be able to participate in our conference session, "A Conversation with an Editor." Her co-presenter, editor/publisher Laurie Edwards of Leap Books, did not want to leave us in the lurch, however, and has arranged to sub in another of her authors, Bonnie J. Doerr. Bonnie will be flying to Allentown straight from the Virgina Festival of the Book—ask

Molly Cochran on the art of writing and the science of finishing, Part 1

2010-03-17T08:35:00.000-04:00

With thirty books to her name, including a number of bestselling and award-winning novels, Molly Cochran is a veteran writer. Yet after a recent break from her writing, she found that while starting a new novel may be like riding a bike—you can always remember how to get back on and point your nose in the right direction—she is ready to allow that finishing the journey takes some serious

Conference FAQs

2010-03-14T16:11:00.000-04:00

For every one person who picks up the phone to ask a question there are usually several others who'd like to know the same thing but didn't ask. So for your information as you prepare for the conference, here are the answers to this year's Most Frequently Asked Questions. Even if you didn't think you had a question, read on—we have a few surprises in store! 1. I’m coming into town early for the

Hey, Pitch to Us!: Two publishers’ top five reasons

2010-03-10T08:51:00.000-05:00

by Kathryn Craft Pitch appointments fill quickly at The Write Stuff, and for more than two weeks now, all 75 of the available agent appointments have been filled. Appointments with our two publishers have filled more slowly. This always happens. My guess as to why: If you can sign with an agent, all windows of opportunity are still open; if you sign with a publisher—especially a small press—you’

Spencer Soper: "You've got to connect with an audience"

2010-03-06T10:26:00.000-05:00

At this year’s Write Stuff conference, Morning Call “On the Cheap” columnist Spencer Soper, pictured here after a recent makeover, will talk to us about the all-important notion of developing a niche. Lisa Tomarelli recently interviewed Spencer about his own niche as a journalist, and how its development has helped him connect with a readership. Lisa Tomarelli: In what ways has your newspaper

Shrinking magazine market requires expanded skills

2010-03-02T09:14:00.000-05:00

Write Stuff presenter Maureen Sangiorgio, veteran writer of consumer health articles, says the shrinking periodicals market requires that today’s magazine writers be at the top of their game. She’ll help us sharpen our skills at her conference session, “Writing Magazine Articles that Sell.” Here, in an interview with Melba Tolliver, she cautions that the Internet’s growing influence, combined

She had The Write Stuff: Kieryn Nicolas

2010-02-26T14:30:00.003-05:00

This is the last in a series of interviews conference chair Kathryn Craft conducted with former conferees that made successful publishing connections at The Write Stuff conference. Kathryn Craft: You met your publisher, Karen Syed, at The Write Stuff conference last year. Tell us how your pitch session went. Were you nervous? Any advice for people pitching for the first time this year?

Important Write Stuff Deadlines!

2010-02-23T09:25:00.001-05:00

As we approach The Write Stuff 2010, now only a month away, there are important deadlines you should be aware of. The first is in two days: Thursday, February 25 Last registration postmark for the Early Bird discount. Last day for $85/night group rate for a room at the Four Points Sheraton. Last day to submit your first page for Bill Kent's "Start a Fire on Page One" workshop (you were informed

He had The Write Stuff: Ralph Hieb

2010-02-20T17:39:00.000-05:00

The third in a series of interviews conference chair Kathryn Craft conducted with former conferees that made successful publishing connections at The Write Stuff conference. Kathryn: You met Karen Syed, publisher at Echelon Press, last year at The Write Stuff conference. Any advice for people pitching for the first time this year? Ralph: The best advice I can give is be yourself and stay on topic

He had The Write Stuff: Steven Walker

2010-02-14T10:24:00.000-05:00

The second in a series of interviews conference chair Kathryn Craft conducted with former conferees that made successful publishing connections at The Write Stuff conference. 1. You first met an editor from Kensington Books, Michaela Hamilton, at The Write Stuff conference. Tell us how your pitch session went. Any advice for people pitching for the first time this year? I actually pitched a

YA Publisher Laurie Edwards added

2010-02-08T10:24:00.002-05:00

The Write Stuff conference has added young adult publisher Laurie Edwards of Leap Books to its line-up of publishing professionals who will be listening to pitches at this year's conference. Despite booming registration, it turns out The Write Stuff is not immune to the economic uncertainty that holds the publishing industry in its grip: Juliet Grames, editor at Overlook Press, had to withdraw

He had The Write Stuff: Jon Gibbs

2010-02-06T13:34:00.002-05:00

The first in a series of interviews conference chair Kathryn Craft conducted with former conferees that made successful publishing connections at The Write Stuff conference. Kathryn: You met your publisher, Karen Syed of Echelon Press, at last year’s The Write Stuff conference. Tell us how your pitch session went. Jon: I remember feeling nervous. Despite appearances to the contrary I’m

David Wilk on publishing, continued

2010-01-30T10:29:00.000-05:00

This post concludes Conference Chair Kathryn Craft’s interview (click here for Part One) with publishing guru David Wilk, who owns and operates Creative Management Partners, a business providing authors a full suite of publishing services. Note: David's individual appointments for The Write Stuff conference are now full. Kathryn: What kind of author is the most successful at self-publishing? Is

The Inside Scoop on The Write Stuff: Part II

2010-01-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

In our last post, GLVWG president Tori Bond interviewed Conference Chair Kathryn Craft about this year's Write Stuff conference. Read on for the rest of that interview, including comments from Co-Chair Tammy Burke. All three of these women are pictured at the end of this post—please come up to any one of them at the conference if you have any questions, or just to say hello! Tori Bond: What

The Inside Scoop on The Write Stuff: Part I

2010-01-22T09:48:00.000-05:00

The 2010 Write Stuff Conference is coming up fast. Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group President Tori Bond caught up with Kathryn Craft, Conference Chair, and Tammy Burke, Conference Co-Chair, for some insider information about what’s new this year, tips about making the most of the conference, and some advice about networking with agents and editors at the conference. Tori Bond: The Write

An interview with editor Juliet Grames

2010-01-14T13:05:00.000-05:00

The registration links at the conference website go live tonight so that conferees can start marking their choices of limited availability opportunities and pop the registration forms in the mail as early as tomorrow, January 15. Those who want to sign up to pitch to agents and editors get only one appointment so we urge you to make an informed choice. To that end, this interview with editor

Meet literary agent Michelle Humphrey

2010-01-11T07:08:00.000-05:00

A little more than what you’ll find in her bio at the Write Stuff conference website. While the links below will give you a sense of literary agent Michelle Humphrey’s personality, much of what you’ll find on the web about Michelle is outdated, because last month Michelle moved from Sterling Lord Literistic to the Martha Kaplan Agency. Michelle told us she is interested in representing

Meet agent Eddie Schneider

2010-01-10T08:27:00.002-05:00

A little more than what you’ll find in his bio at the Write Stuff conference website. What follows is Eddie’s biographical essay, as found at the JABberwocky Literary Agency site. Used with permission. Eddie Schneider is a recent arrival at JABberwocky, and is actively building his client list (see "What I'm Looking For," below). Schneider is a graduate of the University of Iowa, where he

Meet agent Jessica Papin

2010-01-09T09:29:00.001-05:00

A little more than what you’ll find in her bio at the Write Stuff conference website. What follows is Jessica’s biographical essay, as found at the dystel.com site. Used with permission. I am delighted to return to Dystel and Goderich Literary Management. Since beginning my career in publishing in 1995, I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to work in three different (albeit related

The Write Stuff site has gone LIVE!

2010-01-02T16:06:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year, everybody! I hope writing has taken a prominent place in your 2010 resolution list. This is just a quick post to tell you that the 2010 Write Stuff conference website has gone LIVE ! Please take some time to click around the site and check out all we have in store for this special event featuring keynote speaker James N. Frey. Notes: 1. The registration links won't work yet.

Genres to pitch at the conference

2009-12-29T16:57:00.000-05:00

The editors and agents coming to the 2010 Write Stuff conference represent a wide array of genres. If your work is represented on this list, there will be at least one publishing professional you can pitch to! Fiction Speculative fiction Science fiction (2) Fantasy (3) Young adult (3) Middle grade (2) Psychological suspense Action-adventure Mysteries (2) Thrillers Historicals Horror Humor

Professionalism is the ticket for this small press editor

2009-12-21T11:05:00.000-05:00

This week Write Stuff conference co-chair Tammy Burke interviewed editor Renee Rocco, who with husband Frank Rocco owns Lyrical Press, a small general fiction publisher based in New York. Write Stuff conferees may request an opportunity to pitch their work to Renee. Although Lyrical Press is actively seeking erotica and romance and paranormal sub-genres, they welcome all submissions (including

David Wilk on his favorite topic: Publishing

2009-12-07T14:29:00.000-05:00

If you are an author serious about selling your work in today’s ever-changing market, mark these two Write Stuff conference sessions by David Wilk as “must see”: “The Writer as Entrepreneur” and “The New Rules for Writers Who Want to Master New Media Tools and Online Marketing.” From his home base in southern Connecticut, David operates Creative Management Partners,

Another agent -- and he's building his list!

2009-11-29T18:23:00.000-05:00

The Write Stuff is happy to welcome Evan Goldfried, who joined Jill Grinberg Literary Management, a boutique agency based in New York, in May 2009. The agency is best known for its award winning and bestselling children's and young adult list, which includes Scott Westerfeld (Leviathan), Garth Nix (The Seventh Tower), Catherine Gilbert Murdock (Front and Center), and the

Jordan Sonnenblick returns to The Write Stuff a well published author

2009-11-20T11:37:00.000-05:00

By Kathryn Craft It is a special thing to witness the birth of the career of a really good writer. Those of us who attended the first year of GLVWG’s Writer’s Cafe were able to do so. It was there that Jordan Sonnenblick, a middle school English teacher, read from his first book, DRUMS, GIRLS & DANGEROUS PIE. Jordan says he was as surprised as anybody when the book took

An interview with Tracy MacNish: Part II

2009-11-16T07:59:00.000-05:00

This post conclude's Dianna Sinovic's two-part interview with Tracy MacNish, author of four darkly romantic historical novels with Kensington Publishing. Tracy will speak at the Write Stuff conference on March 26-27, 2010. Her most recent release, STEALING MIDNIGHT, was given a Top Pick by Romantic Times Magazine, and has received excellent reviews. Her previous novel, VEILED PASSIONS, was also

Tracy MacNish brings spark of desire to The Write Stuff

2009-11-06T07:30:00.000-05:00

Tracy MacNish, author of four darkly romantic historical novels with Kensington Publishing, will speak at the Write Stuff conference on March 26-27, 2010. Her most recent release, STEALING MIDNIGHT, was given a Top Pick by Romantic Times Magazine, and has received excellent reviews. Her previous novel, VEILED PASSIONS, was also awarded a Top Pick and went on to be nominated for Best British

Our first agent revealed!

2009-10-30T14:33:00.000-04:00

Kim Lionetti joined BookEnds, LLC as a literary agent in 2004 after working eight years as an editor at Berkley Publishing. On both sides of her publishing career, Kim says she’s heard hundreds of pitches—"some fabulous, some horribly bad and most just plain forgettable." In that time, she’s gotten a pretty good idea of what every perfect pitch needs and how to avoid the

Bill Kent on his passion for mystery

2009-10-23T11:44:00.000-04:00

"To me, a mystery is a journey to the truth, a defiant, triumphant insistence that human beings can use their brains to solve the big questions of superstition, crime, punishment and redemption." ~Bill Kent Today we feature the last part of conference chair Kathryn Craft's interview with Write Stuff 2010 presenter Bill Kent. Kathryn: What about your interests/attributes

The mysteries of publishing

2009-10-16T10:19:00.000-04:00

Here's another excerpt from a recent interview with journalist, author, critic, and Write Stuff 2010 presenter Bill Kent, conducted by conference chair Kathryn Craft. Kathryn: Many aspiring authors believe that once they've got their foot in the door of the publishing industry that the rest of their career will take care of itself. But is this realistic? Can you comment on some common setbacks?

Sustaining your career

2009-10-08T10:14:00.000-04:00

It's time to introduce another Write Stuff 2010 presenter! Meet Bill Kent from Philadelphia. Bill is a journalist (including Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer), writing teacher (University of Pennsylvania, Temple University), critic (New York Times Book Review), and author of seven crime and mystery novels as well as two non-fiction books. The following is an excerpt from an interview with

James N. Frey's favorite thrillers

2009-09-30T09:49:00.000-04:00

When James N. Frey released HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD MYSTERY in 2004, Booklist wrote the following review: From the author of HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD NOVEL (1987) comes a companion volume aimed at would-be mystery writers. Frey doesn't believe in those collections "of tips on what to do and what not to do," arguing that they give the false impression that writing good fiction is merely a

An Interview with James N. Frey, Part II

2009-09-23T16:19:00.001-04:00

Here is more of 2010 Write Stuff Conference Chair Kathryn Craft’s interview with keynote James N. Frey. Kathryn: Other than "writer" and "writing teacher," what other jobs have you had? Do you have other hobbies/interests you enjoy? Jim: I was once a claims adjuster, worked on submarines, sold insurance, worked in a hospital... I eventually went to college, did graduate work in English Lit

Interview with James Frey: Part I

2009-09-16T10:07:00.000-04:00

Here is the first part of a recent interview Conference Chair Kathryn Craft conducted with Write Stuff 2010 keynote James N. Frey. Kathryn: You have built a career helping writers achieve their dreams. Who were the writers or writing teachers who inspired you? Jim: My mentor is Lester Gorn, whom I met in 1969 when he taught at U.C. Berkeley Extension in San Francisco. He did a manuscript

Fiction Writers: A pre-con workshop you won't want to miss!

2009-09-08T08:58:00.000-04:00

A huge draw at this year’s conference will be James N. Frey’s two-full-day pre-conference workshop, “How to Plot Like the Pros.” On Thursday, March 25 and Friday, March 26, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Frey will give attendees the craft information they need to plot with confidence, while at the same time leading them through the practical application of this material. With Jim's guidance, workshop

The keynote revealed!

2009-09-02T11:43:00.006-04:00

We are thrilled to announce that the keynote for our 2010 conference will be internationally acclaimed creative writing teacher and workshop leader James N. Frey, the author of HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD NOVEL; HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD NOVEL II; THE KEY: WRITING DAMN GOOD FICTION USING THE POWER OF MYTH; HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD MYSTERY; and the forthcoming HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD THRILLER. He is

Get Write Stuff news delivered to your desktop!

2009-08-27T21:40:00.005-04:00

Welcome to "All The Write Stuff," the blog that will keep you up to date on new developments about The Write Stuff 2010, the 17th annual conference of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group! We're eager to tell you what we have in store. But first, some technical stuff for those of you who would like to receive updates without having to type http://glvwgwritersconference.blogspot.com into your