As disturbing as the writing conference scene may seem for 2020, I’ve found myself attending more conferences than I ever dreamed of – as long as they’re virtual. High ticket prices? Hotel and travel expenses? Plenteous supplies of face masks? I can laugh at such problems from the security of my own home screen. So far this year, I’ve been to the North Texas area WORDfest (virtually, speaking); the Writers League of Texas conference, and Thrillerfest. And already signed up for Bouchercon and World Fantasy Convention. And maybe a few others from the following list – many courtesy of Erica Verrillo’s Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity -- check Verrillo’s blog for a complete list and updates.)
September 21-27: Imaginarium, with emphasis on creative
writing in books, movies, gaming, music, and comics/graphic novels. Registration:
$125.
September 24-27: The PNWA Conference, sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Writers association, with seminars, and attending agents and editors. Registration: for nonmembers $475 for full conference or see the site for single-day options.
October 2-4, 16-18: The Pacific Coast Children’s Novel Workshop &
Retreat , features editor or agent
feedback on selected whole-novel manuscripts. Basic fee for each of two workshops:
$110. Critique fees: $2.50 per page (from 15 pages to full novel).
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| Image by Peter Fischer from Pixabay |
October 9-11: James River Writing Conference features pitch sessions with agents and panel discussions for poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers in a variety of genres. It also offers pre-conference master classes October 9. Conference cost, which includes a virtual one-on-one meeting with an agent is $295. Single-day tickets start at $145. Master class is an additional $65.
October 16-17: Bouchercon, the annual convention of the
mystery and crime fiction community. Cost: $55. Since it’s virtual, there will
be no refunds until the virtual event itself is cancelled. I haven’t seen a
schedule yet but am hoping for access to interviews with guests of honor, who
include Scott Turow, Walter Mosley, Anne Perry, and Anthony Horowitz, as well
as access to mystery panels.
October 16-18: Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference, is normally held each summer in the North Texas city of Grapevine, and is another of those wow, I wish I could attend events that’s usually out of my price range. This the Mayborn is virtual, and at only $99, may make my must-see list. With a focus on journalism and nonfiction writing, this year’s keynote speakers are Sarah Broom, Major Garret, and Gene Weingarten. Deadline for submitting to the Ten Spurs writing contest and the manuscript competition has been extended to September 15.
October 16-18: Emerald City Writers’ Conference, is sponsored by the Bellevue, Washington -area RWA, and features film and television scouts taking pitches along with agents and editors. Cost: $125.
October 29-November 1: World Fantasy Convention has long been on my wish
list but I had trouble justifying the travel expenses. Now I can be there for
$125. Information is still skimpy, but presumably will include access to
interviews with guest, who include David Cherry, Stephen Gallagher, Anne Groel,
Cindy Pon, C.J. Cherryh, and more.
November 5-7: Writer’s Digest Annual Conference, also now virtual. Registration now-November 5: $349. Two pre-conference workshops are available as add-ons for $149 each or as standalones for $199. Keynote speakers are Chuck Wendig, Maaza Mengiste, and Viet Thanh Nguyen more than two dozen OMG-amazing other speakers.
November 9-15: Breakout Novel Intensive 2.0, agent Donald Maass’s killer seminar will be held online, with new or revised units on strong voice, compelling story works, beautiful writing and more. This one will cost you – new student registration is $1,095. Normally limited to 40 students, but I’m not sure how that will play out in a virtual setting – obviously, meals and lodging won’t be included. See the site for details.
What’s
missing? For the most part, agents and the chance to pitch to them. Although
I’m amazed that some conferences are offering virtual agent pitches – why not
do those regularly, whether the conference is virtual or in-person? Also,
missing is one of my North Texas homeground’s favorite events, Writers in the Field , although
previously-purchased tickets can be carried over to the 2021 event. Or see the
site for refunds or donations.
In
the meantime, keep writing, and most of all, stay safe!
Oops -- I nearly forgot the Kathryn McClatchy Flash Fiction Contest, sponsored by the Writers Guild of Texas is open now through October 27. Cost of first entry: $35 for nonmembers (includes WGT membership, free for members. Additional entries are $15 for both members and nonmembers, to a maximum of three entries. Cash prizes. See the site for complete details.
