Happy Fall, Word Nerds!
Summer is over, and I’m not mourning. I’m a little too busy anticipating the first Chai Tea Latte of the season, sweaters, and cozy writing days. But boy, was this a busy and wonderful few months! Summer is high conference season, and as we prepared for our own writing conference this October, the DIY MFA team was out and about attending and speaking at some of the biggest conferences of the year. Here are five highlights from a summer to remember.
#1) Book Expo America
Gabriela and Bess were both at BEA this year, grabbing all kinds of swag and free books and networking our little hearts out! BEA is a fantastic conference for writers, book bloggers and librarians as well as publishing professionals. It’s also several frenzied days at the massive Javitz Center, and can be a little overwhelming. Luckily, Gabriela is a pro at navigating BEA, and on DIY MFA Radio, she shared her tips to make the most of BEA! She also recapped her 2015 experience. Check it out!
#2) Thrillerfest
This is one of Gabriela’s favorite conferences, and she outlined her reasons for that right here. This was also Emily Wenstrom’s first year attending Thrillerfest. She gave some fantastic recaps, including quotes from industry greats, an in-depth discussion of the industry experts’ opinions on author platforming, and a recap of what several famous authors, including Nelson Demille and Charlaine Harris had to say about the writer’s life.
#3) Romance Writers of America Conference
Robin Lovett attended the Romance Writers of America Conference here in New York City. It was her first major conference, and she was psyched about it! Using the advice of other attendees, she documented how she prepped to get the most out of the conference. She had a fantastic three days of networking and learning, and brought the scoop back to us. Check it out!
#4) Writers Digest
Sara Letourneau and Leanne Sowul both attended the Writers Digest Conference, and Gabriela and I both spoke at it. In fact, Gabriela gave three talks! This was Sara’s first major conference, and she loved it. Lucky for us, she also took good notes. Check out her list of quotes from the fantastic authors in attendance, including Jonathan Maberry and Jacqueline Woodson, and her wrap up of recurring themes that industry experts and writers touched on at the conference.
#5) Writer Igniter Con 2015
Okay, so, this conference hasn’t actually happened yet, but here at DIY MFA we’re already stoked about it! Emily Wenstrom will be teaching a class on social media, and she’s teased what’s in store right here. I’ll be teaching a workshop on one of my favorite topics–the first five pages of your manuscript. Read all about it right here. And look out in the next few weeks for some more info about all the great classes in store, and be sure to secure your spot!
Bess Cozby writes epic stories in expansive worlds from her tiny apartment in New York City. By day, she’s an Editor at Tor Books, and Web Editor for DIY MFA. Her work is represented by Brooks Sherman of the Bent Agency. Tweet her at @besscozby, contact her at bess@diymfa.com, or visit her website at www.besscozby.com.
