Conference Success Story: Member Jenny Martin Signs with Literary Agent
The May 12th meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop saw a large crowd that included two visitors and three new members.
In the biggest news of the night, Jenny Martin announced she has signed with Mary Kole of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc. What's even better is that Jenny met Mary at the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference, making this yet another success story for an event designed to connect authors with agents and editors.
In other news, Carolyn Williamson announced the addition of three new writer's market books for the Workshop's library. While these reference books may not be checked out, there are many others available for use by DFWWW members.
Finally, it's rumored that 15 literary agents have already agreed to attend the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference. With success stories like Jenny's proving the value of the event, attendees will want to register early for the best chance to meet with one of next year's agents.
In the biggest news of the night, Jenny Martin announced she has signed with Mary Kole of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc. What's even better is that Jenny met Mary at the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference, making this yet another success story for an event designed to connect authors with agents and editors.
In other news, Carolyn Williamson announced the addition of three new writer's market books for the Workshop's library. While these reference books may not be checked out, there are many others available for use by DFWWW members.
Finally, it's rumored that 15 literary agents have already agreed to attend the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference. With success stories like Jenny's proving the value of the event, attendees will want to register early for the best chance to meet with one of next year's agents.
Winner of Barbara Wilson Award Announced & 297th Book Donated to Trophy Room
The May 5th business meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop was short, but contained much good news.
In official business, historian Stephen Manning announced the winner of the 2009 Barbara Wilson Memorial Award for the most published short works. Longtime member Chris Moore took the honors. Stephen also displayed the newest donation to the Trophy Room, Kenneth Ingles' novel Cross the Styx. That brings the total to 297 traditionally published books by DFWWW members. President Russell Connor reminded everyone that a celebration will be held once the landmark number of 300 is reached.
In other news, agent Paul Lavine requested Susan Clark's full manuscript, and George Goldwaithe had requests from agents Terry Burns and Josh Getzler.
In official business, historian Stephen Manning announced the winner of the 2009 Barbara Wilson Memorial Award for the most published short works. Longtime member Chris Moore took the honors. Stephen also displayed the newest donation to the Trophy Room, Kenneth Ingles' novel Cross the Styx. That brings the total to 297 traditionally published books by DFWWW members. President Russell Connor reminded everyone that a celebration will be held once the landmark number of 300 is reached.
In other news, agent Paul Lavine requested Susan Clark's full manuscript, and George Goldwaithe had requests from agents Terry Burns and Josh Getzler.
Poetry, a Book Signing & the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference Top the News
The April 28th meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop saw a good turnout, which included five visitors and four new members.
In the news, Del Cain had two poems accepted by the publication Cross Timbers. Ginnie Bouvier received an invitation from agent Eleanor Jackson of the Markson Thoma Literary Agency to visit their offices in New York City for "a brainstorming session". Kenneth Ingle will speak at the Hurst Library Association on Saturday, May 1 at 11:00 a.m. Also this Saturday, A. Lee Martinez has a book signing for his newest release Devine Misfortune at Lone Star Comics in Dallas from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Finally, the executive committee for the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference was announced. Among his many other hats, chairperson Jeff Posey will handle marketing. Co-chair Jason Myers will invite the agents and editors. Michelle O'Neal will invite the speakers. Jeri Burbage will serve as treasurer, and Stephen Manning will coordinate registration.
As always, a dedicated family of DFWWW volunteers will be needed for a multitude of other tasks to be announced later.
In the news, Del Cain had two poems accepted by the publication Cross Timbers. Ginnie Bouvier received an invitation from agent Eleanor Jackson of the Markson Thoma Literary Agency to visit their offices in New York City for "a brainstorming session". Kenneth Ingle will speak at the Hurst Library Association on Saturday, May 1 at 11:00 a.m. Also this Saturday, A. Lee Martinez has a book signing for his newest release Devine Misfortune at Lone Star Comics in Dallas from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Finally, the executive committee for the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference was announced. Among his many other hats, chairperson Jeff Posey will handle marketing. Co-chair Jason Myers will invite the agents and editors. Michelle O'Neal will invite the speakers. Jeri Burbage will serve as treasurer, and Stephen Manning will coordinate registration.
As always, a dedicated family of DFWWW volunteers will be needed for a multitude of other tasks to be announced later.
2010 DFW Writers' Conference Declared a Resounding Success
With over 300 attendees, 10 literary agents, 48 classes, one contest and multiple door prizes, the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference was successful beyond anyone's wildest imagination. Overall, the comments from the both the attendees and agents were that the conference was well run by a group of professional, but very friendly, people.
During the April 14 meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop, the group thanked chairperson Jeri Burbage for her two years of dedication to the conference. As well, the multitude of classroom monitors, agent wranglers, and other volunteers were recognized.
Speaking of successes, the following Workshop members had full or partial requests from:
In other Workshop news, Kenneth Ingle signed the contract for his fourth book. A. Lee Martinez has two upcoming book signings. On Friday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at the Weekend Reader Book Shop in Balch Springs. On Saturday, April 17 from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Barnes & Nobles Booksellers in Hurst.
Finally, registration for the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference is underway. We're moving to a bigger facility to accommodate more people. It will be held February 26-27, 2011 at the American Airlines Training and Conference Center in Fort Worth. Located on a lush wooded campus, the event will be more of a writers' retreat. New York Times #1 best-seller and Thriller Master, Sandra Brown, will be the keynote speaker. Early registration is recommended, since this year's event sold out.
During the April 14 meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop, the group thanked chairperson Jeri Burbage for her two years of dedication to the conference. As well, the multitude of classroom monitors, agent wranglers, and other volunteers were recognized.
Speaking of successes, the following Workshop members had full or partial requests from:
- Agent Joshua Bilmes - Pat Hauldren, Harry Robbins, John Keith, Russell Connor, Nik Holman, George Goldwaithe
- Agent Gina Panettieri - Carolyn Williams, Robert O'Haugherty, Mary Kelly, Merris Doud, Ginnie Bivona, Anne Perry
- Agent Diana Fox - John Sanders, Donna Lasko, Katy Roberts
- Agent Lucienne Diver - Pat Hauldren, Paula LaRocque, Kendall Furlong
- Agent Paul Levine - Jeannie Furlong, Tina Britt
- Agent Mary Kole - Stephen Manning, Anne Perry
- Agent Laurie McLean - Carolyn Williamson, Pat Hauldren, Larry Enmon, Kyle White
- Agent Anne Hawkins - Kenneth Ingle, Daryle McGinnis, Wes Dunham, Tom Gensler
In other Workshop news, Kenneth Ingle signed the contract for his fourth book. A. Lee Martinez has two upcoming book signings. On Friday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at the Weekend Reader Book Shop in Balch Springs. On Saturday, April 17 from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Barnes & Nobles Booksellers in Hurst.
Finally, registration for the 2011 DFW Writers' Conference is underway. We're moving to a bigger facility to accommodate more people. It will be held February 26-27, 2011 at the American Airlines Training and Conference Center in Fort Worth. Located on a lush wooded campus, the event will be more of a writers' retreat. New York Times #1 best-seller and Thriller Master, Sandra Brown, will be the keynote speaker. Early registration is recommended, since this year's event sold out.
Conference News: Winners of Hook ‘Em Writing Contest Announced
In today’s fast-paced world, both agents and editors agree that writers must grab a reader’s attention within a manuscript’s first five pages. To highlight the importance of the opening, the 2010 DFW Writers’ Conference sponsored the Hook ‘Em Writing Contest. Entrants were asked to submit only the first five pages, as well as a two-page synopsis for fiction, or a proposal for nonfiction.
For an inaugural contest, the number of entries was higher than expected. The judges, all of whom were independent of the conference and the DFW Writers’ Workshop, had their hands full determining among the many great entries.
The winners were announced during the conference’s opening ceremony on Saturday, April 10. They were:
John and David Middleton, Auf Wiedersehen (Literary)
Rhonda Hopkins, In the Best Interest (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller)
Mary Kelly, Cool on the Outside (Nonfiction)
Jackie Beynaerts, The Things That Change Us (Romance)
Alan Marling, Ghost Warrior, The Stealing (Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror)
Gayleen Rabakukk, Betrayed (Young Adult/Middle Grade)
Finally, $300 was raised for First Books, the charity connected to the contest. This inspirational group is dedicated to getting books into the hands of underprivileged youths. A portion of the contest entry fee was donated in the name of each entrant.
For an inaugural contest, the number of entries was higher than expected. The judges, all of whom were independent of the conference and the DFW Writers’ Workshop, had their hands full determining among the many great entries.
The winners were announced during the conference’s opening ceremony on Saturday, April 10. They were:
John and David Middleton, Auf Wiedersehen (Literary)
Rhonda Hopkins, In the Best Interest (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller)
Mary Kelly, Cool on the Outside (Nonfiction)
Jackie Beynaerts, The Things That Change Us (Romance)
Alan Marling, Ghost Warrior, The Stealing (Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror)
Gayleen Rabakukk, Betrayed (Young Adult/Middle Grade)
Finally, $300 was raised for First Books, the charity connected to the contest. This inspirational group is dedicated to getting books into the hands of underprivileged youths. A portion of the contest entry fee was donated in the name of each entrant.