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.
2010 DFW Writers' Conference Sells Out
It's official. The 2010 DFW Writers' Conference has sold out. The response to the event has been overwhelming, as registrations poured in during the last few weeks. This includes space for vendors, which also sold out.
Missed the excitement? The next DFW Writers' Conference will be held February 26 -27, 2011. More to come later on that event.
Missed the excitement? The next DFW Writers' Conference will be held February 26 -27, 2011. More to come later on that event.
Two Literary Agents Are Full; Seats at DFW Writers' Conference Selling Fast
All you procrastinators have been warned and it's finally happened: there are less than 40 seats left at the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference. Once those are full, the Conference will close registration. This is for real, since the Conference Center limits the number of people who can be inside the building.
Also, as of today, appointments with literary agents Joshua Bilmes and Lucienne Diver are no longer available. They are both full and are unable to accommodate any more appointment requests. With several of the other agents approaching a full status, it's important to secure your spot today.
Also, as of today, appointments with literary agents Joshua Bilmes and Lucienne Diver are no longer available. They are both full and are unable to accommodate any more appointment requests. With several of the other agents approaching a full status, it's important to secure your spot today.
DFW Writers' Conference Almost Sells Out. Register Today Before it's too Late
Excitement ran high at the February 3 business meeting. In recognition of his years of service to the Workshop, Del Cain was granted a lifetime membership. Del accepted the honor with his usual poet's grace.
In other news, because of her steamy romance novels the Fort Worth Star-Telegram called Candace Havens a person to watch. Jason Myers' was named as a finalist in a competition called Genre Wars. His short story, titled "A Reply", will be included in an upcoming anthology. Pat Hauldren displayed a published edition of a book she copyedited for Cyberwizard Productions. And DFWWW welcomed two new members.
Finally, as a testament to the power of social media, Twitter, FaceBook and blogs were abuzz this past weekend, and the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference almost sold out. If you've been sitting on the fence, now is the time to register, before all of the seats are gone.
In other news, because of her steamy romance novels the Fort Worth Star-Telegram called Candace Havens a person to watch. Jason Myers' was named as a finalist in a competition called Genre Wars. His short story, titled "A Reply", will be included in an upcoming anthology. Pat Hauldren displayed a published edition of a book she copyedited for Cyberwizard Productions. And DFWWW welcomed two new members.
Finally, as a testament to the power of social media, Twitter, FaceBook and blogs were abuzz this past weekend, and the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference almost sold out. If you've been sitting on the fence, now is the time to register, before all of the seats are gone.
Less than 11 hours to go to sign up at early bird price for DFW Writers Conference! Sign up today and save
At 11:59 p.m. tonight, the registration price the DFW Writers' Conference will increase from $185 to $235! You can save yourself $50 by registering today!
This year's conference will feature New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas as keynote speaker. There will be 10 literary agents attending and 10-minute one-on-one pitch sessions are available. There will also be more than 40 breakout sessions on a wide range of writing and publishing topics, by a terrific lineup of published authors and subject matter experts.
Registrations are coming in fast, so if you want to get in in a pitch session, now is the time to register! Pitch sessions will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The conference will take place at the City of Grapevine Convention Center on April 10 & 11.
More information, and a link to register, can be found at www.dfwwritersconference.org.
This year's conference will feature New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas as keynote speaker. There will be 10 literary agents attending and 10-minute one-on-one pitch sessions are available. There will also be more than 40 breakout sessions on a wide range of writing and publishing topics, by a terrific lineup of published authors and subject matter experts.
Registrations are coming in fast, so if you want to get in in a pitch session, now is the time to register! Pitch sessions will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The conference will take place at the City of Grapevine Convention Center on April 10 & 11.
More information, and a link to register, can be found at www.dfwwritersconference.org.
A New Year Brings New Members & Lots of Good News
The January 13 meeting saw an influx of new members and an abundance of good news at the DFW Writers' Workshop.
Carolyn Williamson has been asked to teach a class on point-of-view at the Silken Sands Writers' Conference in March. Pat Hauldren has a new gig writing articles for North Texas e-News. Harold Clark won first place in the Dulce D. Moore Short Story Contest for his work "Almost Home". Literary agent Dr. Uwe Stender requested the full manuscript of Emily Hildebrand's novel Healer.
Jamie Harrington announced the most unusual item of the night. She will join a group of ladies as they drive a Camaro from Texas to Oklahoma - while Twittering and eating fried pies. It's all part of a publicity stunt by General Motors. Follow her on January 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at her link.
Finally, everyone was reminded that the deadline to enter the Hook 'Em Writing Contest is this Friday, January 15 at 11:59 p.m. Also, the discounted early registration fee for the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference ends on Sunday, January 31. After that, the price goes up.
Carolyn Williamson has been asked to teach a class on point-of-view at the Silken Sands Writers' Conference in March. Pat Hauldren has a new gig writing articles for North Texas e-News. Harold Clark won first place in the Dulce D. Moore Short Story Contest for his work "Almost Home". Literary agent Dr. Uwe Stender requested the full manuscript of Emily Hildebrand's novel Healer.
Jamie Harrington announced the most unusual item of the night. She will join a group of ladies as they drive a Camaro from Texas to Oklahoma - while Twittering and eating fried pies. It's all part of a publicity stunt by General Motors. Follow her on January 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at her link.
Finally, everyone was reminded that the deadline to enter the Hook 'Em Writing Contest is this Friday, January 15 at 11:59 p.m. Also, the discounted early registration fee for the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference ends on Sunday, January 31. After that, the price goes up.
Procrastinators Beware: Time is Running Short on the DFW Writers' Conference
Only six days remain until the deadline for the Hook 'Em Writing Contest. Only three weeks remain until the early-bird registration discount ends. Only 90 days … oops, there went another one … until the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference!
Have you sent your entry for the contest? Are you practicing your agent pitch? Are you planning to wait until the last minute?
Why?! Register today for the conference and the contest. And don't forget, all attendees are invited to participate in the free, on-line class "Agent Pitches 101", scheduled to be conducted in March by Candace Havens Writer's Workshop.
Have you sent your entry for the contest? Are you practicing your agent pitch? Are you planning to wait until the last minute?
Why?! Register today for the conference and the contest. And don't forget, all attendees are invited to participate in the free, on-line class "Agent Pitches 101", scheduled to be conducted in March by Candace Havens Writer's Workshop.
NEWS FLASH! Hollywood Comes Knocking on Member A. Lee Martinez' Door
As fans of DFWWW member A. Lee Martinez know, his first novel, Gil's All-Fright Diner, has long been optioned by DreamWorks Studio. This just in: A creative team has been assigned to the project, so the book is closer than ever to becoming a big screen feature film.
Read all about it at A. Lee Martinez's blog. Way to go, Alex. Speaking for everyone at the DFW Writers' Workshop, we're proud of you.
Read all about it at A. Lee Martinez's blog. Way to go, Alex. Speaking for everyone at the DFW Writers' Workshop, we're proud of you.
Member, Harry Robbins, Announces the Sale of His First Novel
Word must have gotten out that the December 16 meeting of DFWWW was the annual Christmas party, because nine visitors attended - a record number. It had to be the many great reads that brought the visitors in … or the scrumptious spread of homemade goodies.
Full stomachs only enhanced the news from Workshop members. Harry Robbins announced the sale of his first novel, a fantasy titled The Bard Prince, to Books in Motion. Jenny Martin received three requests from literary agents for the full manuscript of her Young Adult novel Holy, Texas. Kyle White sold a short story to AlienSkin magazine. Books in Motion bought George Goldthwaite's second Western, Return of Sam Rache. Tricia Allen will speak at the Polk-Wisdom Public Library in Dallas on December 19 at 2:30 p.m. Her topic is using 'new history' in fiction.
Finally, everyone was reminded that the early-bird registration fee of $185 for the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference ends on January 31, 2010. Thereafter, the price increases to $235. Agent appointments are still available, but are filling fast.
Full stomachs only enhanced the news from Workshop members. Harry Robbins announced the sale of his first novel, a fantasy titled The Bard Prince, to Books in Motion. Jenny Martin received three requests from literary agents for the full manuscript of her Young Adult novel Holy, Texas. Kyle White sold a short story to AlienSkin magazine. Books in Motion bought George Goldthwaite's second Western, Return of Sam Rache. Tricia Allen will speak at the Polk-Wisdom Public Library in Dallas on December 19 at 2:30 p.m. Her topic is using 'new history' in fiction.
Finally, everyone was reminded that the early-bird registration fee of $185 for the 2010 DFW Writers' Conference ends on January 31, 2010. Thereafter, the price increases to $235. Agent appointments are still available, but are filling fast.