Want to Change from Blogger to Wordpress?

Paranormal author Jami Gold is conducting two hour-long classes this week that will show you how to set up a free or hosted website using WordPress.

It's one of many classes available through WANA (We Are Not Alone) International, a social media site started by Kristen Lamb to teach creative professionals how to build effective online platforms.

Neither class is free but they both include handouts and access to a private web page with additional info.

I haven't decided which one would be better, so I'd appreciate your feedback.

  - Do you have a Wordpress account?

  - Is it free (Wordpress.com) or hosted (Wordpress.org)?

  - What made you decide on one rather than the other?

  - Did you set it up yourself or did you have help?

Thanks!

The webinar on free sites is April 23 from 7:00 -8:00 p.m. EST. More info here: http://wanaintl.com/event-registration/?ee=133

For those interested in a hosted site (more bells and whistles, but they come with a price), the webinar is April 25 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. EST. More info here: http://wanaintl.com/event-registration/?ee=134

SCBWI Summer Conference Schedule Is Up!

Good news for those who want to peruse the schedule for SCBWI's Summer Conference before registration opens on April 18.

Follow the link (below) and you'll find three days' worth of workshops and keynote speeches, with tracks identified for published authors, general audience, illustrators, and non-fiction writers. There's also information on the faculty, manuscript and portfolio consultations (available for an additional fee), and Monday's special intensives. Truly an abundance of riches!

Check it out at: http://www.scbwi.org/Conference.aspx?Con=12&page=Schedule

See you there?

SCBWI SUMMER CONFERENCE

If you're a member of SCBWI you probably already know about its summer conference, held annually in Los Angeles. This year's event runs from August 2-5.

Though the 2013 schedule hasn't been posted yet, from the info currently up at SCBWI's site (see link below) it sounds promising.
 
The sheer magnitude of it all is a bit daunting, but I'm more confident since participating in the webinar put on by AuthorMedia (see 3/22 post). I'll have my goals clearly set and my pitch perfected--by the way, I've gotten enthusiastic feedback from the grocery clerks who've gamely indulged me, which is encouraging since I envision older teens and twenty-somethings as a big part of the potential market for my fantasy novel.

Since I've only attended regional conferences, this is a big move for me. I've reserved my room at the special conference rate (they go fast, I hear) and will be ready with my credit card when registration opens at 10 a.m. PDT on April 18.

How about you? Have you ever been? Are you going this year?

For more info, go to:  http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/Current-News?SCBWI-2013-SUMMER-CONFERENCE-REGISTRATION-OPENS-APRIL-18th-AT-10AM-PDT

5 Ways to Impress an Agent

I recently attended a webinar hosted by Author Media (see 3-11 post) that was full of great information on how to deal with agents and editors at writers' conferences.

The overriding idea was simple: preparation is key. You don't just show up, you have to know why you're going, what you hope to accomplish. A clear game plan makes all the difference.

While protocol means I can't reveal everything that was presented, I can pass along my take on a few of the suggestions given by agent Rachelle Gardner and media pro Thomas Umstattd, Jr.:

1. Research - Find out everything you can about the faculty. Check out blogs, websites, twitter, Facebook, etc. This is especially important if you've got a meeting set up with an agent or editor. You won't feel like you're sitting across from a stranger and they'll appreciate the effort you made.

2. Prepare your pitch - Know how you'll answer when someone asks, "What are you writing?" Memorize a five-second pitch, a twenty-second pitch, a two-minute pitch. And practice, practice, practice! Don't limit yourself to friends and family, either. I'm going to start pitching to the grocery clerks who load bags in my car.

3. Bring multiple book ideas - These don't have to be finished projects, but having more than one book in mind shows you're serious about a career.

4. Invest in professional business cards - No homemade, perforated card stock. White background is best. Though some authors use both sides for info, Ms. Gardner suggested keeping the back blank or perhaps inserting a tiny snippet, such as Notes about [your name]. Clever!

5. Always ask if an agent or editor wants your material(s) - You may think it's nothing to hand over a business card--it's small, right? But whether it's a card, a one-sheet, or sample pages, you need to ask first. It's a professional courtesy, pure and simple.

Ms. Gardner has 10 "teaser" tips at her website:
http://www.rachellegardner.com/2013/03/win-agents-and-influence-editors/

If you weren't able to make it to the webinar, hop on over to Author Media. There should be information about buying a recording of the webinar soon: http://www.authormedia.com/how-to-win-agents-and-influence-editors-at-a-writers-conference-webinar/ 
 

How to Win Agents and Influence Editors

Agent Media is hosting a webinar on March 18—featuring mega-agent Rachelle Gardner and marketing expert Thomas Umstattd, Jr.—on how to stand out at a writer's conference.

Just a hint of what they're offering:

• What turns agents on, what turns them off and what makes them run away in terror.
• How to avoid the classic mistakes that scream “amateur”.
• The 5 things successful authors do before the conference to double their chance for success.
• How to talk to an agent who’s already booked solid (without staking out the bathroom).
• Tips, timelines, and goals not offered anywhere else.

It isn't free, but it looks like you'll get a boatload of info for just $15.

I'm in. How about you?

For details, visit: http://www.authormedia.com/how-to-win-agents-and-influence-editors-at-a-writers-conference-webinar/

WriteOnCon 2013 Pitch Fest

You've got until March 10 to submit a pitch to the critique forums at WriteOnCon's 2013 Pitch Fest.

If you've written a MG or YA book and have a query you want to polish, go ahead and give this a try.  Extra eyes are so very important and the feedback can be extremely helpful.

I'm working on my pitch now!

For details, go to: http://writeoncon.com/2013/02/pitch-fest-details-below/

Where Can I Get a Cat Like This?

Oh, how I wish this video were longer!

The bond between these two is  truly amazing. [wipes eyes]