Notes from a Writer's Conference...

Saturday I returned from the Storymakers Conference in Provo. Had an opportunity to share and to learn. Here are a few things I took away that I've never heard before:

1. There is a 4th person in writing. We may be familiar with first and third, even with second, but fourth? Here's a snippet. "One can do what one does."

Photo by: Kendrick Martin, courtesy of Flickr

2. To sell more books: Write about something that people already know about, such as a time in history.

3. Want to develop your book into a film script? You need a logline: 2-3 sentences telling what your book is about, a title with irony, (and make the title short), characters that are strong and creative, dialogue that's real, a concept or world that you may not live in but can relate to, a three-act structure (including an intro, the journey with a dark point, and the climax or when the main character overcomes). Along with movie making, every story needs to end where it began and you need to "write it like you see it."

4. Consider boxed sets when you have created a series of three or more books. Brand them. Give them the same look.

5. Price your eBooks on Amazon at .99 cents during the week and higher on the weekend. Make some sales during the week when fewer writers are looking for books.

6. Trade book editing with someone who knows cover design. Save some money!

If you missed this years writer's conference in Provo, consider signing up for next year. This year the conference capped at 450 writers, next year they've decided on a new venue so that they can bring in 600 writers!

League of Utah Writer's Conference: Update for 2013

If you've never joined in on a conference, or spent some time one-on-one with an agent, you'll want to consider the League of Utah Writer's annual conference. The date is: September 13 &14.

Especially if you're a new writer, learning the ropes and trying to find your niche, this conference offers valuable classes and other opportunties you can't afford to miss.

The conference will be held at the Hilton Salt Lake City Airport
1-801-539-1515
5151 Wiley Post Way
Salt Lake City, Utah

Learn more at: http://www.luwriters.org/.

One of the fun options at the League of Utah Writer's conferences is the opportunity for you to purchase books from published authors as well as learn about new publishing companies that have just joined the ranks.

If you want to learn more about Idea Creations Press; how to get your paperback or e-book out there, you'll want to stop by my table on Saturday. I will have freebies for you to take home, including information on how to get your dream book published!

 

Stop by my table and mention that you read my blog and receive a FREE special gift. I would love to meet you!

Get the newest version of Marketing Your Book on a Budget AUTOGRAPHED by me for only $5!

 

Best Quotes at the Story@Home conference

Sometimes, great opportunities just seem to fall into your lap.

Such was this past Friday and Saturday. I attended another great conference. This one was specific to genealogy, family history and blogging. I learned some great things and met some even greater people!

Allow me to share with you my favorite quotes; quotes, by the way that you can apply to your life, whether you're a writer or not!

"Never miss an opportunity to give a compliment" (Carol Rice, owner of Cherish Bound) AND "Sharing stories provides others with a safety net."

Photo by Jacob Varghese, courtesy of Flickr

"There is a time for you to take care of your children, and a time for your children to take care of you" (Syd Lieberman, Storyteller).

(In regards to your weight). "If you can't lose it, decorate it" (Kim Weitkamp, Storyteller).

"'Fire' the naysayers in your life" (Rustin Banks, BlogFrog).

"Whatever I don't know, I'm going to find out" (Heather Madder, Inspirational Speaker).

"Remember the 90/20 rule" Jana Parkin, (Inspirational speaker and artist). I LOVE this rule. In a nutshell, it goes like this: You work for 90 minutes and take a 20 minute break. That way you don't get burned out and actually have more energy in your day; you feel as if you've been given extra time.

Photo By: anemoneprojectors, courtesy of Flickr

"What kind of writing do you like reading? What you enjoy is probably what you've good at writing" (DeNae Handy, Inspirational Speaker).

"Balance out your blog with original content, another's content, and fun stuff (conversation)" (Michael Reynolds, President/CEO of SpinWeb).

Enjoy your day!

Kathryn

Conference Highlights

DECEMBER 13
Conference Highlights

I am giving you a head start on something I do every conference time—every April and October. It is this. I bring my journal and scriptures downstairs and keep them nearby during the conference session. Previous to bringing them down, I pray that the Lord will help me to know what truths he would have me live for the next six months until the next conference.

During conference, I take notes. I don’t write everything down I hear, rather, I write those thoughts and ideas I find particularly inspired to record. The day following conference, I reflect on the words given to me at conference, and ask for the direction of the Lord once again in refining the list. I usually have a list of about five things the Lord would have me focus on during the coming months.

For example, my list of direction went like this after one October conference:

 1) Oppose evil in every from it may take. Know and act upon the truth.

 2) Bless humanity with an outreach to all. Build bridges.

 3) Live the Lord’s pattern. Discover what it is.

 4) Set your house in order. Pray. Move forward with faith in the living God and his Son.

 5) Act, instead of reacting to circumstances around you.

Since conference will have passed by the time you read this entry, I would ask that you go to the past October conference in the Ensign. This means you would need to check in the November issue for the conference talks. Read over the individual talks, and through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, highlight as you go. This may take you a few days. Take the time you need. When you are finished, go to the Lord once again and ask him to help you refine your highlighted list.

When the next conference comes in April, you will have already experienced the joy that comes through listening to the Prophet and his servants.