SFWC – What a Conference!

Had an outstanding time at the San Francisco Writers Conference! I was so fortunate to meet so many wonderful aspiring authors, Book agents, PR agents, Publishers and others. From fiction to non-fiction writers, to poets, memoirists, screenplay writers, and presenters. I focused on Marketing and Hollywood presentations, plus a Query presentation, but will get access to all the presenters on line to review classes I missed. Plus I had a wonderful time meeting our dinner host- Harvey Pawl along with the SFWC legend Michael Larson at Osha Thai in SF.

Scrumptious Thai dining!

I was so fortunate to have a personal meeting with book agents Lynette Novak, Kesia Lupo, Jim McCarthy, and a hallway moment with local icon Andy Ross (past owner of Cody’s Bookstore in Berkeley). They were overwhelmed with requests for private consultations and handled every hopeful writer with respect and patience as they shared their vast knowledge of the industry. These agents work their Arses off!! Also had the pleasure to meet with Publisher Brenda Knight of Mango Press who thoroughly went over the realities of publishing as well as B Lynne Goodwin of Writer Advice. Many moons ago she published one of my flash fiction pieces !

As once employed in the sales arena, I was wowed by the professionalism of so many presenters. They each shared their knowledge to aspiring writers but more importantly, they offered positivity, hope, and inspiration to all of us. Well Done!

Special thanks to superstar Presenters on media production and so much more, Marinda Johnson and Joey Garcia. And I got to spend some time with Marika Flatt from Austin on PR info as well as Bruce Wawrzyniak.

Amazing weekend. Learned so much and hopefully made some great contacts. I am positive that Jocelyn will get her Middle Grade novel published! Alex from Iowa also will reach the promised land in publishing! And our Thai group, Tabatha, Ana from Spain, Auria, a16-year old master!, (and all sci-fi writers), along with Shana the memoirist, Harvey the historian, and old me, had such a wonderful time at our special “Board Room” table.

A truly worthwhile event full of info and contacts. Mostly, I left with a heavy dose of confidence, positive criticisms, and inspiration. Maybe something comes from this! Who knows!! Meanwhile- thanks to all !!