6 Must-Attend Sessions at the Writer’s Digest LA Conference
Writing a novel is a challenge. Whether you’re in the beginning stages or have a completed draft, you can really benefit from a writing conference, especially one dedicated specifically to…
Writing a novel is a challenge. Whether you're in the beginning stages or have a completed draft, you can really benefit from a writing conference, especially one dedicated specifically to novel writing.
Good news for you: We've got you covered!
This year we've launched a brand-new event on the West Coast. The Writer’s Digest Novel Writing Conference in Los Angeles October 28-30, is built to help fiction writers improve their craft and get published.
At this three-day event, there will be sessions on storytelling, character development, revision, getting an agent, landing a book deal and more. And if you're wondering what are some of the more popular sessions that'll be coming to our Los Angeles event, let me help you out with these four to get you started:
1. Beginnings: How to Craft Story Openings That Sell
In this one-of-a-kind session, agent and author Paula Munier reveals the secrets of a great opening—from word one to plot point one.
2. Storytelling: The Most Important Moment in Your Story
This session delves into the structural storytelling model to focus on the First Plot Point (also referred to as "The Moment of No Return," the "Call to Action" or "The Inciting Incident").
3. The Machinery of Desire: Using Your Characters’ Innermost Desires to Drive Your Story
In this class, New York Times notable novelist and author of the highly rated writing guide The Art of Character David Corbett shares how to use your characters' yearnings to put all the right parts of your story in motion, and drive it forward with tension and momentum toward a satisfying conclusion.
4. Literary Agent Panel: Your Novel Submission Questions Answered
A trio of top literary agents (Patricia Nelson, Susan Finesman, Paula Munier) representing successful novelists today weigh in on query letter dos and don'ts, what they look for in a submission, and how to best position yourself for success.
5. Getting Published: Is Self-Publishing Right for You?
This workshop explores the pros and cons of traditional and self-publishing, shares the process of self-publishing, provides self-publishing resources and explains pitfalls to avoid. Participants will leave with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about whether or not self-publishing is the direction you want to go.
6. Revision: Reworking your Rewrites-Demystifying the Editing Process
In this workshop, you’ll get tips and tricks for creating a re-write process that works for you, enabling you to edit, polish and finish a query-ready manuscript that you can be proud!
Brian A. Klems is the former Senior Online Editor of Writer’s Digest, and author of Oh Boy, You’re Having a Girl (Adams Media/Simon & Schuster). Follow him on Twitter @BrianKlems.
