Bridge to Publication 2016

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the 2016 "Bridge to Publication" writing conference in Lake Charles, Louisiana. A few take aways:

Quinn Loftis (YA Fantasy/Paranormal Author) - Self publishing is most definietely a viable option, but you have to be willing to do all the work. AND "Creativity breeds creativity" keep reading, but make sure it is quality material, not just the cheapest or easiest work to get your hands on.

Also, as a former nurse, she stresses the importance of exercise - "Your brain and body both need stimulation. It improves concentration and memory.

DiAnn Mills (Christion Fiction Author) - Always "Expect an Adventure". Your story must have passion, a strong character always has a problem to solve, and they must EARN the ending. If you need help fleshing out a character, try the Myers Briggs tests or www.humanmetrics.com

A great way to raise the tension is to make your setting as antagonistic as any character. She also suggests that you MUST show your hero or heroine facing a multitude of emotions.

Other great speakers included: 

BJ Bourg – Mystery Author
Darrell Bourque – Professor Emeritus in English and Poet
Larry Gray – Playwright
Deborah LeBlanc – Mystery/Suspense Author

An interesting fact: presenters suggested that 80% of ALL readers are female, and that 60% of those women read romance.

Not a bad way to spend a Saturday. Writers conferences never fail to inspire me. How about you?

What have been some of your most memorable conference experiences?

Winner and Bridge to Publication

First, congratulations to the winner of my blogoversary giveaway - David McCallum. You can check out the details of the giveaway here. 

Secondly, I'd like to invite everyone to a wonderful and affordable conference:

A Bridge to Publication - 12th Annual Writing Conference

November 12, 2016

Central School

809 Kirby St

Lake Charles, LA

BWG Members – $40.
Nonmembers – $50.
Students with ID – $25.
E-Book Prime Sponsorship – $100. Includes 1(one) ticket, sponsor listing in registration packet and social media pages, and one entry into special door prize drawing.

Doors open at 7 am
Conference – 7:55 am to 4:40 pm

Lunch, Mardi Gras Chicken will be included for conference attendees.
*An agent will be on hand to hear pitches. Pitches – 10 minutes

Scheduled Speakers (for Bios – Click HERE)

BJ Bourg – Mystery Author
Darrell Bourque – Professor Emeritus in English and Poet
Larry Gray – Playwright
Deborah LeBlanc – Mystery/Suspense Author
Quinn Loftis – YA Fantasy/Paranormal Author
DiAnn Mills – Christion Fiction Author
Latoya C. Smith – Literary Agent with L. Perkins Agency

WorkshopsPrewriting Your Novel – by DiAnn Mills
Dateline BWG  – BJ Bourg

Vendor Space for Conference Attendees and Non-attendeesAssigned 8 x 6 table space for rent. The program has time allotted for shopping throughout the day. Vendor must man (during shopping times) and provide own table, chair, table cloth, and change. Vendors that purchase this option will be emailed an assigned numbered space.

To learn more, or to register, visit: http://bayouwritersgroup.com/conferences_and_contests/a-bridge-to-publication-2016/