Writer’s Conference Connections Have Plenty of Spark

A writer’s conference provides the opportunity to meet with other writers and get up close and personal with editors, agents and publishers. It’s making a connection and leaving a favorable impression. At the recent Prairie Writer’s Day, sponsored by the Illinois chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), guest speakers included New York editors, publishers and an agent, all ready to share publishing tips. Kim Winters of SCBWI says the goal of conference attendees should be to begin to build a relationship with those in the publishing industry…keeping proper protocol in mind.

Editor Julie Romeis and agent Stephen Fraser were among the guest speakers

Julie, of New York’s Bloomsbury Children’s Books, says a manuscript that will attract her attention—and that of other editors—is polished and doesn’t need anything flashy to stand out. She tells writers what not to do when submitting.

Stephen, of the Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency in New York, reminds writers of the essence of why they write—that there is a goal even bigger than fame or fortune. Even though Stephen can’t represent every writer, he tries to be honest-- yet kind--if he has to turn someone down.

A writer’s conference is a place for connections and motivation. It offers a gentle reminder that persistence pays off. To be published, writers must submit. Then, submit again and again. “Be confident and fearless,” says Stephen.

And have hope.

Did you go to this conference or another one? Has it made a difference in your writing?

Happy Holidays. May you have love, joy and and meaning in your life. And find the words to share your stories with others.

Restaurant Reviews Infused With Journalism-Sherman Kaplan

The interview with Sherman Kaplan has been posted on Writer's Webcast at WaukTOWN Radio.

There were no mentors to guide Sherman Kaplan when he decided to write restaurant reviews in the early 1970s. No one to tell him the right way or the wrong way to do something. So Sherman relied on his journalism skills to develop the foundation for each review. Asking the questions of who, what, where, why, and how gave him the initial story, and he followed up with additional research or interviews with restaurant personnel a day or so after the meal. Over the years, Sherman built on this foundation by expanding his knowledge of food techniques and trends. He said learning about cooking is important to a restaurant reviewer because it gives him a baseline to compare what he’s eaten to what the properly prepared dish should taste like. Sherman said, as a restaurant reviewer, it’s also important to know what goes on behind the scenes in a kitchen to appreciate the work that goes into a meal.

Sherman is also the midday co-news anchor at WBBM News Radio 780. Business writing is, of course, not as subjective as reviewing a restaurant. In focusing on business, rather than news in general, Sherman combines his interest in business with the same journalism skills that he used to demystify reviewing restaurants. He asks the five basic questions to determine how business affects people’s lives. Sherman then broadcasts the finished story on the radio...and adds just a pinch of inflection in his voice and a dash of pacing in his speech.