A writers conference may be just what you need.
This past week, a literary agent vented his frustrations about the submissions he’d reviewed that morning. Though the writers assumed they were ready for the Big Leagues, their responses betrayed serious shortcomings.
They lacked a basic understanding of not only the vocabulary, but also the expectations of professional publishing. Without that foundation, no … Continue reading
That’s what the professionals do.
As I listened to an Evergreen Jazz festival performance by two top clarinet players, I glanced around the audience. One row in front, observing every nuance, sat Clark Burnside, the veteran clarinetist for another band at the festival.
That scene repeated itself throughout the weekend: one master of the craft listening and learning from another.
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Some investments deserve patience.
This week I got word from two writers I’ve not seen for years. Having just attended a writers conference, both offered news about their writing.
The last time I’d seen them, also at a conference, I’d encouraged them about their work in progress.
Exactly what I’d told them, I no longer remembered. But they did. Somehow my interaction had made a … Continue reading