PNWA Conference - Here I come

I am heading to Bellevue, Washington to the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association conference today. It is about a six hour trip.

This is the third time I've been to this conference. At the 2010 conference I met my now-editor, Peter, from Sourcebooks, Inc. So, I have a good feeling about the conference. This year, however, in looking at all of the course offerings, I realize that I have had a crash course in most of what is being taught. Getting a book published will do that. Still, one can always learn, right? And I will meet lots and lots of writers/authors. Connect, connect, connect...that's the name of the game.

So -- I'm on my way to Bellevue (near Seattle). I hope to blog about it, internet willing. ~Karen

Book Proposal - The Cover

I am not a graphic artist. In fact I don't even know what is correct, "Graphics Artist" or "Graphic Artist." Never-the-less, I learned a way to make my manuscript stand out. And all it takes is a little cut (Fiskars required) and paste (minty-fresh past required). Several hours, OK days, of trial and error and I came up with a cover page idea I like. So here are my tips along with how I did it;

• The Background Tells the Overall Theme- What is the theme that runs throughout your book? What is something found in every chapter, even if it's just a nuance? What is the feel of your book? What sort of feel do you want the potential reader to have when they first see and touch your book, while standing in a bookstore filled with thousands of books? For my book, that theme relates to the ocean, the sea, sand. So for my background, I scrounged up a piece of scrapbook paper from my ill-fated, "I'm going to scrapbook all of the photos from the last 24 years-stage." I found one that has a photo of an ocean scene, waves crashing on the shore, a stretch of sky above and sand below. Bingo-a ready-made book cover.
• Tell What the Words Don't - You obviously can't include 47 words in your title, so use the picture, or graphic to tell the rest of the story. My book uses the word "code." As someone recently noted, code could refer to lots of things; code of conduct; code of ethics; little orphan Annie de-coder ring (Can you name the Christmas movie I got that from?). The possibilities are endless. The code I am talking about is a secret code that my father broke during the war. It began with a version of our Morse Code. So I got an idea. I went to my good friend, Google and asked the question. I found a site where all I had to do was put in english, and it would translate it to Morse. Cool! Next, I had to make a decision. What words to use?
• Meaning Your Reader Will Only Realize by Reading Your Book - Have you ever been reading a book and you get half-way through and think, "Hey wait a minute. I've seen this before." Then you close the book and look at the cover and go, "Ah, that's what that photo/graphic/picture means." What is the turning point in your book? What is the overall theme that is not obvious from the title? Sneak it in! For me- that meant putting the code subtly in the background. My choice of words? A passage from the book that talks about my father drawing a line in the sand. Tricky huh? Yeah. But there's more- if there is a military person out there who still knows his Morse Code, and he wants to stand there in the bookstore deciphering it, he'll get a preview of my book. *
• Merging - I warned you. I'm not a graphics person so I don't know the technical term. So for me, it's "merging." You know, you are from a small northwest town. You go to Seattle for a writer's conference following your trusted Mapquest (that's a whole other story) directions. "Merge onto 405 North" it says. So you pretend you know what the heck you're doing, and merge. So now I had several elements to merge. I used my trusty Microsoft Word to copy and paste the Morse Code onto a page. Then in the middle of it, I added the book title and author names.
• Let the Craziness Begin - Wait a minute. Do you know how hard it is to center a title and author name in the midst of Morse Code? I didn't want to break up a sentence, but since I don't know Morse, I didnt' know where that would be. So I messed with it until I made myself and my family scream. The first printing revealed that my title was in che sky, literally, a dark blue sky with dark black writing...not good! Then I decided that the "photo" needed a little girl and her dad walking away from the camera holding hands, on the beach. So I looked online for photos to use. I won't go into all the trial and error, but there was a lot!
• To Staples and Back - I stood at Staples cutting the tiny image of the father and daughter and pasting it to the "sand." It didn't really look that bad. But I was beginning to question. The leader of that session at the conference had said it really didn't matter that it wasn't professional looking. Hmmm...could that be true? Because even if it doesn't bother a potential agent/publisher...it bother's me. But alas, I must remember the original premise. Agents/publishers receive thousands of manuscripts. I'm not trying to be cute or to truly create the real-final copy of the cover of my book. My point is to put time into thinking about it; my point is to create a cover that the agent/publisher sees and thinks, "I could see this on a shelf...hmmm...I think I'll take a better look at this one. Mission Accomplished!

-Karen

Convict at the Conference

I've done a lot of research on the publishing process. I've bought books, done internet searches and made Google my personal friend. I've frequented writer's websites, asked questions and annoyed anyone and everyone to get the information I needed. I became a pest. I wrote down questions whenever I thought of them; in the middle of the night, while driving and even during church (sorry pastor). So when I went to the PNWA conference it was only natural that I went to a session on proposal writing. And that's when my whole black and white, follow-the-rules world tilted. Amanda Ford (and her mother) led the session.

As they began to talk, I started to get angry. Yes, angry. What they were saying went against all conventional wisdom. What they recommended went against all of the research I'd done. Didn't they know they were wrong? I mean, who in the world paid these people to be at a professional conference like this? But then-

As my pea-brain tilted off kilter, I took a deep breath and asked myself a question. "What can you (Karen) learn from these two slightly offbeat women?" When I gave myself permission to learn from them, something incredible happened; I did.

Amanda is a twenty-something, funny, energetic and talented young woman. She clearly has convictions and stands, no... jumps up and down... by them. She is a convict without the black and white jumper! And as I listened to her, I decided that I want to be a convict too. I want to make a plan for my manuscript, my book, my proposal, my query...and stand by it. I want to do it because it feels right, not just because it's what everyone else is doing. I want to create a manuscript that stands out, not in a crazy or unprofessional way, but in a "She's really thought this out" way. Thanks Amanda!

Next time: The title page

-Karen

Thinking, a Thick Book, and a Stranger

At the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association conference, I was priviledged to sit in on a session by an agent and one of his authors. The agent, Ken Atchity, has more than 40 years of experience in publishing and more than 15 years in the entertainment industry. The author, Royce Buckingham has one year of experience with Mr. Atchity. So I sat in on the session that they led together. The title of the session was, "New York to Hollywood and Back."

It was interesting to hear about the process of a writer and his agent/manager. I especially liked hearing it from the writer's point of view. But just like in church, the real lesson wasn't in the the sermon but in a few sentences that got me thinking. Mr. Buckingham talked about his journey. And there was one thing that really made me think. He said that when he is traveling, he is working. If he is driving for hours, he is thinking up a new novel. And after hours of doing this, he sometimes turns on the radio to take a break from it.

I just spent a week camping on the Oregon Coast. We stayed at a state park, so we had access to showers. We have a relic of a motorhome so we had running water and electricity. What we didn't have is internet, television, computer games or the like. And that's the way I like a vacation to be.

I went for a few walks alone. As I slipped on my somewhat soggy tennis shoes one morning, and pulled a sweatshirt over my head, I felt like I was missing something. I looked around. I had a good book. I'd brought along my computer on this vacation (battery included) and my notebook and journal. But I thought about Royces words. I went alone to the beach with nothing at all to do. How often do we do that? Do we need to be reminded to do so?

"I'll just think." I told myself. "I'll have no plan at all."

So I walked down to the beach. It was a little chilly and fog still lingered. I found a boulder to sit on and looked out past the sand to the ocean. I sat and sat. And then I sat some more. As the sun came over the hills behind me, I decided to head back to see if my family was awake yet. They weren't. So I sat beside the motorhome on a rickety lawn chair, with my computer propped on my lap. And I began to write another book. Yes. Another book!

I'd just spent an hour or more thinking. And during that time I put lines, sentences and paragraphs together. I'd written a book in my head. I'd titled chapters and designed the cover of it. I'd imagined speaking to groups about it. I'd imagined which photos I'd use in it. And now I began to use my hands to create what my mind had already completed.

After breakfast and a shower, I headed down to the beach again...this time with my family. A man came up beside me as I walked.

"I just have to know." He said. "What is that book you're reading?"

My kids walked on, avoiding this interaction with a stranger. Anything involving their mother and a book could take a while. I showed the man the title, "1,001 Ways to Market Your Book." It's a thick volume by John Kremer. Of course he next asked about the book I've written. I gave a short synopsis of my book, Breaking the Code- A Daughter's Journey. As he passed me, he said, "Good luck on your next book. I know it'll be good."

I was puzzled and he must have seen that I was. Did he misunderstand and think this was my second book?

"You will write another book." He said as if he knew. "I don't know what it will be about but I know it will be good."

I barely believed I'd just heard him say what he'd said. Crazy. Simply crazy. Or maybe crazy and miracle aren't so far apart. He walked quickly away down the sandy path and I couldn't even speak. I should have said something...anything. But I didn't. I should have told him I'd just started a new book that very morning. But I stood there with my proverbial mouth hanging open.

And it all started with time taken to think. Thinking is under-rated. When was the last time someone asked about what you'd been thinking about? I mean people say things like, "What are you doing?" Or "What time is it?" But when was the last time someone asked, "What have you been thinking about today?" And it's such a great question. I'm going to start asking it more. And I'm going to practice the fine art of thinking more too. Want to join me? -Karen Fisher-Alaniz

Conference-What to bring - What to do

What to Bring to a Writer's Conference:

• Paper and pencil/pen
• Business cards
• breath mints/gum
• Hard candy
• Sweater
• Pain killers such as ibuprofen
• Comfortable clothing and shoes

What to do at a Writer's Conference:

• Arrive early
• Make friends
• Sit near the door if you plan to leave early or have an annoying ailment like a cough
• Ask questions
• Put on a robe of self-confidence
• Stay after the event/session to network

Think of a writer's conference as a business meeting. You are learning the business of writing. You've paid to be there and it is up to you to get as much as possible out of it. A group of people are assembled that will never have the same make-up again. There are your fellow writers, agents, editors and conference organizers. Each author brings with them, their own history. This is an opportunity that will never present itself in quite the same way again. Enjoy it but remember to take it seriously. Keep your eyes and your mind open to the treasures that lie in the moment.

-Karen

Note to Self- Who to Avoid

Before I went to the conference, I read in several places what to do and what not to do during a conference. Because of that prior research, I suppose I was more aware of what and whom to avoid. So the following is based on my experience, but also backed up by agents and editors alike (well most of it is anyway).

Avoid this person like the plague;

• The Drunk No matter how you look at it; she's a lush, she's a little tipsy- the bottom line is, this person is drinking too much. If you've done your research, as I had, publishers may think it's fun to hang out with this person at the bar but they are not a serious consideration for someone to represent. I mean, why is this person drinking? Are they nervous? Self- conscious? Lonely? If the answer to those questions is yes, then the next is, "Do they always drink while nervous, self-conscious, or lonely?" And if so, does that mean they'll need a drink before book signings? I mean the ramifications are stunning and scary. A glass of wine is one thing, but we all know when someone's gone too far. If you see that person sitting at a table, find another one.
• The Know-it-All Editors and agents are brought to these conferences at a high price. Believe it or not, the attendees did not pay, nor want to listen to-the know-it-all. Sometimes they are hard to spot at first. In fact, I met a few at the conference. At first they just seem to want to help everyone, and share their knowledge. But time will reveal their motives. If you sit next to one at dinner and they're spouting their knowledge and then sit in a session and notice the same person keeps interrupting the editor/agent speaking to tell about how smart they are; raise your stinkin' red flag and declare you will not be seen as their buddy.
• The Fuss-Budget She arrives at every session just a few minutes late. She sits in the first row and then proceeds to take out everything in her bag. She carries with her a water bottle, a ring of noisy keys, numerous papers that are stuffed into her giant bag. She can't find a pen and rattles through all her stuff, laying it on the floor or on the empty chair next to her. Finally she asks the person behind her if they have a pen. She settles down for a few minutes and then raises her hand and asks if there are any more handouts. Unfortunately, the editor/agent/teacher is kind enough to stop class to find them for her. Notice to all agents/editors/teachers- Don't be so nice! Then she starts whispering to someone sitting by her, wanting to know what she missed. She rushes the presenter the second the session is over-she monopolizes their time as others wait and finally miss their turn to talk with him/her. When you see her, run like mad. Don't make eye contact, it makes them aggressive. And above all, do not smile.

So now you know who to avoid. Next post- What to do and what to bring to the conference.

-Karen

Conference-Don't be THAT person

During the conference I decided to keep a running log of what TO do at a writer's conference and what NOT to do. Of course, the don'ts were way more fun to keep track of, and the list is longer too. The following don'ts refer to the actual sessions.

Don't be:

• The one who comes in late and then asks questions that were already asked and answered.
• The one who comes early to get a seat in the front but then gets up and leaves mid-session.
• The one who laughs too loud.
• The one who asks a question which is really a comment.
• The one who has a comment for everything.
• The one who answers questions aimed at the session teacher.
• The one who uses the question and answer time to pitch their novel (no matter how sugar-coated it is-we all know what you're doing)
• Come in late and then use session time to ask for all the hand-outs.
• Leave your cell phone on. This one is a personal pet-peeve for me. Switching your phone to vibrate is not enough. The vibrate mode is still noisy and if it happens several times during the session, it's downright irritating.
• The one who asks questions to make yourself look smart.

OK so now you know how to not alienate everyone around you. Next time-Find out who you should avoid like the plague.

-Karen

Conference Overview (chocolate included)

I'm baaaaaack! I missed you all. The Pacific Northwest Writer's Association Conference was fabulous. I'll spend the next few days writing about it. During the three-day conference, I went to ten sessions, one agent meeting, and one editor meeting. I enjoyed two keynote speakers and listened to an agent-panel and an editor panel. I talked informally with dozens of authors and author-wanna-be's.

My meals ranged from Chex Mix in my hotel room to formal dinners served on white linen. I had a food experience that was brand new to me; a chocolate fountain. Whoever thought this one up is just brilliant and ought to win the Nobel Peace Prize, in my humble opinion. I stood there staring at that fountain rubbing my eyes; was this a dream? Chocolate streams billowed over three tiers, as I stood in awe. I looked around for a Super-sized cup, but couldn't find one. So I had to settle for a couple of strawberries instead.

I spent about $100 on gas and found out that everyone has gas cheaper than my home town. I put over 600 miles on my car and got lost only once. I found out that Mapquest doesn't know it all. I learned that if you take a wrong turn, you just might end up at Seattle International Airport. I learned that if you use your middle name to make your reservations, they just might pretend you don't have reservations at all. I learned that a bell hop can become your very bestest friend. And I learned that you can indeed force yourself to be more confident, and by doing so, you become so.

And now I'm going to get some much-needed rest in my very own bed. Talk atcha tomorrow.

G-nite, Karen

Stapler Emergency

As I prepare for the conference, I decided to print off the schedule with the individual sessions on it. It came to a total of 30+ pages! Then I went on a hunt for my seldom used stapler. I have one of those old ones- the ones that are like ten-pounds and would break your toe if you dropped it. My dad gave it to me when he retired from the railroad. Could that be symbolic? Hmmm...never thought of it before. Maybe he was afraid I'd never be able to "keep it all together." Anyway- that stapler is not like the tiny pocket-sized ones they make now. It takes real talent to lose it in fact. But lose it, I did. So I'm searching for it, thinking, "Yeah I could use paperclips but there is danger in that, especially for someone like me."

What if, that coveted agent asks me when the next break is. And I, trying to impress her with my organizational skills, fumble with the papers, flicking the paperclip into the air, as the papers fly all over her desk. What if I try ever-so-hard to correct my crazy mishap, gathering them quickly and knock over her Starbucks coffee. What if it spills on her lap and she gets third degree burns and paramedics rush through the crowd of my peers as they point and stare at me.

So you see...I've got to find that stapler. But I think God has a sense of humor you know- I found a box of staples from the 1940's. But no stapler. So now I'm super paranoid and I think I'd better go buy a stapler, just in case. And in my case, it's not just about keeping things together- it's about saving my career.

-Karen

Truth in Blogging

So I've been reading the blog of my agent. Well, she's not mine, but if I'm correct in assessing her, I think I could buy her off with a good cup of Starbucks coffee. I'm really looking forward to meeting her at the PNWA conference (I mean what else would I say, she might get crazy and read my blog).

That got me to thinking- How honest are these blogs anyway? I mean, if I am aware of the need to censor myself just in case, how much more might someone like an agent? With that in mind, here is a list of 5-things you won't see posted on my blog after my face-to-face meeting with a real, live agent.

1. Someone should have told her she had a green chunk of lunch stuck in her teeth...and it wasn't going to be me!
2. I think she had garlic bread, garlic noodles and garlic pie for breakfast- breath mint please.
3. Is that really how they dress in California?
4. She didn't look anything like her website photo. She was so...old.
5. She wouldn't know a good book if it slapped her upside the head. (That's how we talk out here in the west)

What you will see in my post-conference post is total and complete honesty...well, in a censored, sucking-up, just-in-case , sort of way.

-Karen