Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Packing and Preparing for the Conference

I mentioned in my last post that I’m preparing to go to a conference. Next Weds. I fly to Seattle where my daughter lives and it just so happens that Bothell is the same location for this writer’s conference.

How could I resist?

I’m partially packed. But mostly I’m thinking about how best to use the conference. I’ve been to two others in the past but it’s been a few years. I also wasn’t writing books at the time.

When I signed up for this one, we could select three choices of either agents or publishers to pitch to. I chose agents because for me I think it’s best to get an agent first.

Then I got the email saying I’d gotten all three of my choices.

Not what I’d planned for. You see, two of the agents work for the same agency. They also work for the agency where my full is already out. Yeah, part of me
thought, “Well, pitch your other book just in case this other agent turns you down.”

Problem is, the other book isn’t even revised yet. And really, I finally decided I don’t want a different agent—I would prefer the one who is looking at my work now if it is that agency.

Does that narrow my chances? Maybe.

So that leaves the other agency. I do plan to pitch to that agent. It’s another blog where I enjoy the information they share.

Am I going with any grandiose ideas?

Not at all. It’s called getting some good practice.

How about you? What was your goal when you attended your last conference?

31 comments:

Jody Hedlund said...

Wow, that's great you got your first choices for agents! How exciting! If nothing else, you're giving them the chance to meet you, get to know you, so that they can connect a name with a face. That can only help! :-)

Yolanda said...

To meet friends that I've blogged with and/or FB. As well as a WORD from God. Believe me, He did not dissapoint.

Have a great time, enjoy, soak and relax, returning refreshed. By the way, like your new blog header. Sweet!!!

Heather Sunseri said...

How exciting, Terri! You'll have to let us know how it goes. I'm planning to attend my first conferenct his year, so I'll be looking for tips this summer.

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Can't wait to hear and I love your new picture!!!
~ Wendy

Unknown said...

Your new header looks great! I think my goal for the last conference was to walk away with a contract or an agent, which didn't happen. It turns out that I got a lot of great advice from an agent who didn't want to represent me. Without that advice about my story, who knows if I would have been able to get a contract.

You'll do great!

Jan Cline said...

As you know, this is my first. I think if best for me to have no expectations. But what I really want to say is....I LOVE YOUR NEW PICTURE!
I'll see you next week.

Georgiana Daniels said...

You'll have to keep us posted. Exciting! My goal last time was to make it through without any major disasters when I pitched. That much, I accomplished.

Tana said...

Your new banner is adorable!!! At the last conference I went to I hit about five different agents. I could have have seen more but the last line was super long and I thought the agent was worth it so I sacrificed.

Melissa Amateis said...

I love the new picture on your blog! Very cute. :-)

Hope you have a grand time!

Keli Gwyn said...

I hope you have a blast at the conference. Congrats on getting the agent appointments you wanted. Face time is sooo important.

Love the new banner photo.

Vickie said...

Love your new header Terri and all the best at the conference. I've never been to one so I don't have any advice, but I can sure pray for you.

Vickie

Diane J. said...

Good luck at the conference. Have a great time.

Glad I found your blog, I love it!

patti said...

Hmmm. The last two conferences brought chances to meet and reunite with soulmate writers. Oh, that has been such a rewarding thing, dear Tiff. A good thing to focus on.

P

Covnitkepr1 said...

I’ve enjoyed looking over your blog. I came across it through another blog I follow, and I’m glad I did. I am now a follower of yours as well. Feel free to look over my blog and perhaps become one as well.
I have a book of Communion meditations at the printers.

Jennifer Shirk said...

LOVE the new look here!

The last conference I was at I just hoped to learn a few things from some workshops and meet some friends. Check and check. LOL

Natalie said...

I love your new picture!

I already had my agent when I wen to my first conference, so I mostly went to have fun, meet writers and learn stuff. I accomplished all my goals. :)

T said...

Do you plan on going to another writer's conference anytime soon? I'd love to go to one. I just don't know what I would choose!

Janna Leadbetter said...

How exciting! Don't think about those things that may lessen your chances. Just go in there with knowledge and surety in what you're doing, and be yourself. You'll be great!

And Terri, I love that pic in your header. So fun!

Cindy R. Wilson said...

Yay for getting those appointments! I can't wait to hear how it goes.

And I love that new pic at the top. How fun!

Lynda Lee Schab said...

My first pitching session with an agent was a disaster and I left in tears. But four months later, I had an agent (a different one. LoL) so it's all good. Prayers that you have a wonderful time and wishing you much success with your ms.

And, at the risk of being confused for a parrot, I LOVE the new look!

Karen Lange said...

Have a wonderful visit with your daughter, and a great time at the conference! I am sure that you got all your choices for a reason and things will work out. I'm excited for you:)
Blessings,
Karen
P.S. Love the new look.

Edie said...

Have a great time with your daughter and at the conference!

Love your new header!

Anonymous said...

Things are happening for you! I was drawn into your new picture immediantly. It explodes with personality and I'm sure you'll wow who is perfect for you and your writing at the conference.

Kathleen said...

Be sure to pack your socks and a jacket. Spring "mist" in Seattle can be rather chilling.

You're going to do so well! I'm excited to hear how it goes, but mostly I'm excited that you get some focused Mom-time.

Blessings,
Kathleen

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Can't wait to hear the results. I think this will be a very good conference for you!

peace~elaine

Jeanette Levellie said...

Cover all the bases; this is wisdom. I'm so happy for you, and praying that the agencies will fight over you--LOL!

I like the new look on your blog--very catchy!

Have a great weekend, dear,
Jen

Nancy said...

My one and only writers conference was paid for by my sister-in-law and it lasted one day. It was in the early days of my writing and was a great encourager.

Hope you get some good notice on all of your offerings.

Unknown said...

Have fun at the conference! I hope your pitches go wonderfully and you have a blast. Safe travels!

Diane J. said...

Hi Terri. You sent me an email asking if I was going to the Conference. I read the email and when I went back to reply I could not find it, I must have been on a deleting binge. Sorry. No, I'm not going to this conference. I usually hold out for the Write on the Sound, which is held in Edmonds. Although, I'm thinking I'm going to hold off this year and save for either the PNWA or the Willamette Writer's Conference next year. Hope you have fun and I can't wait to hear how it goes.

Tahereh said...

wow how exciting!! i haven't even attended my first conference yet so i hardly know how to comment appropriately. it sounds to me like you know exactly what you're doing!!

please keep us posted and let us know how it goes!!

my fingers are crossed for your success :D

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I'm excited for you....and know whatever happens...you'll come back with tons of great stuff...