Another Awesome Writers Conference

The last two weeks of March, I pretty much disappeared from everything, but I was online 14-16 hours a day.  I was at the Catholic Writers Conference Online.

Most of you know how much I love online writers' conferences.  I love learning from others, making friends, and teaching all from the comfort of my own home.  I also enjoy the chance to work on new material, be it queries, scenes or background for my next novel.  Often, you cannot do that in a live conference, but you can online!

This year, the CWCO broke up the workshops in to forums one week and chat the second.  This helped me a lot because it gave me time to concentrate on homework, read lessons, etc.  (I think everyone who participated preferred it.)  I developed my query letter and synopsis in Joan Edward's pitch class and especially in Jan Lebak's query letter class.  I have some synopsis tweaking, but then The Old Man and the Void is going out--probably this month.  Tanya Stowe did her plot and character workshops again, and I used them to figure out some stuff for Gapman.  I love her workshops because they make me, a pantster, do a little before-hand plotting and thought.  I may have an easier time writing Gapman because of it.  I enjoyed Sarah Reinhard's blogging workshop, though I kind of took everyone on a left turn during her "staying alive" lesson.  (Yes, I posted a photo of John Travolta and was on a disco kick for days.)  John Konecsni had some great advice for fight scenes and critted a couple from Neeta Lyffe 2.  John Nichols started a good conversation on bad guys. Joe Wetterling's forum on The Baptized Imagination was wonderfully inspiring.  In fact, we asked him to post some of the lessons at the CWG blog during the 30K for Christ Challenge.

Also kicking off the 30K for Christ challenge is Barbara Nicolosi, whose chat, "Towards Literature Which is Catholic" was posted on April 2.    We had a lot of terrific chats this year; some inspiring and some very practical. 

I taught a few workshops, too.  The best one was the Housekeeping for Writers.   We had forum lessons and chats where we got together to clean house.  I'll be teaching this again through Savvy Authors:  http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/showevent.php?eventid=1324

If you missed the conference, the e-book will be available soon and is available with a $10 donation to the Catholic Writers Conferences.  You can order it by using the button on the sidebar at http://catholicwritersconference.com. 

Now, it's time to catch up.  Step one--finish putting the school planners together.  Then editing Neeta and The Old Man and the Void, and starting Gapman. 

New program makes it easy to edit backwards

I love the cool stuff that happens at the Catholic Writers Conference Online!

During the conference, some of us were chatting about editing, and a couple of us mentioned the value of reading your manuscript backwards. I've told you this before: Start with your last sentence; read, evaluate and edit; then move to the next sentence; and so on until you reach the first sentence of your manuscript. It separates the words from the context and lets you consider each sentence on its own merit.

Bill Powell said, "There ought to be an easy program for re-arranging the manuscript for you." People loved the idea. Most of us thought it'd be some kind of programming nightmare, but he said he could do it.

And he did!

Check out Proofread backwards. It's a free program online that will re-arrange your manuscript. It's super-easy, too. I plugged in a plain text version of Fern Gullible, and got this:

========================================================================

PROOFREADBACKWARDS.WINESKINMEDIA.COM

Original file: Fern_Gullible_by_Karina_Fabianpt.txt

Reversed for free at http://proofreadbackwards.wineskinmedia.com

Email to leave comments and feedback.

========================================================================

[Original End of Manuscript]

Fabian--Fern Gullible--7

----

I tilted my head toward the third-story apartment, where with my keen senses, I could hear Willow and Maden laughing as Fern told her all about her "dream."

----

Like I said, it's on my Territory."

----

"Nah.

----

Are you charging to department for this one, Vern?"

----

I'll think about it.

----

"All right!

----

Santry sighed.

----

The shut the window, but not before we heard the laughter.

----

"Rumplestiltskin!"

----

We looked to where Willow, Maden and Fern leaned out the window, Fern's head on the gnome's.

----

"Captain Santry!"

----

He grumbled.

----

"Yeah, I'll consider it."

All I can say is, "Bill! You da MAN!"

Announcing Chaterday! Topic: Writers' Conferences

At the CWCO, I attended a wonderful chat by blogger Sarah Reinhard, and one of the topics was, "How do I get people to comment?" After all, we love comments, right? Well, she rather astutely noted that if we don't blog so as to invite conversation, most people won't comment.

Another thing I loved at this conference was how people learned from each other as well as from presenters. There's such a wealth of wisdom out there.

So I'm instituting Chatterday. Here's how it works: Each Saturday, I'll talk a very little bit on a topic and ask you for your wisdom and opinion. Let's share!

This week's topic: Do you attend writers' conferences? What do you like most about them? When do you get the most out of a conference and why?

Catholic Writers Conference Online March 21-27!

Feel free to copy and disseminate this press release.

CONTACT: Karina Fabian
E-mail: karina@fabianspace.com
Ann Margaret Lewis
E-mail: annlewis@joesystems.com

For Immediate Release

Registration for Free Catholic Writers Conference Online Opens

World Wide Web—Are you a Catholic writer? Looking for an opportunity to learn more about writing and marketing, a chance to meet like-minded authors, and get an opportunity to pitch your work? Want it all for free—and without leaving your home? Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held March 21-27, 2011.

The conference is held via chats and forums at http:// www.catholicwritersconference.com. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register before March 1, 2011.

"Each year, we have about 300 writers and around 50 presenters participate," said organizer Karina Fabian. “In addition to presentations and workshops covering a everything from idea generation to marketing your published work, we have crit groups and pitch sessions with Catholic and secular publishers. ”

Previously publishers hearing pitches have included well known Catholic publishers like Pauline, large Christian publishers like Thomas Nelson, and smaller presses like White Rose. This year, Fabian hopes to add some agents as well.

"Even in good economic times, it's hard for writers to attend live conferences," said Fabian, "but this year, we think it's even more important to help careers by utilizing an online format. We're so grateful that our presenters are willing to share their time and talent."

Although the conference is offered free of charge, donations are accepted; proceeds will go toward future conferences. Non-Catholics may attend, as long as they respect Catholic beliefs and the conference's Catholic focus.

To register or for more information, go to http://www.catholicwritersconference.com.


# # #

Graphics, interviews and further information available upon request.

Wrap-up of the Catholic Writers Conference Online

Short report of the Catholic Writers Conference Online.

First, some general stats:

--394 attendees
--49 presenters giving 20 forum workshops, 46 chats
--12 publishers hearing 66 pitches--54 of which were asked to submit more
--seven totally action-packed days (We took Saturday off)
--$460 in donations
--one person signed up for the live conference; several others have asked about volunteering

Highlights:

Monday morning exemplified the spirit of the conference. Our first four presentations were no-shows, for various reasons, but that was not why this event sticks with me. Rather, it was the way other people in the audience jumped in with "I know something about that topic!"and took the place of the scheduled presenter. We were able to still have informative chats. Even better, the presenters made up their chats later, so people who attended both got extra info from several points of view. Through the whole week, this spirit of giving of time and talent infused both chats and forums.

The crit workshops went very well. People got some expert advice, and in some of the groups, also critiqued each other's work as well.

Poets found kindred spirits in Dr. David Craig's crit workshop, and have asked if there's a way to continue their fellowship. I've set them up a forum in the CWG website, but they may decided to do something else instead or as well.

Lessons Learned:

Pitch sessions didn't go as smoothly as last year, perhaps because we had more people and because of the non-Catholic publishers, which I think confused some folks. Next year, we'll have a checklist people must turn in when they want to register to pitch asking specific questions regarding guidelines, directions, and procedures to ensure they read the material and gave it some thought. Also, I am blogging about the sessions and will post them on the CWCO website for people to read in preparation next year.

Again this year, forum workshops got small attendance. Most people said they didn't have time with the chats. Next year, then, we'll extend the conference, but separate the chats and the workshops:

Friday-Tues: Chats
Monday-Friday: workshops (and pitch sessions)
Note that there is overlap on Mon and Tues. This allows presenters who are doing chats and workshops to do both, and keeps people from forgetting the forums when the chats are done.

Presenters and authors giving pitches had trouble with the chat room software if they used a Mac computer. We are working on a how-to document for next year. (This is a Java issue, so changing chat room providers will not help.)

Thanks to all:

Once again, the CWCO was a success, not only in numbers and education, but in the camaraderie and spirit. More than once, I had someone tell me that they'd never known such a group of writers existed, or that they'd felt alone until they discovered this conference, or that the conference has given them much-needed encouragement. That's our goal in the CWCO, and we're so glad that we succeeded.

However, we know we didn't do it alone: presenters, moderators and attendees made this the fabulous experience it is. Thank you!

Karina Fabian
Ann Lewis

Conventions and Cover art

The Catholic Writers Conference Online was a spectacular success! We had 283 attendees, 48 one-hour chat presentations, 12 week-long forum workshops, 37 pitches given to six publishers and more kudos than I counted. Here's what some folks said:

This is a great conference. It's easy to navigate and your detailed instructions are the best. The downloadable handouts and docs are so easy also. The workshops I've been in are packed with such useful information. I give it an A+.
---Karen Coiff

Great job to all who put this together. The exposure to fellow writers and pros in the field has been immensely positive and helpful to me! I've been amazed at the wealth of information and knowledge available. And to think I didn't have to leave my home! I look forward to next time. Thank you so very much and may God bless you all.
---Katherine Shine

Congratulations on this year's conference. I thought it was very well done. A lot of worthwhile information. You are providing a wonderful service for many, many people.
---Jackie Lindsey, Our Sunday Visitor

We're already hard at work on the Catholic Writers Conference--Live! set for August 5-7. The 2010 CWCO will be Feb 22-27.

Roe has sent the cover sketch for Magic, Mensa and Mayhem! Isn't it a hoot?


I'm still not totally happy with Vern's face, but I think it's the angle more than anything. Roe certainly listened to my concerns about Coyote-what a difference! He's inking now. I'm dying to see the finished product! The back will have an endorsement from Jody Lynn Nye and a quip from the Publisher's Weekly review. (More on that later; publisher asked me to hold it until late Feb.)

More workshop fun

An update: Got the cover sketch from Roe. I am soooo excited! It's a fun cover--basically the characters gathered for a group shot in front of the Citrus Stars hotel. It was just an outline sketch, though, so I'm not posting it, though.

Last day of the conference is today. I've ahd a terrific time, but am suffering from BICHOK. (Butt in chair, hands on keyboard) Last night, I actually sat on an ice pack, that's how sore I am from sitting. If I ever have to do a story with a character on bedrest, I can now relate.I'm actually reclined on the couch today. Thursday, I'll try to give you some stats of the conference.

Devon's Dialogue workshop was, once again, one of the most fun for me. I used it to work on some scenes for the next DragonEye story, GapMan! Here's a snippet:


Ronnie set his elbows on the railing beside him. The scaffolding creaked at the change in weight, but he ignored it, intent on the scene below.

Captain Infinity had delivered the usual lines of "You fiend! You won't get away with this" and received the obligatory punch in the gut from a stocky dwarf minion--Kent, Ronnie realized. Hawgin threw back his head and laughed.

His voice rose. "Show him what awaits his secret beloved!" The minion fangirls bowed and rushed off, stage left. Moments later, a squad of pixies flew in. Ronnie squinted at them.

"Are they glowing?"

Goldleaf's sigh was half groan. "That's the Tweet Troupe. Studied Mundane method acting. Graduates of the 'They Were Discovered' Complete Video Course for the Aspiring Thespian."

"Is the glowing magic, then?"

"Uh, no. Radioactivity."

"For real?"

Goldleaf shrugged. "They snuck through the reactor in Los Lagos. Don't ask me how. They take their art very seriously."

Why I love Workshops

By far the most popular part of the Catholic Writers Conference Online has been the chats. We have experts from all areas of publishing come and chat for an hour, giving mini-lessons and taking questions. I usually end up transcribing them for our e-book. (BTW--If you couldn't make the conference and want to purchase the e-book, it's available for a $20 donation to the CWCO. CWCO is part of CWG, a non-profit, so you can count it as a charity or as a business expense!)

For me, however, the week-long workshops are far more useful. I love being able to put the learning into practice, and I always come away with great stuff. Monday, I shared a scene I came up with in Devon Ellington's Dialog class. Today, I want to show you the difference a few tips from Kim Richards made to a scene in Discovery that I truly hated:

OLD: James managed to make it to the auditorium as the last of the stragglers were coming in. About half of the researchers had decided to come to the briefing. Some wanted to see the images of the alien ship again. Some were curious to see the miner's reactions. He noticed that they all took spots opposite the Rocky Flat's team, who had taken position in a lopsided semi-circle around Hayden and his senior staff, forming their own island of humanity among the dark, empty seats.

Hayden sat in the front row, Captain Addiman to his left and Andy to his right; then Sister Ann, Sister Thomas, and Rita. After Rita, the row sat empty, as did the seats behind her. He watched as she gave the empty seats a seemingly incurious look. He knew she recognized the barrier.

She knows all about barriers, he thought, surprised at the bitterness of his inner voice. Then again, she'd put a barrier between them half the size of the solar system. Why couldn't she just tell me?


NEW: James managed to make it to the auditorium as the last of the stragglers were coming in. The fifteen or so researchers that crowded together at one side. Some leaned forward, hungry eyes on the blank viewscreen. More were nudging each other and looking at the Rocky Flats mining team. The miners had created their own island of humanity on the opposite side of the auditorium, chattering amongst themselves, ignoring the researchers. Hayden, his senior staff and the Rescue Sisters stretched between the groups like an incomplete bridge.

Rita formed the last bit of that bridge. She gave the empty seats around her an incurious look, but James knew she recognized the invisible barrier they formed.

She knows all about barriers, he thought, surprised at the bitterness of his inner voice. Then again, she'd put a barrier between them half the size of the solar system. Why couldn't she just tell me?

I hope some of you will be able to make it to an writers conference, on- or off-line. They really are worth the time.

CWCO: Workshop assignment

What a day yesterday was at the Catholic Writers Conference Online! Eleven hours of informative chats on everything from generating ideas to polishing manuscripts. We have seven more to go!

I was up until 1:30 working on the homework in the forums workshops. Those really are my fave, because I get to practice my skills. Devon Ellington always has a fun dialogue workshop. I'm using it to generate ideas for the next DragonEye, PI novel, GapMan! Thought you'd like the snippet:

Assignment: Two characters are traveling. As they do, they discuss a situation, and a third person.

With a moan and an arthritic grinding of gears, the conveyor belt started moving. The gaps and hills made by the rollers beneath her caused her to bump up and down.
Kitty tugged and pulled at the cords that held her bound. She kicked her legs, trying to pull free of the bond that held her ankles together, and caught her heel on the rubber of the conveyor belt. She snarled in frustration, went back to twisting her hands--

"Would you stop? You're poking my back!"

She turned her head to snarl at her fellow captive. "Well, do something, GapMan! Snap the bonds. Fly us out of here. Something!"

"You think I haven't tried? I can't. The bonds are made of Faeriemet."

"Like kryptonite. Great!" Kitty groaned with despair, then with pain as she threw her head back, whacking the back of his. "Who thinks to make a cable out of Faeriemet?"

"I dunno--maybe someone who's read your interview? I thought that was off the record."

"Oh, so this is my fault now?'

"Now that you mention it."

"Look! I was just doing my job--"

"Gee, me, too. Look where that got us."

She dug her heels into the rubber and tried to pull herself forward against the motion of the conveyor. The ropes dug into her chest as the weight behind her didn't budge.

"Help me!"

"What do you think I was trying to do! But would you follow me to safety? 'Just a few more minutes. Let's see what's behind that door.'" His voice went high and twisty in a nasty parody of hers. "Any more brilliant suggestions?"

"I don't think you're properly motivated!"

GapMan barked a most unheroic laugh. "Motivated? Who's the one facing the incinerator? What else did you write?"

"What?"

"What else did you write? Am I going to find a picture of myself in Faerie-Mundane Quarterly? The sequel to 'I dated a Faerie Dragon'?"

"Could we talk about this another time?"

An increase in pitch in the engines.

"It's speeding up!" Her voice wobbled in time with the bumping of her tailbone on the belt. She twisted and pulled, trying to drag him with her. They wobbled toward the edge.

"Stop it! That's a 30-foot drop!"

"Better than burning to death!"

"He was right about you, you know!"

"Who?"

"Vern!" his shout echoed across the abandoned factory.

Hers was nearly as loud. "You've been talking to me about Vern?"

"No, you idiot! I'm calling for help. Vern! Help us!"

"NO! Not him, not!" She twisted, caught a glimpse of the glowing Destination of Death, shrieked through her teeth. Slamming her heels against the conveyor belt more in tantrum in terror, she screwed up her face and screamed, "Vern!"