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The 2019 GLVWG Write Stuff Conference™ — The Grand Event

22 Friday Mar 2019

Posted by dtkrippene in GLVWG Conference Schedule, Write Stuff Writers Conference™

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Tags

Author Voice, Book Marketing, C.Y.L.E. Literary, Character Development, Firefly Hill Press, Handling Rejection, Self-Publishing, Splickety Publishing, Talcott Notch Literary Agency, Writing, Writing Conferences, Writing Craft, Writing Fiction, Writing Flash Fiction, YA

 

Ben Wolf
Ben Wolf
Charis Crowe
Charis Crowe
Janeen Ippolito
Janeen Ippolito
Donna Brennan
Donna Brennan
Kathryn Kraft
Kathryn Kraft
Dr. Larry Schardt
Dr. Larry Schardt
David E. Fessenden
David E. Fessenden
John Gibbs
John Gibbs

Day 3 – Main Event – March 23, 2019

GLVWG Write Stuff Conference™ 

 Over 20 Workshops, Agent/Editor pitch sessions, Marketing Consults

Lunch and Keynote address with Ben Wolf

Bookfair, Flash Literature Writing Contest, and Door Prizes

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Dawn Sooy – Conference Chair

Announcements in Lehigh Room 7:30 AM – 8:20 AM

2019 Floor Plan corrected

Map of Rooms – So You Don’t Get Lost

********************

 

Debora Riley-Magnus
Debora Riley-Magnus
Donna Galanti
Donna Galanti
Danielle Modafferi - Firefly Hill Press
Danielle Modafferi – Firefly Hill Press
Stephanie Kehr - C.Y.L.E. Literary
Stephanie Kehr – C.Y.L.E. Literary
Tia Mele
Tia Mele

Agent Pitches and Marketing Consults will run concurrent to workshops. Advance registration required. Please check your appointment times upon registration.

 

********************

 

Saturday Overview

Sessions run concurrent in Cedar Crest, Muhlenberg, Lafayette, & Moravian Rooms

Lunch in Salon A & B with Keynote Address by Ben Wolf

Book Fair, Flash Fiction Contest

Door Prizes announced during Book Fair (must be present to win)

Saturday Schedule

 

Program Syllabus – Morning

Schedule 8 AM

Schedule 8 AM 2

Schedule 9 AM

Schedule 10 AM

Schedule 10 AM 2

Schedule 11 AM

********************

 

Lunch with Keynote Speaker – Ben Wolf

In Salon B

Schedule Lunch

********************

 

Program Syllabus – Afternoon

Schedule 1 PM

Schedule 1 PM 2

Schedule 2 PM

 

*********************************

 

Flash Literature Contest 

Flash Literature - 2018 Conference
Flash Literature – 2018 Conference
Flash Literature - 2018 Conference
Flash Literature – 2018 Conference

Don’t forget to stop by the Lehigh Room to vote on this year’s entries for the 100 word Flash Literature Contest for Fiction, Nonfiction, and Poetry.  

Use the color-coded note cards in your registration booklet to cast your vote for your favorite entry in each category. You may only vote for one entry in each category. Place your ballot in the box provided. You must be registered at the conference to be eligible to vote.

 Voting ends at 2:30 p.m. Flash Fiction officials will then tally the votes and announce the winners at the book fair after 3:30 p.m. Winners need not be present. However, winnings may include a certificate for book fair purchase which must be used at the 2019 conference.

 

 

*********************************

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Book Fair – Contest Results – Door Prizes – Networking Opportunities

Contest Winners, Door Prizes (Must be present to win)

Book Fair — All published GLVWG members are eligible to participate in the book fair if registered in advance by March 3, 2019, with contact book fair coordinator Sandra Almonte at glvwg.bookfair@gmail.com.

Detailed instructions for selling your book(s) at the Book Fair, please click HERE.

 

2018 Book Fair
2018 Book Fair
2018 Door Prizes
2018 Door Prizes
2018 Book Fair
2018 Book Fair

 

5:00 PM — Conference closes

Check this website in the next couple of weeks, where we’ll post pictures of the conference.

 

*******************************************************************

Article by D.T. Krippene – Social Media Chair

Dan Central Park 3

You can find DT at his Website – “Searching For Light in the Darkness“

his Facebook Page, and Twitter @dtkrippene

 

 

An Interview with Charis Crowe – Presenter at the 2019 Write Stuff Conference™ March 21 through 23

27 Wednesday Feb 2019

Posted by GLVWG Write Stuff™ Blog in Presenter Interviews, Write Stuff Writers Conference™

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Author Voice, Book Marketing, Writing, Writing Conferences, Writing Craft, YA

Article by Idelle Kursman

charise crowe 2 copy

 

GLVWG member, Idelle Kursman, introduced Charise Crowe, January 27 on the GLVWG WordPress Blog. As a follow-up, Idelle took some time to ask a few questions of Charise, who will be co-presenting with her husband, Ben Wolf, at the Write Stuff Conference™ March 21 through 23.

********************

 

Idelle: If I were to meet you at a conference, what is something you would tell me about yourself that would be intriguing? Please do not use anything from your bio.

 If we met a conference, you would probably start the conversation. I’m notoriously shy when left to my own devices, but I do love meeting and talking with other writers. If you asked about my hobbies, I would say that I crochet, I love to cook, and I’m trying to learn the ukulele–with mixed results. If we talked about politics I would say that everything swings on a pendulum, and remember to be kind, and that I have very well formed thoughts about our inevitable AI. overlords. If we chatted about life, I’d encourage you to take more time for yourself, focus on joy, and spend time in the sun.

 Idelle: Who are your favorite authors? Why were they favorites?

I’m a Hogwarts kid, so of course I love the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. My current favorite authors are Neal Shusterman (Scythe and Thunderhead are particular standouts),  Lev Grossman (The Magicians Trilogy, with a TV series that really does the books justice), Scott Westerfeld (The Leviathon Trilogy was fantastic), and Jon Ronson (The Men Who Stare at Goats and The Psycopath Test) Shusterman, Grossman, and Westerfeld are all YA/New Adult authors who put their characters in imaginative far-flung worlds while keeping their character’s feet on the ground. Ronson is just a personal favorite. I love his style of Gonzo journalism and the ridiculous situations he gets himself into. He’s described himself as being high-anxiety and so his bravery in insane situations is something that I’m a bit envious of.

 Idelle: What are common traps for aspiring writers?

Vanity publishers. If someone is asking you for thousands of dollars to publish your work and you’ve 1) never heard of them, 2) never heard of their authors, 3) can’t find any of their books for sale/they won’t put you in touch with any of their authors…. Run. Run far, far away. Having a “tribe” of writers with varying levels of experience and expertise is crucial for avoiding pitfalls in publishing.

 Idelle: How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Do you have any plans for them?

 I think the first book I wrote is doomed to sit and collect dust forever. And that’s okay. I have a YA Steampunk manuscript that needs a solid edit. I might look into doing something with that one towards the end of 2019. We’ll see. Currently in my head I have an idea for a remake of Brave New World and an idea for medieval series that focuses more on the common folk than the wealthy ruling class.

Idelle: What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

I do tons of research. Usually weeks/months before even starting a project. And once I start the research just continues. When I write fantasy, I like to base my people groups and cultures off of a real world example. I also like to focus on characters that have some sort of disability, so there’s a ton of ever-evolving research I do for that as well. I’m kind of a spreadsheet nerd. I keep an Excel file as my “Story Bible”. My current W.I.P. Excel file has… 14 tabs. I need it to keep everything straight!

 Idelle: What is one thing you would give up to become a better writer?

I’m actually in a season of reevaluating this. I’m tweaking some lazy habits to devote more time to writing and trying to be more mindful of my time management. I practically hibernate in winter, and we live in Iowa. Can I give up Iowa? I’d love a warmer climate. I would definitely get more work done.

 Idelle: If you wrote a letter to your younger self, what would you say?

I would definitely fill it with spoilers. “Don’t do this!” and “You’re gonna regret that!” 

But mostly I would tell myself that, really, I am good enough. I am strong. I’d tell myself to not pretend to be someone I’m not just to make others happy. Because doesn’t that mean the other person doesn’t *actually* like me? Who needs that? What a silly waste of time. I’d tell myself to keep going, to work harder, and to always, always act with love. 

 Oh, and to invest in Bitcoin. Really missed the easy meal ticket on that one.

 Idelle: How would you counsel a writer who is having trouble making sales?

That’s a tough one. Sometimes a beautiful book can earn very few sales while a seemingly dumpster-fire becomes a global best seller.

Books that sell really well have a host of similar qualities, but the biggest one (in my opinion) is this: they meet a need. They meet a huge need. 

If your book isn’t selling well, have you set it up correctly? Is there an audience for what you wrote? Are there other books in your genre? Do you have a title and a cover that fit the idea of that genre? Is your back cover copy engaging, does it make a reader ask enough questions that they must open it to page 1? Do you have the right social media presence? Are you partnered with other authors in the same genre?

There’s a lot of ways a book can “fail”. You wouldn’t ride a bicycle on the Autobahn, and you wouldn’t try to climb Everest on a motorcycle. Are you on the right road and are you approaching it the right way? Have you given yourself the right tools to find success? I’ll be teaching a class on a lot of this–so if you’re unsure then I hope to see you there! 

Idelle: If someone wanted to find a job in the writing field or with a publisher, what advice would you give that person?

Marry someone established in the field! (haha, just kidding!)

Make yourself available. Join critique groups and offer to beta read. Attend as many conferences as you can. Give constructive feedback. Offer to bring that super-awesome professional a bottle of water or a cup of coffee. Offer favors with no expectation of repayment. Be a friend. Ask yourself, “If I was in their shoes, what would I need?”

I met one of my absolutely favorite people at a writer’s conference. (Well, several, actually. Hi, Ben!) She was working in an entirely different stratosphere from little, lowly me. It took time to develop that friendship–she was used to people having interest in her job but not really in her as a person. During one conference, we were in a group and she got saddled with someone who wouldn’t take a “no, thank you” for his manuscript and just kept pitching. And she just couldn’t pull herself away. I glanced at my watch and said “[Friend], weren’t you supposed to have a call 20 minutes ago?” And we politely excused ourselves. At the next conference we were at, I hadn’t seen her all day. She came up to me after dinner and demanded to know where I had been–she’d been getting cornered all day and needed a friend to help rescue her from those situations.

 I saw a need I could help fill. That’s 99.99% of making industry connections.

 If you get a no or a yes, accept it with grace. Recognize that these people are people. They are there to help you, but if a publisher/editor/agent says no, don’t keep hounding them. That’s won’t make their answer any better! 

charise crowe

 

__________________________________________________________________

Article Written by Idelle Kursman

Idelle Kursman Headshot FB
Idelle Kursman Bookcover

Idelle Kursman was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Boston College and her Master’s from William Paterson University. She has a loved one with autism and after watching the movie Taken five years ago, she felt compelled to write a novel about human trafficking. Since she loves thrillers, especially if it is a book she cannot put down, she sought to give readers this experience in her debut novel. At the same time, Idelle seeks to raise awareness for autism and the international human trafficking crisis. She lives with her family in New Jersey.

You can find Idelle on her website: https://idellekursman.com/, and social media links.

facebook.com/luckcanchange

twitter.com/IdelleKursman

linkedin.com/in/idelle-kursman

Meet Charis Crowe — Speaker GLVWG Write Stuff Conference™ 2019

27 Sunday Jan 2019

Posted by GLVWG Write Stuff™ Blog in Program Speakers, Write Stuff Writers Conference™

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Author Voice, Book Marketing, Writing, Writing Conferences, Writing Craft, YA

charise crowe

 

Charis Crowe is a professional freelance writer with corporate writing, advertising, and ghostwriting experience. With several completed novels and published short stories, Charis is passionate about finding that one thing a character would never do and making them do it.

She loves all things geeky, weird, and downright impossible. Whether it’s dragons soaring to new heights, unexplored distant planets, or monsters that lurk in the dark, Charis is always ready to help new writers explore their worlds and find more chaos.

**********

Charis (pronounced Ka-reese) Crowe will be at the GLVWG Write Stuff Conference™ beginning Thursday, March 21, 2019. She will be joining her husband, Ben Wolf, in his full-day presentation Thursday, as well as the morning session on Friday.

Friday evening, Charis flies solo in her 7:00 PM presentation: The Pixar Method – Through the magic of engaging characters and heart-tugging plot lines, Pixar has brought us stories that ring true to who we are for over 20 years. Discover their methods, unpack the Pixar secrets for success, and learn how to apply them in your own writing.

On Saturday, March 23, her topics include:

  • Marketing Execution for Authors. Covers, blurbs, Facebook release parties, Instagram hashtags, and meme machines. The world of marketing your books can feel like a giant maze. Learn how to create a product that sells and how to get it in front of readers.
  • Finding Your Author Voice. Lovable characters and an exciting plot–these are things every story needs to be successful. But if you’re looking for longevity in publishing, you’re going to have to dig deeper. Every writer has a reason “why” they write. Learn what yours is and how to use it to keep readers coming back for more.
  • YA is Here to Stay. Young Adult fiction isn’t just for teens. Learn the ins-and-outs of popular YA subcategories and how this super-powered genre can enhance your writing portfolio.

 

My first YA manuscript was a Steampunk/monster mashup. I’ve got about half a dozen YA WIP ideas floating around on my hard drive in one form or another. And the series I’m releasing now—The Lumen Fates Saga—centers around a group of teenagers selected by a secret society that lives alongside dragons.

There are two really common plot threads in YA that I love to read—budding romance (will-they/won’t-they) and the “chosen one” trope.

YA is all about a person at a crucial time in their lives. The main character is naturally on a journey of self-discovery and growth. They’re becoming someone new. I love those heroes

And although a will-they/won’t-they plot will keep me turning pages, I detest writing them! I tend to make those romances more of a side quest rather than the main goal.

Freelancing has been a bit of everything! Writing, editing, social media management, advertising, impersonating a literary agent—I’ve dabbled in a lot!

Freelancing pros: No dress code. Purple hair and comfy pants, no makeup, and an endless supply of coffee. Plus, more time with our kitty Marco, our kids, and more quality time with Ben (who is also a freelancer).

Freelancing cons: I’m a natural couch potato. Left to my devices, I would probably never leave our living room. Staying active is tough, and while I don’t miss the “rat race” that comes with most regular jobs, I do miss the camaraderie I had with my coworkers.

Born in Denver, Charis’s family moved to British Columbia, Canada. After that, it was down to Tampa Bay, Florida for a few years. Then we moved to the hometown where my parents were raised, Williamsport, PA—home of Little League baseball and… not much else.

I moved out to Iowa in 2008, and I’ve spent probably a cumulative year living in Hawaii over my lifetime.

I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was in second grade. My love of reading, writing, and that feel of words pressed into the pages of a notebook has always been a part of me.

charise crowe 5

We have one cat named Marco, and he is secretly a dog. He runs to the door and will announce when we have visitors, he yowls to be let outside, he answers to his name, and he will come when called. He even plays fetch.

Although I was the one to adopt Marco, he has taken a much stronger liking to Ben. He’ll even allow Ben to hold him like a baby. This preference has been a deep and hurtful betrayal. But… he’s a cat. I should have seen it coming.

Charis and her husband, Ben, live in ­­­­­­Bettendorf, Iowa with their two daughters—nicknamed Bri-Bear and Strawberry. Most nights of the week they can found snuggled up in front of the TV, poking fun at political ads and watching Survivor.

charise crowe 3 copy
charise crowe 3
charise crowe 6

Married to Ben Wolf, our Keynote speaker for the Write Stuff Conference™ 2019, GLVWG asked, “What’s it like being married to writer/editor/freelancer?”

It’s usually fun, but we definitely disagree sometimes. Ben works faster than I do, so I think I frustrate him at times. We usually leave each other alone during the day—he prefers the dark, isolated basement office. I like to have tons of natural light in my workspace.

Creatively we’re total opposites. We frequently bounce ideas off each other when we’re stuck on a plot hole or a character development. We almost never give each other the “breakthrough” idea. Most of the time we end up inspiring the other person to do the exact opposite of what we suggested!

We try to balance out our knowledge and be a strength to each other. His editing skills are always going to surpass mine. But when it comes to running ads on Amazon, compiling data, or putting together a comprehensive Excel spreadsheet, I take the cake!

 

charise crowe 2 copy

Charis can be found on Instagram (@CharisCrowe)

 

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Article by GLVWG member —  Idelle Kursman

Idelle Kursman Headshot FB
Idelle Kursman Bookcover

Idelle Kursman was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Boston College and her Master’s from William Paterson University. She has a loved one with autism and after watching the movie Taken five years ago, she felt compelled to write a novel about human trafficking. Since she loves thrillers, especially if it is a book she cannot put down, she sought to give readers this experience in her debut novel. At the same time, Idelle seeks to raise awareness for autism and the international human trafficking crisis. She lives with her family in New Jersey.

You can find Idelle on her website: https://idellekursman.com/, and social media links.

facebook.com/luckcanchange

twitter.com/IdelleKursman

linkedin.com/in/idelle-kursman

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