Buzz
by John Wolf
There's been a death in the family. I'm sorry to report that New Voices Bookstore in New York that I so proudly raved about last month has closed do to lack of funding support by their underwriters. As details come or better yet a new establishment emerge, I'll keep you posted.
NothingBinding.com is booming as well as AuthorNation.com - Yeah! Go pulp-geeks.
I attended the La Jolla Writers Conference the first week in November. I was blown away by the caliber of talent that humbled themselves to teach, preach, and pass the torch to the young writers at the conference (and old farts) their pearls of wisdom. I'll start with the business end.
Marcella Smith was there from Barnes&Noble. She can provide the avenue for self-published authors to present works of excellent quality directly to her Fifth Avenue office for review. If it makes an impression, she has the power to pass it on to her district managers as a suggested buy. If you have done your homework, have had professional editing, and have agent representation that can assure them that you have a quality book, then give it a shot. Don't waste her time otherwise. Here is her email address: msmithx@bn.com. Her title is Director, Small Press & Vendor Relations. She typically deals with small publishers, but if you are supported by a professional agency, then the green light is on. If you have the right stuff, this is a rare opportunity to cut to the chase.
Stephen J. Cannell - screenwriter, producer, and novelist. Well known for writing many of the episodes of Rockford File, Hunter, 21 Jump Street, Rockford Files, Americas Greatest Hero, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Hardcastle and McCormick, Adam-12, Street Justice, Renegade, Cobra, The Commish, Riptide, Stingray, Silk Stalkings, and The A-Team, just to name a few. His books: Shane Scully series of five and the latest, "White Sister." Stephen presented on The Three-Act Structure and was a keynote speaker.
Authors Dale Fetherling, Greg Godek, Patti Callahan Henry, Lisa Jackson and her sister Nancy Bush, Ken Kulhken, Martha Lawrence, Sara Lewis, D. P. Lyle, Linda Lael Miller, and not to be forgotten, David Morrell who wrote "First Blood" of Rambo fame, and well as stream of award winning thriller novels. He was also a keynote speaker. Mike Sirota - author of 19 novels of his own, Tracy Hickman - sci-fi and fantasy novels, and others. The point is, we were instructed by bonafied experts in their field.
For a novice like myself, I was staggering with fresh ideas to improve my writing, as were many there. Some were accomplished writers, but lacked the fame of the instructing staff. They were there to be in their elements and test the water with their latest readings.
There were several literary agents there, listening with calibrated ears at the reading workshops. They were seriously looking for writers of skill. This wasn't just an outing to San Diego. I was encouraged by their openness. I wished I had something for them. I tucked my pathetic manuscripts into a bag and vowed to come back when I thought I wouldn't be wasting their time. I heard some great reads.
This conference was about how to write and who to read to, with the realization that there are people out there listening. The refreshing note was they had nothing bad to say about self-published works. They just suggested a professional path to increase your chances of producing acceptable material. Thus, a few experts, the agents in the group, presented examples of synopsis, query letters, and proper format for manuscripts. I got my money's worth.
John's latest novel is set in India - a modern day mystery
Entitled: "Of Beryl and Alabaster" coming soooon.
Thanks to all the Fox & Quill readers... John Wolf
