I said yesterday that the 2013 KWA Scene Conference was like a wedding: Nothing was perfect and everything was beautiful. In the end, you only remember the good things. It will be left to those of us on the KWA board to sort through things, analyze and evaluate.
I truly feel blessed to have had such wonderful and diverse speakers. Stan Finger’s presentation on his book, “Into the Deep”, was completely moving and inspirational. Esper’s discourse on YouTube as a viable platform opened many people’s eyes, almost as much as his work. Roy Wenzl gave sound advise for writers regarding focusing on story and NOT the author. We will look forward to his new book on Father Emil Kapaun. John Jenkinson showed that the author’s voice can be tinged with humor while making a statement.
But there was no doubt that Jenna Blum, the keynote speaker, was our star. With great wit, she challenged those to work hard, as hard as she did through over 100 agent rejections, to bring your stories to life and see them through to being published.
There are so many things that a writing conference can be. There are only a few things that it should be. That is: entertaining, informative, and inspiring. I believe we accomplished that.
Samantha LaFantasie said,
March 17, 2013 at 3:36 pm
It was a great day. Very entertaining and informative.
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H.B. Berlow said,
March 17, 2013 at 10:01 pm
Yes, it was. And pleasantly so.
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After the Conference | Writer Heather Larson said,
March 17, 2013 at 3:57 pm
[…] Just a quick write up about our KWA Scene Conference by our President, H.B. Berlow to be found at his blog: After the Conference. […]
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H.B. Berlow said,
March 17, 2013 at 10:02 pm
Thank you.
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CureCJD_Heather Larson said,
March 17, 2013 at 3:58 pm
I enjoyed meeting everyone yesterday!
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H.B. Berlow said,
March 17, 2013 at 10:02 pm
Networking is half of what we do. It has worked for me.
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Gwen said,
March 17, 2013 at 4:46 pm
This was a timely post for me to read. I’m attending my first conference in a matter of weeks – thanks!
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H.B. Berlow said,
March 17, 2013 at 10:03 pm
Go for it, Gwen. And don’t be shy. Get into the mix. meet people. Say hello. Let them know who you are. Because, you ARE somebody.
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Gwen said,
March 18, 2013 at 5:07 am
Thank you – I’ll do that.
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