JRW Conference 2006
Schedule

FRIDAY

9 to 9:30 am Welcome and Announcements David Robbins

9:30 to 10:45 am First Pages Critique Chuck Adams, Byrd Leavell, Cameron McClure, two experienced literary agents and a top editor, will discuss their impressions of first pages of manuscripts submitted by our conference audience. Manuscript pages will be read aloud by actors Irene Ziegler and Clay McLeod Chapman. Moderated by David Robbins

11 am to noon I’ve Got to Write THAT!: Spotting the Great Story Ideas – Writers from different genres tell which story notions grab them, which don’t, and how to tell the difference. Leslie Shiel, Alex Kershaw, Dennis McFarland, Clay McLeod Chapman, moderated by Dean King Sex and Sensibility: When, How and Why of Sex Scenes – When should a sex scene sizzle, and when should it be in silhouette? Top writers discuss the do’s and don’ts of sex on the page. Martin Clark, Susann Cokal and Cathy Maxwell, moderated by Sheri Blume Never Too Late to Start – These authors never said ‘Quit,’ on the dream of being a published novelist. Hear their stories and tips on how to stay the course. Sharon Baldacci, Emyl Jenkins, and Ann McMillan, moderated by Howard Owen. Publish or Parasite: Whether and When to Self-Publish – When is it advisable to publish your own work? When can it help catapult you and when might it hold you back? Learn from those with experience and know-how. Tony Jones, Dave Kuzminski, and Marcela Landres, with moderator Bill Blume.

NOON to 1 PM – LUNCH

1 to 2 pm The Write Approach: How to Pick and Pitch An Agent – Agents discuss how to match your writing to the proper agent, plus what they look for in query letters and proposals.  Kate Garrick, Byrd Leavell, Cameron McClure, with moderator Jason Tesauro. Dark Muse: Creativity out of Melancholy, Anger and Addiction - Writers from several genres will discuss their experience with writing from the darker side of creativity. Evans D. Hopkins, Caroline Kettlewell, Dennis McFarland, with moderator Alex Kershaw. Keep It Moving: An Analysis of Pacing – In fiction and non-fiction, momentum is the most vital component. This panel will discuss techniques and skills for keeping your story flowing, and spotting the obstacles to a smooth pace.  Chuck Adams, C.S. Friedman, Brian Haig, with moderator Dennis Danvers. Poetry: Fiction or Non-fiction – How do we write and how do we read poetry? Do poets depict or invent, or neither? Brian Henry, Buffy Morgan, Leslie Shiel, with moderator Ron Smith.

2:15 to 3:15 pm The Battle of the Sexes: Contrasts Between Writing Heroes and Heroines – Four gifted writers discuss the challenges of writing authentic action characters of the opposite sex. C.S. Friedman, Brian Haig, Cathy Maxwell and Susann Cokal with moderator Irene Ziegler. You Write Like A Girl: Making Money on a Woman’s Perspective – Four women – an agent, an editor, a magazine publisher and a poet – discuss the marketability of  writing for a female audience. Kate Garrick, Marcela Landres, Buffy Morgan, Susan Winiecki, with moderator Phaedra Hise Psychology of Long Odds: Redefining Success for Writers – What is success for the aspiring writer? Goal-setting is as important in writing as it is in business. Learn motivational skills and keys to help you move through the process of getting published. Chuck Hansen God is Great: Religion on the Bestseller List – Three spiritual and successful writers discuss how their faith enters their work, moderated by a published Episcopal priest. Stacy Hawkins Adams, Sharon Baldacci, Martin Clark, Michelle Blake, moderated by Greg Jones.

3:30 to 4:30 pm The Journey of Journalism – Bestselling historical and outdoor writer Hampton Sides discusses his career, and how he goes to get his stories wherever they lead. Interviewed by Dean King.

4:30 to 4:40 pm Concluding Remarks & Reminders David Robbins

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SATURDAY 

9 to 9:30 am Welcome and Announcements David Robbins

9:30 to 10:45 am The Book of Your Life: The Difficult and Courageous Art of the Memoir Bestselling memoirist and MSNBC columnist Jeannette Walls discusses the craft and challenges of writing about yourself. (interviewed by Mark Lazenby)

11 to noon Boo Hiss: The Role Of The Villain in Your Writing – The bad guy is what makes the rest of the book happen. Master writers in non-fiction and fiction analyze the villain’s all-important role. Martin Clark, C.S. Friedman, Brian Haig, Alex Kershaw, moderated by David Robbins Screamwriting – Two of Richmond's own scary thinkers talk over the joys of horror and how to successfully write from the compellingly weird side of life. Don Mancini, moderated by Clay Chapman How to Write a Killer Proposal - Marcela Landres is nationally known for her proposal workshops. Learn how to make that agent sit up and take notice. Cultivating the Poetic Field: Discovering the Community of Poets and Publications - How do poets find the best publications for their work? How does forming a community of poets influence inspiration, style, and the landscape of the work? Elena Georgiou, Christian Peet, Joshua Poteat, moderated by Cheryl Pallant

NOON to 1 PM – LUNCH

1 to 2 pm Deep Structure: Analysis of Point of View and Perspective – Gifted writers take a look at the most pivotal structural questions of all writing - who tells your tale, and from what platform? Brian Haig, Dennis McFarland, Jeannette Walls, Dean King, moderated by Caroline Kettlewell Hotcakes and Flopjacks: What’s Hot, What’s Not – A candid discussion of current trends in publishing. Chuck Adams, Byrd Leavell, Cameron McClure, moderated by Kelly Justice We’re Not In Kansas Anymore: How To Build A Fantasy World – One of America's best-selling science fiction/fantasy authors joins local writers to descibe how to conceive and achieve realistic and fascinating alternate worlds. C.S. Friedman, Dave Kuzminski, moderated by Sheri Blume. Changing the World: Socially Conscious Writing – Ethical and social issues concern everyone. These talented writers make their livings at observing, commenting, and informing. Elena Georgiou, Andrew Corsello, Mark Holmberg, moderated by Dennis Danvers.

2:15 to 3:15 pm Rejection: What Does ‘No’ Really Mean, and How To Survive It – Agents, writers and an editor provide insights on how to interpret and handle the author’s worst nemesis, the word “No.” Chuck Adams, Kate Garrick, Emyl Jenkins, Cameron McClure, moderated by Virginia Pye This Means War: Writing about Death, Destruction and Bravery – Three of America’s leading observers of historic conflict discuss how to capture on the page, with compassion and insight, the human tragedies and dramas of war. Chip Jones, Alex Kershaw, Hampton Sides, moderated by Stephen Previtera Write What You Know: And What You Know Best Is You! – The first advice every writer gets. This cross-genre panel discusses the pros and cons of using your own experiences as the basis for your writing. Evans D. Hopkins, Marcela Landres, Michelle Blake, moderated by Jason Tesauro Taking the ‘Free’ out of Freelance – One of Richmond’s leading free-lance writers tells her secrets about how to make magazine work pay. Phaedra Hise

3:30 to 4:30 pm Question and Answer: Inside the Writers’ Studio – A free-for-all of audience questions for our distinguished author panelists. This is the time to step up to the microphone and ask about anything you might have missed during the conference. Martin Clark, C.S. Friedman, Brian Haig, Alex Kershaw, Dennis McFarland, Don Mancini, Hampton Sides, moderated by David Robbins.

4:30 to 4:45 pm Concluding Remarks David Robbins

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One-on-One with an Agent: Speed-dating for authors

Got a great book concept – or that novel sitting in the drawer? One-on-One with an Agent is your opportunity to skip the slush pile and pitch your idea to an experienced literary agent. Here's the catch: you have only 5 minutes. Five minutes (and we're timing you) to give your "elevator speech" and get candid feedback. It's a real-world challenge that will hone your selling skills – and maybe, just maybe lead to those those magic words, "I'd like to see more."

A limited number of sessions are available. Select agents in order of preference on conference registration form. Priority will be given to JRW member registrations through July 15, then to general registrations, by order of date received, until sessions are filled. 

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First Pages Critique: Not for the faint of heart

Agents and editors are so swamped with submissions that they look for quick ways to reject everything in their slush piles.  First Pages Critique is your chance to get an unvarnished opinion of your opening lines from the world's most critical readers.  Informative and eye-opening, the First Pages Critique is also one of the most popular sessions at the conference.  So be warned: while First Pages authors won't be identified, the panelists don't hold back. Love it or hate it, they'll say so in no uncertain terms.  Put your first pages to the toughest test and get ready to get the whole story.

To submit your work for the First Pages Critique, send five (5) copies of the first two pages of your manuscript in the following format: Name and address in upper left-hand corner (single spaced).  Type of work in upper right-hand corner.   TITLE and By (Your Name), on separate lines, centered, ½ way down the page.  Text starts ¾ of the way down the page, 12 pt. font, double spaced, 25 line/page maximum.  8.5”x11” paper.  All margins at least 1 inch.

Submissions must be postmarked no later than September 15. Mail to:

Sheri Blume
9630 Kennesaw Rd.
Richmond, VA 23236

All genres welcome.  No fee.  One submission per attendee.  Authors remain anonymous.  Identifying information will be deleted after registration is confirmed.  Manuscripts will be pre-selected to ensure variety.  Submissions will not be returned.

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