Randomosity
I should attend more conferences. They give me lots to blog about. Here are more random tidbits from the weekend that either were left out of the previous posts or that happened on Sunday.
- Diana Gabaldon gave the keynote on Sunday. She's a super sweet lady who does not look even remotely close to her 53 years of age. She's up on stage and she's talking about doing book signings in Germany. Apparently, a German man came up to her and said, "Diana, what is the appeal of a man in a kilt?" For those who don't know- her books take place primarily in historical Scotland, hence the kilt question. Diana's response? "I guess it would be that you realize that he can have you up against the wall in seconds flat." The room was stunned into silence for a millisecond before bursting into laughter. It was great.
- One of the courses that I did not attend (but wish I had), was called SIWC Idol. When you walked into the room you handed over the first two pages of your manuscript. Jack Whyte, with his magical reading voice, read them aloud. Three editors were on a panel who then proceeded to say what they would really do with those pages. By all accounts, it was brutal. Some peoples' work didn't make it past the first sentence. One person's pages started with the word, "Whooosh," and that was all they heard before they literally threw it away. Another person's was great until they used the term "rivulets of blood," at which it was thrown into the slush pile as well. Part of me wishes I had gone to hear what they would have said about mine- the other part of me is glad I didn't because I don't know if I would have been able to handle that much truth!
- Best quote of the weekend was said outside with all the smokers that Jacquee and I acquainted ourselves with. She was an older woman and we were talking about how much work it is to be a writer. She said, "I wouldn't be able to play at this game if I weren't a kept woman." I think I should use it in a book someday.
- I met a very cool girl, also outside watching Jacquee smoke, who is heavily involved in NaNoWriMo, who invited me to the kick-off NaNo party this coming Sunday. I'm looking forward to going!
posted by Courtney @ 9:59:00 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
I'm not tired of hearing about the conference, sounds like you had an amazing time. I can't wait to read some of your writing!
I can't wait to pay for your writing. ie, your published writing.
Gabaldon's comment was very funny. And kind of sexy.
That session where they critiqued the manuscript pages would have scared me to death. In fact, just the description scares me. I hope they aren't THAT picky. I mean, there ARE a lot of bad books out there. Now I'm worried.
I love the kilt comment.
And, I don't know that I'd have the intestinal fortitude to subject anything I wrote to public scrutiny, but it does sound like an interesting course. And educational.
I love conferences! So glad you had a fun time!
ug. i'm soooo jealous that you got to hear Diana Gabaldon speak. I was innocently checking links from karlababble for anyone interesting, and here i stumble upon someone who's almostmet my favorite author... : )
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