We attended a virtual writing conference this weekend: The South Carolina Writer’s Association. Didn’t pitch anything because none of the agents or editors was looking for science fiction, but the sessions were fun.
The keynote speaker was Patti Callahan Henry, NY Times bestselling author, who spoke on “The Soul of Story.” She says we’re hardwired to be storytellers, which makes sense. We also had a writing workshop with her where we asked a series of questions about our character’s wants and needs.
- What does your character want?
- Why do they want that?
- What misbelief or unconscious belief is keeping them from getting it?
- What will your character learn or who will they become?
The SCWA conference was fun and informative. We had several workshops on technique, readings by the various presenters, a prompt party, an open mike session and a query-fest. Today we’re going to learn how to present yourself if you’re a shy author and what the structure of your novel should be. We’ll end with a slush-fest, which should be interesting.
I’m feeling pumped up and raring to edit that manuscript again so I can add even more tension and conflict. My alter-ego JES Hays is also itching to revamp the historical fiction novel. Writing conferences always inspire us!
