Category Archives: Writing Conferences & Getaways

#WriteOnCon is Almost Here!

February 19, 2020Literary, Writing Conferences & GetawaysAdmission, Agency, Agents, Alyssa Eisner Henkin, Alyssa Hollingsworth, Authors, Axie Oh, BookEnds Literary, books, Bradford Literary Agency, Charlie N. Holmberg, Childrens Books, Conference, Corvisiero Literary Agency, Dee Romito, Editors, Feedback, Fiction, Forum, Fuse Literary, Gail Shepard, Hannah Carmona Dias, Jeni Chappelle, Jennifer De Chiara Literary, Joy McCullough, Kat Enright, Kidlit, Laura Dail Literary Agency, Learning, Literary Agents, Liza Dawson Associates, MG, Middle Grade, New Leaf Literary & Media Inc., Non-Fiction, Opportunity, P.S. Literary, Pitch, Pitching, Published Authors, Registration, Skylark Literary, Stories, Superheroes, The Rights Factory, WriteOnCon, Writers, YA, Young Adultpdpabst

WriteOnCon

The WriteOnCon creators of this marvelous online gathering say this is “A writing conference you don’t even have to wear pants to. (Please wear pants, though.)” And yep, this is my favorite line! The conference isn’t just an opportunity to attend a writing workshop, but it’ll be the cheapest (aside from being free, of course) and closest conference you’ll ever attend. Seriously, you can participate from your home! And while you might have missed the raffles and perks to buy critiques, there is still time to sign up to join. Admission is either $10 (General Admission), $15 (Full Admission), $20 (Extended Admission) or $25 (Time Traveler Admission). You can’t go wrong with any choice!

WriteOnCon is an online conference for kidlit writers and illustrators. Connect with writers, authors, and agents in this event. There will even be SUPERHEREOS (agents and authors) sneaking around the forum to give you feedback on your queries and manuscripts. This year’s heroes are:

SuperAgents:

Amber J. Caraveo, agent at Skylark Literary Agency
Caitie Flum, agent at Liza Dawson Associates
Devin Ross, agent at New Leaf Literary and Media
Elana Roth Parker, agent at Laura Dail Literary Agency
Emily S. Keyes, agent at Fuse Literary
Eric Smith, agent at P.S. Literary Agency
Erin Clyburn, agent at Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency
Hannah VanVels, agent at Corvisiero Literary Agency
Joanna Moult, agent at Skylark Literary Agency
Katherine Wessbecher, agent at Bradford Literary Agency
Lindsay Leggett, agent at The Rights Factory
Natascha Morris, agent at BookEnds Literary Agency
Tara Gilbert, agent at Corvisiero Literary Agency

SuperAuthors and Editors:

Jeni Chappelle, freelance editor
Kat Enright, freelance editor
L.M. Klein, freelance editor
Monica Hay, freelance editor
Adalyn Grace, YA author
Alexa Donne, YA author
Alyssa Hollingsworth, MG author
Amanda Sellet, YA author
Amy Efaw, YA author
Dee Romito, MG author
Emily Suvada, YA author
Halli Gomez, MG author
Hannah Carmona, PB author
Henry Herz, PB author
J. Elle, YA author
Julia Ember, YA author
June CL Tan, YA author
Katya de Becerra, YA author
Kim Smejkal, YA author
Kristine Asselin, MG author
Lindsay Lackey, MG author
Lisa A. Koosis, YA author
Olivia Hinebaugh, YA author
Rachel Sullivan, YA author
Rebecca J. Allen, MG & YA author
Ronni Davis, YA author
Rosiee Thor, YA author
Ryan Dalton, YA author
Ryan La Sala, YA author
Shari Simpson, MG author
Susan Kralovansky, PB author
Taylor B. Barton, YA author

Check their disguises out here. There will also be live pitch sessions! Check the schedule for all 3 days and who the speakers will be. But hurry to get registered because it’ll take place Friday-Sunday, February 21-23, 2020.

As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Iceland Writers Retreat 2020

February 18, 2020Literary, Writing Conferences & GetawaysAuthors, books, Cafes, Craft, Culture, Featured Authors, Geothermal Hotspring, Golden Circle, Great Views, Group Writings, Iceland, Iceland Music, Iceland Writers Retreat, Inspiration, Lectures, Manuscripts, novels, NYT Bestseller, Readings, Reykjavik, Social Functions, Workshops, Writerspdpabst

The Iceland Writers Retreat states that over the course of the retreat, each participant is enrolled in a total of five two-hour small-group writing workshops (max. 15 participants) led by internationally acclaimed authors, a Q&A panel with all faculty, and numerous readings and social functions. But there are only a few seats left, so you better hurry!

Each of their Featured Authors teaches two different workshops, and you have plenty of time to interact with faculty, including those with whom you do not have any workshops. The retreat takes place April 29-May 3, 2020 and costs approximately ISK 261,920 (approximately $2064 US dollars) per person. Prices exclude airfare and airport transportation.

But between all the intimate workshops and lectures, writers will have the opportunity to tour the spectacular Golden Circle, sit in cozy cafes of Reykjavik, soak in geothermal hot springs, listen to new Icelandic music, meet contemporary Icelandic writers, and learn about the country’s rich literary tradition. And remember, if researching for a novel or just wanting the workshops to improve your craft, this retreat is tax deductible! For complete registration inclusions, go here.

As always, have fun and learn lots!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Pikes Peak Writers Conference

February 17, 2020Literary, Writing Conferences & Getawaysadvise, Agents, Allegory, Aquiring Editors, Authors, Best-Sellers, Bond Literary, books, Chuck Wendig, Colorado, Colorado Springs, Del Rey, Del Rey Books, Delilah Dawson, Editors, Feedback, Inspiration, International, Laura DiSilverio, Learning, Literary Agency, Manuscripts, Mary Jo Putney, Nelson Literary Agency, New Leaf Literary, New York TImes Best Sellers, Opportunity, P.S. Literary, Pikes Peak Writers Conference, Plum Bay Books, Professionals, Random House, Reavis Wortham, Registration, Speakers, Stories, The Lark Group, The Seymour Agency, Tor/Forge, Writerspdpabst

Pikes Peak Writers Conference is an opportunity to get literary advise from a professional in the business or get invaluable feedback on your manuscript. The conference will be April 17-19, 2020 held in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Delilah Dawson (New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Phasma and more!)
Laura DiSilverio (National bestselling and award-winning author of 21 mystery, suspense and young adult sci-fi novels.)
Mary Jo Putney (New York Times bestselling author, won ten RWA RITA nominations, two RITA wins, and received RWA’s 2013 Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award.)
Chuck Wendig (New York Time bestselling author of Star Wars: Aftermath, alongside other works across comics, games, film, and more.)
Reavis Wortham (Spur Award winner and author of historical mysteries and contempory westerns.)

ACQUIRING EDITORS:

Ty Drago (Allegory an SF, Fantasy & Horror Magazine)
Claire Eddy (Tor/Forge)
Tom Hoeler (Del Rey Books, and imprint of Random House Books)
Claire McKinney (Plum Bay Books)

AGENTS:

Becky LeJeune (Bond Literary Agency)
Angie Hodapp (Nelson Literary Agency, LLC)
Maureen Moretti (P.S. Literary)
Devin Ross (New Leaf Literary)
Lesley Sabga (The Seymour Agency)
Abby Saul (The Lark Group)

For more authors and specialist, go here. And be sure to register before the workshop fills up and make your reservations at the DoubleTree by Hilton Colorado Spring. As always, have fun!

P.D. Pabst

SAN FRANCISCO WRITERS CONFERENCE

December 27, 2019Literary, Writing Conferences & GetawaysAdult, Agents, Amazon Publishing, Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Andy Ross Agency, Authors, books, Books & Such Literary, Bookstop Literary, Bram Stokers Award, Chronicle Books, Cooke Literary, Critique, Editors, Feedback, Food, Full Circle Literary, Fuse Literary, HarperCollins, Jean V Naggar Literary Agency, Jonathan Maberry, Kimberley Cameron Literary, Ladderbird Literary, Learning, Manuscripts, Middle Grade, Miller Bowers Griffin Litterary, Mingling, Mystery, New York TImes Bestseller, novels, P.S. Literary, Paul S. Levine Literary, Platform, Prospect Agency, publisher, Red Fox Literary, San Francisco, San Francisco Writers Conference, Sandra Dijkstra & Associates, Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency, Seal/Hachette, SFWC, Social media, St. Martin's Press, Tachyon Publications, Talcott Notch Literary Agency, Thrillers, Travel, Walter Mosley, Wednesday Books/MacMillan, Writers, Writers House, Writing, Writing Coach, Young Adultpdpabst

The 2020 San Francisco Writers Conference will be held on February 13-16 at the historical Hyatt Regency Embarcadero. Meet keynoters:

Jonathan Maberry New York Times best-seller and Bram Stokers Award winner
Walter Mosley Multiple award winning author, including an O. Henry Award
Brooke Warner Author and sought after writing coach

But the SFWC presenters list also includes many more bestselling authors, literary agents, editors, and publishers from major publishing houses. There are experts on self-publishing, book promotion, platform building, social media, and author websites.

2020 SFWC PRESENTERS:
Nina Amir, author and writing coach
Kathleen Antrim, author, copresident of International Thriller Writers
Jim Azevedo, marketing director at Smashwords
Armand Baltazar, author/illustrator ***KID’S EVENT PRESENTER***
Jordan Bernal, author and past president of CWC Tri-Valley Branch
Cara Black, bestselling mystery novelist
Carole Bumpus, travel/food writer
Stephen E. Browne, online editor and marketing pro
Stephanie Chandler, author and CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association
Paula Chinick, author and past president of California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch
Amanda Clay, novelist
Mark Coker, author and founder of major ebook distributor Smashwords
Christine Conradt, screenwriter, author, director and producer
E.J. DeBrun, animator and storyteller
Aya de Leon, author, activist, teacher
Laurie Ann Doyle, author, essayist, writing teacher
Taryn Edwards, Strategic Partnerships Manager and Historian, Mechanics’ Institute of San Francisco
Kate Farrell, author, librarian, storyteller
Grant Faulkner, author, Executive Director of NaNoWriMo, Co-founder of 100 Word Story
Joey Garcia, author, journalist, love expert
Joan Gelfand, poet, author, book coach
Cali Gilbert, author, screenwriter, filmmaker
Sarah Granger, author, playwright and screenwriter
Seth Greenwald, author, speaker, creativity coach
Connie Hale, author, journalist
Barbara Hall, TV producer, screenwriter and author
Dorothy Hearst, author
Rebecca Hunter, author
Meredith Jaeger, author
Dr. Andy Jones, poet & Pub Quiz Host
Elizabeth Kauffman, indie editor and social media guru
Carla King, author and self-publishing expert, founder of Self-Publishing Boot Camp
Mary E. Knippel, independent editor, writing mentor, and author
C. S. Lakin, author, copy-editor, and writing coach
Rocky Lang, author, producer, director, screenwriter
Heather Lazare, editorial & publishing consultant
Linda Lee, website designer and WordPress expert, SFWC Volunteer Director
Christopher Locke, IBPA and author
Richard Loranger, poet, performance artist,
Jill Lublin, marketing guru
Louise Marley, novelist
Claire McKinney, PR professional
Brian D. Meeks, nonfiction author, fantasy novelist
Kira Ming, author, indie editor
Louise Nayer, memoirist, poet, and writing instructor
Anne Perry, NYT bestselling novelist
Adam Plantinga, police sergeant, author
Lissa Provost, poet, author and SFWC Operations Manager
Jordan Rosenfeld, author, editor, and coach
Bob Saenz, screenwriter
Barbara Santos, author of Practice Aloha and two cookbooks, and Marketing Director for SFWC
Kate Schatz, feminist writer, activist, educator
Maw Shein Win, poet
Kevin Smokler, author, performer, and public speaker
Miriam Klein Stahl, artist, activist, educator
Suzette Standring, author, TV host, syndicated columnist, national speaker
Ransom Stephens, novelist, scientist, international speaker
Alex Tillson, novelist, attorney
Kevin Tumlinson, Director of Marketing for Draft2Digital and host of Wordslinger Podcast
Eleanor Vincent, author
Lyzette Wanzer, novelist, essayist, writing instructor
Monica Wesolowska, author, independent editor, teacher
Victoria Zackheim, author
Paul Zeidman, screenwriter and actor

The lists for attending agents and editors looks topnotch! Some of the agents will even be accepting pitches during the Speed Dating For Agents. You can see a list of those participating here. But for an idea of the many agents and editors that will be in attendance, here is a list:

AGENTS:
Alicia Brooks, Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency
Karly Caserza, Fuse Literary
Michele Crim, Miller, Bowers, Griffin Literary
Karyn Fischer, Bookstop Literary
Rachelle Gardner, Books & Such Literary
Nicole Geiger, Full Circle Literary
Jennie Kendrick, Red Fox Literary
Liz Kracht, Kimberley Cameron & Assoc.
Rachel Letofsky, Cooke Literary
Paul S. Levine, Paul S. Levine Literary Agency (also entertainment lawyer)
Em Lysaght, Ladderbird Literary
Dorian Maffei, Kimberley Cameron & Assoc.
Jill Marr, Sandra Dijkstra Literary
Laurie McLean, Fuse Literary and Director of SFWC
Mary C. Moore, Kimberley Cameron & Assoc.
Andy Ross, Andy Ross Agency
Katharine Sands, Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency
Emma Sector, Prospect Agency
Alec Shane, Writers House
Eric Smith, P.S. Literary
Jennifer March Soloway, Andrea Brown Literary Agency
Saba Sulaiman, Talcott Notch Literary Agency
Gordon Warnock, Fuse Literary

EDITORS/INDEPENDENT EDITORS:
Sylvan Creekmore, Wednesday Books/Macmillan
Rachel Diebel, St. Martins/Macmillan
Diane Frank, poet and publisher of Blue Light Press
Georgia Hughes, New World Library
Joyce Jenkins, poet and publisher of Poetry Flash
Jennifer Joseph, Manic D Press
Brenda Knight, Mango Press
Danielle Marshall, Amazon Publishing (Lake Union)
Laura Mazer, Seal Press/Hachette
Michelle Millet, Indie editor
Taylor Norman, Chronicle Books
Amber Oliver, Perennial/HarperCollins
Jill Roberts, Tachyon Publications
Jodi Warshaw, Amazon Publishing (Lake Union)
Jacob Weisman, Tachyon Publications

For those attending, this sounds like a great four days of learning and marketing yourself. Good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Barcelona Writing Retreat

September 14, 2019Literary, Writing Conferences & GetawaysAdventure, Art, Authors, Barcelona, Culture, History, Inspiration, June, Manuscripts, Novel, Pink Panged, research, Restaurants, Retreat, Scenery, Shopping, Spain, Stories, Vacation, Women Only, Workshop, Writers, Writingpdpabst

Writing-Retreat-in-Barcelona

The Pink Panged writing retreat in Barcelona is for women only during November 27-December 1, 2019. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next novel, this might be the spot. The retreat is filled with adventure, culture, art, shopping, restaurants, and history. During Pink Panged writing retreat in Barcelona authors will:

Express themselves through the written word
Experience Venice’s age-old beauty
Immerse themselves in Italian culture
Participate in Pink Pangea’s interactive workshops
Connect with participants from all over the world
Feel emotionally refreshed and physically rejuvenated

If you’re wanting to visit this scenic place and write your novel, hurry because seats are filling fast! And, enjoy your writing vacation.

P. D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

77th Worldcon in Dublin, Ireland

June 28, 2019Literary, Writing Conferences & Getaways77th World Science Fiction Convention, Adult, August, Authors, books, Convention Centre Dublin, Dublin, Fantasy, Fiction, Illustrators, Inspiration, Ireland, Middle Grade, Opportunity, Point Square, Scenic View, Science Fiction, Speakers, Stories, Travel, Trip, Workshop, Worldcon, Writers, Young Adultpdpabst

Dublin, Ireland will be hosting the 77th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) across two venues: the Convention Centre Dublin and the Point Square during August 15-19, 2019. You can meet some of your favorite authors, illustrators, and more at this fantastic event. This will be an event to remember with scenic views to inspire any writer or artist. Check out the program here.

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Writing Retreat In Venice, Italy

April 27, 2019Literary, Writing Conferences & GetawaysAdult, Adventure, Art, Authors, Book, Culture, Emotional, Fiction, History, Inspiration, Italian, Middle Grade, Non-Fiction, Novel, Opportunity, Participants, Pink Panged, Refresh, Rejunenate, Restarants, Retreat, Shopping, Stories, Venice, Women, Workshops, Writers, Writing, Written Word, Young Adultpdpabst

The Pink Panged writing retreat in Venice is for women only during June 19-23, 2019. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next novel, this might be the spot. The retreat is filled with adventure, culture, art, shopping, restaurants, and history. During Pink Panged writing retreat in Venice authors will:

Express themselves through the written word
Experience Venice’s age-old beauty
Immerse themselves in Italian culture
Participate in Pink Pangea’s interactive workshops
Connect with participants from all over the world
Feel emotionally refreshed and physically rejuvenated

If you’re wanting to visit this scenic place and write your novel, hurry because there are only a few spots available! And enjoy your writing vacation.

P. D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

25th Anniversary: Virginia Festival of the Book

March 13, 2019Literary, Writing Conferences & Getaways25th Anniversary, Adult, Author Readings, Authors, Autographs, Book Festival, books, Children's Program, Culture, Edward Ayers, Fiction, John Grisham, Middle Grade, Music, Non-Fiction, Readers, Reading, Rick Atkinson, Stories, Virginia Festival of the Book, Workshops, Writers, Young Adultpdpabst

The Virginia Festival of the Book brings readers and writers together for a five-day celebration of books, reading, literacy, and literary culture. The annual festival will be held March 20-24, 2019. Programs range from traditional author readings and book signings to children’s programs and hands-on workshops. All programs are open to the public and, with the exception of a few ticketed events, the majority of Festival programs are free to attend.

An abbreviated list of past participants includes Rick Atkinson, Edward Ayers, David Baldacci, Maureen Corrigan, Edwidge Danticat, Kate DiCamillo, Rita Dove, Alan Furst, John Grisham, Jan Karon, Jim Lehrer, Frances Mayes, Colum McCann, David McCullough, Alice McDermott, Katherine Paterson, Jon Scieszka, Lisa Scottoline, Pete Seeger, Karin Slaughter, Alexander McCall Smith, Lee Smith, Bryan Stevenson, Elizabeth Strout, Judith Viorst, and Charles Wright. For a current listing, go here.

As always, have fun and learn lots!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Himalayan Writing Retreats

March 8, 2019Literary, Writing Conferences & GetawaysAuthors, Book Chat, books, Calendar, Exercises, Fiction, Fireside Chats, Getaway, Himalayan Writing Retreats, Inspiration, Instruction, Long Walks, Manuscripts, Non-Fiction, Retreat, Stories, Writerly Chats, Writingpdpabst

Want to whisk away to the Himalayan mountains for inspiration while writing your next novel? Then sign up for one of the Himalayan Writing Retreats, or one of the writing weeks (depending on your level of expertise). There is instruction, exercises, fireside chats, long walks, and writerly chats.

If you are looking for advise or simply inspiration for your next book, be sure to check out the Himalayan Writing Retreats/Weeks event calendar. They have more than one to enroll during the year 2019. Have fun and happy writing!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

#WriteOnCon is Almost Here!

January 31, 2019Literary, Webinar/Workshop, Writing Conferences & GetawaysAdmission, Agency, Agents, Alyssa Hollingsworth, Authors, Axie Oh, Beth Revis, books, Charlie N. Holmberg, Childrens Books, Conference, Dee Romito, Editors, Feedback, Fiction, Forum, Gail Shepard, Hannah Carmona Dias, Joy McCullough, Kidlit, Laura Dail Literary Agency, Learning, Literary Agents, Liza Dawson Associates, MG, Middle Grade, New Leaf Literary & Media Inc., Non-Fiction, Opportunity, Pitch, Pitching, Published Authors, Registration, Rosalyn Eves, Stories, Superheroes, The Rights Factory, The Seymour Agency, Transatlantic Agency, WriteOnCon, Writers, YA, Young Adultpdpabst

WriteOnCon

The WriteOnCon creators of this marvelous online gathering say this is “A writing conference you don’t even have to wear pants to. (Please wear pants, though.)” And yep, this is my favorite line! The conference isn’t just an opportunity to attend a writing workshop, but it’ll be the cheapest (aside from being free, of course) and closest conference you’ll ever attend. Seriously, you can participate from your home! And while you might have missed the raffles and perks to buy, there is still time to sign up to join. Admission is either $5 (General Admission), $10 (General + Live Events), or $15 (General + Live Events + Extended Access). You can’t wrong with any choice!

SuperAgents:

Tamar Rydzinski, agent at Laura Dail Literary Agency
Andrea Cascardi, agent at Transatlantic Agency
Kat Enright, agent at Seymour Agency
Caitie Flum, agent at Liza Dawson Associates
Lindsay Leggett, agent at The Rights Factory
Suzie Townsend, agent at New Leaf Literary and Media

SuperAuthors:

Beth Revis, YA author
Charlie N. Holmberg, YA author
Axie Oh, YA author
Rosalyn Eves, YA author
Joy McCullough, YA author
Dee Romito, MG author
Alyssa Hollingsworth, MG author
Gail Shepherd, MG author
Hannah Carmona Dias, PB author

Check their disguises out here. There will also be live pitch sessions (check the schedule for all 3 days)! But hurry to get registered because it’ll take place Friday-Sunday, February 8-10, 2019.

As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

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