I’ve been posting about my now not-so-recent 2010 Missouri Writers Guild convention. I wanted to tell you the rest of by story. Better late than never, right?

 After the first night, I knew I was going to like the group. We had so much fun, laughing and just being silly. I really clicked with a few of the writers. Saturday was the BIG day. The day we were pitching to the agents. I was as cool as a cumber that morning. I had it all down and I was going to do a fantastic job. I was so sure of it! Well, let me tell you I should have been more humble.

 I went to the fist session and it was all about pitching. I sat there while author Dakota Banks gave us tips and tricks. She was calm and gave great advise. At that moment all the self-doubt in the world fell on me. I was a mess! I was so nervous, I rushed to my hotel room just to look up my query letter and jot down notes. I glanced at the laptop clock and holy cow it was my time to pitch! I ran from my room and down the stairs.

Argggg!

 I got to the two “wardens” of pitching completely flustered. I gave my name, she looked at her list and gave me a “sorry but your late” smirk. That’s when I was informed that they gave my time away! I was so stunned and shocked. Any confidence I had left was shattered. I was “granted” another time and waited nervously. I wasn’t leaving, no way was I missing my chance again.

 I walked into the room and sat across from Suzie Townsend, Junior Agent with Fine Print. She was young, pretty, and fashionable. I was so nervous, I stuttered a greeting. The proceeded to ramble incoherently to this girl who just smiled and nodded. She said thanks and to send her 3 chapters. But, she asked that from everyone not just me, so it didn’t really mean anything exceptional. I left there almost in tears.

 I retreated to my conference friends, my head hanging low. Later that day, I pitched again to  Joanna Stampfel-Volpe, Agent with Nancy Coffey Literary and Media Representation. It was better, not stellar, but better. The only reason it was better is because author and president of Missouri Romance Writers of America, Kimberly Killion, helped get my head together. She was super nice and spent some quality time with me. I was and am so grateful.

Kimberly Killion

 After the pitching nightmare I settled into the courses and had a great time. I learned a lot and loved every minute of it. The then president of MWG, Emily Hendricks, was so great. She was funny and charming. She invited me to the dinner that evening. There I was asked to be the “Member-at-Large” for the Missouri Writer’s Guild! I couldn’t believe it and was thrilled. Not really knowing what that entailed I of course said YES! We took pictures with the 2010-2011 board and should be in the journal soon. I will let you all know the details of my newly appointed position, as soon as I do.  

Disclaimer* I am not a full member of the MWG, only an associate member because I am not “published” …yet!

Keep Writing!

Brandi

May 11, 2010

Agent Rachelle Gardner (Literary Agent) just posted a great Pitch Post, check it out.

http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/05/secrets-of-great-pitch.html

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Filed under: Conferences, Inspirational, Tips, Writing