SUPERSTARS Writing ...
 
Notifications
Clear all

SUPERSTARS Writing Seminar

150 Posts
24 Users
185 Likes
37.3 K Views
Disgruntled Peony
(@disgruntledpeony)
Posts: 1283
Platinum Member
 

I just got a call from Joy Auburn letting me know I got the scholarship - very excited to get the opportunity to go and meet everybody!

wotf010 Awesome! We'll have to arrange a meet-up, for sure.

If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it. ~ H.G. Wells
If a person offend you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measures; simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick. ~ Mark Twain
R, SF, SHM, SHM, SHM, F, R, HM, SHM, R, HM, R, F, SHM, SHM, SHM, SF, SHM, 1st Place (Q2 V38)
Ticknor Tales
Twitter
4th and Starlight: e-book | paperback

 
Posted : November 30, 2019 3:55 pm
(@thomas-woodward)
Posts: 54
Bronze Member
 

I just got a call from Joy Auburn letting me know I got the scholarship - very excited to get the opportunity to go and meet everybody!

wotf010 Awesome! We'll have to arrange a meet-up, for sure.

That would amazing - looking forward to it! wotf007

5x R
10x HM
2020 Superstars Writing Seminar scholarship award recipient
"No subject is terrible if the story is true, if the prose is clean and honest, and if it affirms courage and grace under pressure." — Ernest Hemingway

 
Posted : December 1, 2019 12:04 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

I just saw you announced on the 2020 board, Thomas!!! So happy for you and Liz! We shall meet up at Superstars! Congratulations to both of you for winning this prestigious scholarship! It was tough competition, always is, BUT YOU MADE IT!

And I call out again to any ready to make the next step...if you can afford to go to this conference, this is next level stuff. David Farland teaches here, and so do three other WotF judges. All of the speakers are NYT bestselling authors. If you're trying to figure out the business side of advancing your writing career, there is no better seminar.

I hope to see more of you there! And there's always next year's scholarship if this is out of your reach at present.

Well done and congratulations again to our Forumites Thomas Woodward and Elizabeth Ticknor!

SUPERCALLAFRAGALISTIC CONGA RATS!!!

Wulf Moon

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : December 1, 2019 6:56 am
(@thomas-woodward)
Posts: 54
Bronze Member
 

I just saw you announced on the 2020 board, Thomas!!! So happy for you and Liz! We shall meet up at Superstars! Congratulations to both of you for winning this prestigious scholarship! It was tough competition, always is, BUT YOU MADE IT!

And I call out again to any ready to make the next step...if you can afford to go to this conference, this is next level stuff. David Farland teaches here, and so do three other WotF judges. All of the speakers are NYT bestselling authors. If you're trying to figure out the business side of advancing your writing career, there is no better seminar.

I hope to see more of you there! And there's always next year's scholarship if this is out of your reach at present.

Well done and congratulations again to our Forumites Thomas Woodward and Elizabeth Ticknor!

SUPERCALLAFRAGALISTIC CONGA RATS!!!

Wulf Moon

Thank you Wulf! Super excited to meet you too!!! wotf008

5x R
10x HM
2020 Superstars Writing Seminar scholarship award recipient
"No subject is terrible if the story is true, if the prose is clean and honest, and if it affirms courage and grace under pressure." — Ernest Hemingway

 
Posted : December 1, 2019 8:28 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

I just saw you announced on the 2020 board, Thomas!!! So happy for you and Liz! We shall meet up at Superstars! Congratulations to both of you for winning this prestigious scholarship! It was tough competition, always is, BUT YOU MADE IT!

And I call out again to any ready to make the next step...if you can afford to go to this conference, this is next level stuff. David Farland teaches here, and so do three other WotF judges. All of the speakers are NYT bestselling authors. If you're trying to figure out the business side of advancing your writing career, there is no better seminar.

I hope to see more of you there! And there's always next year's scholarship if this is out of your reach at present.

Well done and congratulations again to our Forumites Thomas Woodward and Elizabeth Ticknor!

SUPERCALLAFRAGALISTIC CONGA RATS!!!

Wulf Moon

Thank you Wulf! Super excited to meet you too!!! wotf008

You and Liz better show up for the Filking event Stace Johnson and I host on Gaming Night. Smile The more, the merrier!

There's also Whiskey Wednesday where we meet in an Irish Pub for dinner and libations. I have been known to kick up my heels in an Irish jig! (and pay for it the next day, but it's worth it.)

All the beast!

Wulf Moon

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : December 1, 2019 8:40 am
(@thomas-woodward)
Posts: 54
Bronze Member
 

I just saw you announced on the 2020 board, Thomas!!! So happy for you and Liz! We shall meet up at Superstars! Congratulations to both of you for winning this prestigious scholarship! It was tough competition, always is, BUT YOU MADE IT!

And I call out again to any ready to make the next step...if you can afford to go to this conference, this is next level stuff. David Farland teaches here, and so do three other WotF judges. All of the speakers are NYT bestselling authors. If you're trying to figure out the business side of advancing your writing career, there is no better seminar.

I hope to see more of you there! And there's always next year's scholarship if this is out of your reach at present.

Well done and congratulations again to our Forumites Thomas Woodward and Elizabeth Ticknor!

SUPERCALLAFRAGALISTIC CONGA RATS!!!

Wulf Moon

Thank you Wulf! Super excited to meet you too!!! wotf008

You and Liz better show up for the Filking event Stace Johnson and I host on Gaming Night. Smile The more, the merrier!

There's also Whiskey Wednesday where we meet in an Irish Pub for dinner and libations. I have been known to kick up my heels in an Irish jig! (and pay for it the next day, but it's worth it.)

All the beast!

Wulf Moon

Sounds like a blast! Count me in wotf007

5x R
10x HM
2020 Superstars Writing Seminar scholarship award recipient
"No subject is terrible if the story is true, if the prose is clean and honest, and if it affirms courage and grace under pressure." — Ernest Hemingway

 
Posted : December 1, 2019 8:53 am
(@mrtevebaugh)
Posts: 33
Advanced Member
 

That's awesome you guys! I'll be excited to meet you both.

 
Posted : December 4, 2019 12:15 am
RETreasure
(@rschibler)
Posts: 957
Platinum Member
 

Soooooo guys, guess WHAT? Joy called me as well and I GOT A SCHOLARSHIP TOO! Get this, contributed by Writers of the Future! I can't WAIT to meet everyone! What an amazing opportunity!

V34: R,HM,R
V35: HM,R,R,HM
V36: R,HM,HM,SHM
V37: HM,SF,SHM,SHM
V38: (P)F, SHM, F, F
V39: SHM, SHM, HM, SHM
Published Finalist Volume 38
Pro’d out Q4V39
www.rebeccaetreasure.com

Managing Editor, Apex Magazine

 
Posted : December 4, 2019 2:55 pm
Disgruntled Peony
(@disgruntledpeony)
Posts: 1283
Platinum Member
 

Soooooo guys, guess WHAT? Joy called me as well and I GOT A SCHOLARSHIP TOO! Get this, contributed by Writers of the Future! I can't WAIT to meet everyone! What an amazing opportunity!

wotf015 wotf010 wotf010 wotf010 wotf032 wotf041 wotf045 wotf046

If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it. ~ H.G. Wells
If a person offend you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measures; simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick. ~ Mark Twain
R, SF, SHM, SHM, SHM, F, R, HM, SHM, R, HM, R, F, SHM, SHM, SHM, SF, SHM, 1st Place (Q2 V38)
Ticknor Tales
Twitter
4th and Starlight: e-book | paperback

 
Posted : December 4, 2019 2:58 pm
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO RSCHIBLER AND ALICIA CAY! WINNERS OF THE SUPERSTARS WRITERS OF THE FUTURE SCHOLARSHIP! BOTH WRITERS OF THE FUTURE FORUMITES! WHAT AN AMAZING GIFT FROM WRITERS OF THE FUTURE!!!

I did Letters of Recommendation for both of these members, and I couldn't be happier with the results! THIS IS A BRAND NEW SUPERSTARS SCHOLARSHIP CATEGORY! THE WRITERS OF THE FUTURE SCHOLARSHIP!!!

Enjoy your rewards! This scholarship is worth about $1000, so this is a big deal, all. It's the best writing seminar for professional spec fic writers in the country! See all of you at the SUPERSTARS WRITING SEMINAR in Colorado Springs this February! And congratulations again to our other Forumites that won the Superstars Writing Seminar Scholarship! You're going to love your new Tribe!

SO HAPPY FOR ALL OF YOU!!! CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN! SEE YOU THERE!!!

Wulf Moon

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : December 5, 2019 7:00 am
(@thomas-woodward)
Posts: 54
Bronze Member
 

Soooooo guys, guess WHAT? Joy called me as well and I GOT A SCHOLARSHIP TOO! Get this, contributed by Writers of the Future! I can't WAIT to meet everyone! What an amazing opportunity!

CONGRATS Becky!!! wotf010 wotf010

5x R
10x HM
2020 Superstars Writing Seminar scholarship award recipient
"No subject is terrible if the story is true, if the prose is clean and honest, and if it affirms courage and grace under pressure." — Ernest Hemingway

 
Posted : December 5, 2019 1:12 pm
(@thomas-woodward)
Posts: 54
Bronze Member
 

That's awesome you guys! I'll be excited to meet you both.

Sounds good - looking forward to it!

5x R
10x HM
2020 Superstars Writing Seminar scholarship award recipient
"No subject is terrible if the story is true, if the prose is clean and honest, and if it affirms courage and grace under pressure." — Ernest Hemingway

 
Posted : December 5, 2019 1:19 pm
RETreasure
(@rschibler)
Posts: 957
Platinum Member
 

Wulf suggested this, but I'm putting it out there - we should all plan to meet for dinner on the night of the 4th so we're familiar with one another before the conference kicks off. Forumites unite! Thoughts? I can't wait to meet everyone!

Liz and I are rooming together, and I am borrowing my dad's jeep for the week (they live in Denver) so I'll have wheels. If anyone needs a ride from DIA, let me know and we'll see how our schedules line up.

V34: R,HM,R
V35: HM,R,R,HM
V36: R,HM,HM,SHM
V37: HM,SF,SHM,SHM
V38: (P)F, SHM, F, F
V39: SHM, SHM, HM, SHM
Published Finalist Volume 38
Pro’d out Q4V39
www.rebeccaetreasure.com

Managing Editor, Apex Magazine

 
Posted : December 6, 2019 2:05 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

Wulf suggested this, but I'm putting it out there - we should all plan to meet for dinner on the night of the 4th so we're familiar with one another before the conference kicks off. Forumites unite! Thoughts? I can't wait to meet everyone!

Liz and I are rooming together, and I am borrowing my dad's jeep for the week (they live in Denver) so I'll have wheels. If anyone needs a ride from DIA, let me know and we'll see how our schedules line up.

Thanks for getting the ball rolling, Becky. This would be the night of our arrival, the night before Craft Day, assuming we all get in at a decent hour for dinner. Late arrivals can meet us there for drinks or dinner while we imbibe--there's a great brewpub right across the street from the hotel, and the food is delicious. Some of you that are more savvy with texting (I lived on an island with little cell service for 12 yrs and never picked up texting) could create a group for us there so we could catch up with our group if our flight is delayed. With sketchy weather that time of year, some of us will likely filter in at later times.

Since you have a vehicle in Denver, if our flights arrive within a reasonable time frame, we should ride together. It takes pressure off the drivers that volunteer to get everyone down to Colorado Springs. And we all chip in for gas, so that helps out as well. Some private communication should begin with arrival times to see what is feasible. Since you'd be the driver, would you like to head this up, Becky?

It will be wonderful to meet all of you in person. I am really happy so many of you took my suggestion on attending this seminar and trying to earn a scholarship. The results have been phenomenal for our Forum! Including the creation of a brand new Writers of the Future Scholarship! It's fun to see those results showing up in your signatures--it's a big deal to be awarded one of these, as many great writers compete for them, and few are chosen.

Go forth and conquer, Chosen Ones. We are cheering for you! Well done!

All the beast!

Wulf Moon

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : December 6, 2019 4:46 am
RETreasure
(@rschibler)
Posts: 957
Platinum Member
 

Absolutely. I’ll ringlead. Friend me on fb if we’re aren’t already friends and we’ll do this thing!

V34: R,HM,R
V35: HM,R,R,HM
V36: R,HM,HM,SHM
V37: HM,SF,SHM,SHM
V38: (P)F, SHM, F, F
V39: SHM, SHM, HM, SHM
Published Finalist Volume 38
Pro’d out Q4V39
www.rebeccaetreasure.com

Managing Editor, Apex Magazine

 
Posted : December 6, 2019 5:31 am
(@mrtevebaugh)
Posts: 33
Advanced Member
 

So I asked Dave recently what I should do to prepare. Here were the things he told me:
-Get a flu shot
-Drink tons of water because of elevation (said several people get hospitalized every year because of this)
-Bring business cards and network like crazy
-Make sure to buy the session recordings (I'm not sure how this works with the scholarship)

 
Posted : December 8, 2019 12:11 am
Disgruntled Peony
(@disgruntledpeony)
Posts: 1283
Platinum Member
 

So I asked Dave recently what I should do to prepare. Here were the things he told me:
-Get a flu shot
-Drink tons of water because of elevation (said several people get hospitalized every year because of this)
-Bring business cards and network like crazy
-Make sure to buy the session recordings (I'm not sure how this works with the scholarship)

Flu shot: check.
Water: Will do my best to remember.
Oh God, business cards? O_o
I think the session cost $40 for us.

If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it. ~ H.G. Wells
If a person offend you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measures; simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick. ~ Mark Twain
R, SF, SHM, SHM, SHM, F, R, HM, SHM, R, HM, R, F, SHM, SHM, SHM, SF, SHM, 1st Place (Q2 V38)
Ticknor Tales
Twitter
4th and Starlight: e-book | paperback

 
Posted : December 8, 2019 2:58 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

So I asked Dave recently what I should do to prepare. Here were the things he told me:
-Get a flu shot
-Drink tons of water because of elevation (said several people get hospitalized every year because of this)
-Bring business cards and network like crazy
-Make sure to buy the session recordings (I'm not sure how this works with the scholarship)

Good advice.

You can get great deals at Vistaprint on cards. TV500 used to be the code for the special first time discount. Do list your social media platforms on it, and it's a good idea to have your website up with some content--you are in the big leagues there, so look the part. If you've won contests, get that printed on the back of your card. I listed a string of them, including WotF, and I watched agents and editors flip it over and read every one. In pitch sessions, I handed them my card after introductions. "This is me," I'd say, and hand it across the table. It also makes them feel like reciprocating, I believe. You want them to give you their card, and they will if they like your pitch. Handing them your card implants the idea of an exchange. Also, make sure your card looks nice and professional. Unique works too. Kary English designed three cards for Superstars, each very different, each special. I did something different, putting all my special into one.

Another tip. Figure out your author look that will be your look at every public appearance. Find some signature style or item that makes you stand out as unique. Perhaps it's a scarf. Perhaps it's artisan necklaces. Perhaps it's snazzy blazers--Kary does that. Martin Shoemaker does space themed ties. I go with a cool hat, and at cons I'm laid back, so I wear fun Tommy Bahama shirts, mostly their signature embroidered special editions because they make the statement I want to make. First impressions count. Make your attire and accessories say something special about you.

See you soon!

Moon

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : December 8, 2019 3:42 am
(@mrtevebaugh)
Posts: 33
Advanced Member
 

Wulf, few follow up questions. 1) How many business cards did you end up using? 2) You mentioned pitch meetings. Did you have to sign up for those in advance or you just show up during the blocks in the schedule marked as appointments? 3) Who were the pitches with? Agents, publishers, both?

 
Posted : December 12, 2019 11:51 pm
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

Wulf, few follow up questions. 1) How many business cards did you end up using? 2) You mentioned pitch meetings. Did you have to sign up for those in advance or you just show up during the blocks in the schedule marked as appointments? 3) Who were the pitches with? Agents, publishers, both?

Well, don't buy a lifetime supply. Reason? Your info is always changing, and you just end up throwing bunches away. I list my contest wins on the back, strong credits that speak for me long after the interview is over. That's my Super Secret I share with you. My card keeps selling for me long after the interview is over. That TV500 deal from Vistaprint was a great deal, if they still have it. Make 500, and you'll have some left after for when you go to other cons. Also, there is a table there to put your cards or bookmarks on. If you don't have a published novel yet, no need for bookmarks.

Pitch meetings. Look at the invited pro's. If they're from a publisher, Audible, or an agency, they'll be doing pitch sessions. So look up their background, who they represent, and make sure they're a good fit. Then, you'll get word you can now sign up for pitch sessions. You go in to your Superstars registration and rank them. If you're doing the special dinner, you can also sign up to dine with one of them, but no guarantee you will get that person. As for pitch sessions (and the dinner) you rank your preferences, and it's mostly first come first serve. I did my pitch to the VP of Audible Originals, and it went very well, he said he'd go through Don Maass and request my novel--Don wants this one as well, and has repped me before. Don't just wait for pitch sessions--your best stuff happens at Bar Con and dining out with groups these people are in. Don't go to your room at the end of the day, hover around meeting people at the bar. VERY important, and new writers fail to realize this and lose out.

I hope that helps! See you there!

Cheers!

Moon

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : December 13, 2019 7:20 am
SwiftPotato
(@swiftpotato)
Posts: 585
Silver Star Member
 

This may be a dumb question, but how far into writing a novel should you be to go to a pitch session?

R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters

 
Posted : December 13, 2019 8:00 am
RETreasure
(@rschibler)
Posts: 957
Platinum Member
 

This may be a dumb question, but how far into writing a novel should you be to go to a pitch session?

Ideally finished, but Superstars might have a different policy. Every con I’ve been to emphasizes how important this is - you don’t want to have them get excited and request a full and then say “well you’ll have to wait six months before it’s done” and have them forget all about you. I am scrambling to get mine done before February.

V34: R,HM,R
V35: HM,R,R,HM
V36: R,HM,HM,SHM
V37: HM,SF,SHM,SHM
V38: (P)F, SHM, F, F
V39: SHM, SHM, HM, SHM
Published Finalist Volume 38
Pro’d out Q4V39
www.rebeccaetreasure.com

Managing Editor, Apex Magazine

 
Posted : December 13, 2019 8:09 am
crlisle
(@crlisle)
Posts: 407
Gold Member
 

I am so excited and happy for the Superstars attendees! Colorado Springs is beautiful. I remember it rains every afternoon. Network and have fun! Bring back lots of stories about your experiences.

Vol. 36: 3rd -- R, 4th -- R
Vol. 37: 1st -- R, 2nd -- HM, 3rd -- HM, 4th -- SHM
Vol. 38: 1st -- HM, 2nd -- HM, 3rd -- HM, 4th -- HM
Vol. 39: 1st -- SHM, 2nd -- RWC, 3rd -- RWC, 4th -- HM
Vol. 40: 1st -- HM, 2nd -- R, 3rd -- RWC, 4th -- R
Vol. 41: 1st - R, 2nd -- pending, 3rd -- WIP

"Never give up! Never surrender!" -- Galaxy Quest

 
Posted : December 13, 2019 8:09 am
SwiftPotato
(@swiftpotato)
Posts: 585
Silver Star Member
 

This may be a dumb question, but how far into writing a novel should you be to go to a pitch session?

Ideally finished, but Superstars might have a different policy. Every con I’ve been to emphasizes how important this is - you don’t want to have them get excited and request a full and then say “well you’ll have to wait six months before it’s done” and have them forget all about you. I am scrambling to get mine done before February.

That's what I thought! I'm nowhere even close to finished with mine since I've been scrambling just to finish two shorts per quarter around the day job, so I don't plan to pitch. Looking forward to potentially doing so at a future SSWS though.

R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters

 
Posted : December 13, 2019 8:14 am
Alex Harford
(@alexh)
Posts: 292
Silver Member
 

Another tip. Figure out your author look that will be your look at every public appearance. Find some signature style or item that makes you stand out as unique. Perhaps it's a scarf. Perhaps it's artisan necklaces. Perhaps it's snazzy blazers--Kary does that. Martin Shoemaker does space themed ties. I go with a cool hat, and at cons I'm laid back, so I wear fun Tommy Bahama shirts, mostly their signature embroidered special editions because they make the statement I want to make. First impressions count. Make your attire and accessories say something special about you.

How about cherry Bakewell tart glasses? wotf001

If cherry bakewells aren't popular outside the UK, see my profile pic...

Someone asked me once, "Are you the guy with the funny eyes?"

I didn't know whether to be offended as I have a bit of a wonky eye. He was referring to those cherry Bakewells.

35: - R R R | 36: R HM R R | 37: HM HM HM SHM | 38: HM HM HM HM | 39: HM HM HM SHM | 40: HM R SHM SHM |
4 SHM / 12 HM / 7 R

 
Posted : December 15, 2019 9:07 am
RETreasure
(@rschibler)
Posts: 957
Platinum Member
 

Does mousy violin teacher count as a signature look? wotf001

V34: R,HM,R
V35: HM,R,R,HM
V36: R,HM,HM,SHM
V37: HM,SF,SHM,SHM
V38: (P)F, SHM, F, F
V39: SHM, SHM, HM, SHM
Published Finalist Volume 38
Pro’d out Q4V39
www.rebeccaetreasure.com

Managing Editor, Apex Magazine

 
Posted : December 15, 2019 9:13 am
SwiftPotato
(@swiftpotato)
Posts: 585
Silver Star Member
 

Does mousy violin teacher count as a signature look? wotf001

100% yes. Better than jeans-and-t-shirt-clad engineer. 😀

R, 3rd place Q4 v36!!!
Stories in Apocalyptic, Cossmass Infinites x2! PodCastle, Spirit Machine; forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, Human Monsters

 
Posted : December 15, 2019 9:15 am
WriterGirl0426
(@writergirl0426)
Posts: 70
Bronze Member
 

You can get great deals at Vistaprint on cards. TV500 used to be the code for the special first time discount. Do list your social media platforms on it, and it's a good idea to have your website up with some content--you are in the big leagues there, so look the part. If you've won contests, get that printed on the back of your card. I listed a string of them, including WotF, and I watched agents and editors flip it over and read every one. In pitch sessions, I handed them my card after introductions. "This is me," I'd say, and hand it across the table. It also makes them feel like reciprocating, I believe. You want them to give you their card, and they will if they like your pitch. Handing them your card implants the idea of an exchange. Also, make sure your card looks nice and professional. Unique works too. Kary English designed three cards for Superstars, each very different, each special. I did something different, putting all my special into one.

To play off Wulf's great info on business cards, I thought I'd note a tip from another conference I attended, which is to consider putting your author picture or a good photo of yourself on the back of your business card also. The pros who attend these things meet tons of people. Having a face to go with a name (and card) can help them easily recall who you were. Smile
Congrats, scholarship winners! The rest of us will expect some details upon your return. 😉
--Tracy

Tracy
V36 - SHM, SEMI-FINALIST!!!, HM, SHM
V37 - Q1:SHM --COVID INTERRUPTUS--
V40 - Q3: SHM

 
Posted : December 15, 2019 10:47 am
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

Another tip. Figure out your author look that will be your look at every public appearance. Find some signature style or item that makes you stand out as unique. Perhaps it's a scarf. Perhaps it's artisan necklaces. Perhaps it's snazzy blazers--Kary does that. Martin Shoemaker does space themed ties. I go with a cool hat, and at cons I'm laid back, so I wear fun Tommy Bahama shirts, mostly their signature embroidered special editions because they make the statement I want to make. First impressions count. Make your attire and accessories say something special about you.

How about cherry Bakewell tart glasses? wotf001

If cherry bakewells aren't popular outside the UK, see my profile pic...

Someone asked me once, "Are you the guy with the funny eyes?"

I didn't know whether to be offended as I have a bit of a wonky eye. He was referring to those cherry Bakewells.

That's definitely a look, Alex. You have comedy writer written all over your face. Smile

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : December 15, 2019 2:20 pm
(@wulfmoon)
Posts: 3143
Platinum Plus Moderator
Topic starter
 

One disadvantage to having print on the back of your card--printed backs are very hard to write on, and I for one like jotting some notes on the back about the people I have met. But if your messaging is strong--like lots of awards or noteworthy sales, it's likely worth it. I do like your author photo idea, Tracy. That's an alternative smart move, too, and would stand out for uniqueness. Here, the trick is having a professional author photo. So you look professional. Smile

Cheers!

Click here to JOIN THE WULF PACK!
"Super-Duper Moongirl and the Amazing Moon Dawdler" won Best SFF Story of 2019! Read it in Writers of the Future, Vol. 35. Order HERE!
Need writing help? My award-winning SUPER SECRETS articles are FREE in DreamForge.
IT’S HERE! Many have been begged me to publish the Super Secrets of Writing. How to Write a Howling Good Story is now a #1 BESTSELLING BOOK! Get yours at your favorite retailer HERE!

 
Posted : December 15, 2019 2:26 pm
Page 2 / 5
Share: