Conference Spotlight ~ Follow the Yellow Brick Road panel

Welcome to another of our Conference Spotlights from the DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER conference.

At Diamonds Are Forever,  Kylie Griffin is moderating a panel aimed at BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE writers called  FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD: The Journey to Publication. 

WORKSHOP BLURB:

A panel of multi-published authors in a range of genres guide you along the frequently confusing journey to publication. Participants will receive a package of resource notes, understand the range of RWA services/resources available, comprehend the difference between category & single title, discuss issues involving target markets, contests, query letters & submissions, the publishing process, finding an agent, contracts, pitching and be able to plan & research information about agents & editors.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road  panelists

After selling to Harlequin Desire in 2008, Rachel Bailey’s first three books were released in 2010 (all three became USA Today bestsellers), and her seventh book will be released soon after the conference. In a previous life she was a social worker, working mainly in youth work and hospital social work. She lives on the Sunshine Coast with four dogs and her hero, and is always trying to scam more time to sit on the verandah and read. Visit her at www.rachelbailey.com

Anna Campbell has written six multi award-winning historical romances for Avon HarperCollins and her work is published in eleven languages. Anna has won numerous awards for her Regency-set romances including Romantic Times Reviewers Choice, the Booksellers Best, the Golden Quill (twice), the Heart of Excellence, the Aspen Gold (twice) and the Australian Romance Readers Association’s favorite historical romance (three times). Her books have twice been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA Award and twice for Australia’s Romantic Book of the Year. Visit her at www.annacampbell.info

Kylie Griffin’s addiction to all things paranormal started at an early age when she imagined the jacaranda tree in her front yard was a spaceship or castle tower used to defend the world from hordes of invading enemies. Writing stories seemed like a natural extension. She’s a primary teacher who volunteers as a fire fighter, ambulance officer and member of the NSW SES. An addicted contest diva & winner of an RWA 2010 Golden Heart, Kylie’s debut novel, Vengeance Born released in Feb.2012. Her latest book in the Light Bladeseries, Alliance Forged, will come out in July. Visit her at www.kyliegriffin.com

Paula Roe is a bestselling, multi-published author with over a quarter of a million books sold world-wide. Her articles have appeared in writing journals, blogs and hard copy and she is a frequent speaker at conferences and local writing groups. Before publication, Paula’s writing won and placed in various contests, including Wisconsin Romance Writers Fabulous Five Silver Quill, Magnolia State Dixie First Chapter, Romance Writers of Australia’s Emerald Award and the Valerie Parv Award. When she’s not writing, she’s designing websites, conducting workshops and tutorials, cooking or building Lego. Visit her at www.paularoe.com

When Denise Rossetti was very small, she had an aunt who would tell her the most wonderful fairy tales – all original. Denise grew up, as little girls do, but the magic of story still dazzles and enthralls her. On the good days, she likes to think of herself as Scheherazade’s sister. On the bad days – not so much. A two-time winner of Romance Writers of America Passionate Plume Award, Denise’s work has been described as “darkly intense, warmly romantic, and blazingly erotic”. She is published with Berkley Ace, Berkley Sensation, Ellora’s Cave and Avon Red. Visit her at www.deniserossetti.com

Tell us about yourself in 10 words or less.

Five Aussie authors – new to multi-published – sharing knowledge about the journey to publication.

What prompted you to put together this workshop for “Diamonds are Forever”?

We saw a need among our newbie members and new authors for a sharing of knowledge about resources available to RWA members, where to find information about the industry/agents/editors, what to expect and the steps involved in the publishing process.

What can participants expect from this session?

A wealth of information, a few entertaining/interesting/embarrassing tales, more information, laughter, wisdom from contest divas, oh, and did I mention helpful information?

Being an author panel, participants are encouraged to ask any question they like about publishing, but some of the topics covered by this session may include:

*understand the range of RWA services/resources that are available to members

*comprehend the difference between category & single title

*discuss issues of concern involving target markets, contests, query letters & submissions, the publishing process, finding an agent, contracts, pitching etc.

*be able to plan & research information about agents & editors more effectively

*have a greater awareness of –

• how to research agents/publishing houses
• the processes/pitfalls involved in the publishing industry
• the stages involved in publishing a book
• the responsibilities of an author in the publishing process
• the relationship between an author and/or agent/editor
• the content of a contract

There will be a handout with information with useful websites and various other links, recommended resources/books, a list of RWA services available to members etc. Something members can pin on their notice boards or have handy by their keyboards for quick reference.

 

Will there be hands-on exercises or audience participation?

There will be the chance to ask questions about everything to do with the process of writing & getting published – the good, the bad & the ugly.

Take advantage of us – we don’t mind (*smile*) , we love to share our experiences and pass along what we’ve learned!

So, bring along a list – there’s no such thing as a silly question, just the one you don’t ask and should!

Which members will benefit most from this session?

All levels of writers welcome, but particularly those new to RWA, new to conferences, or new to publishing!

Any advice for conference first-timers?

You may experience brain overload by the end of the conference – don’t worry this is normal. There aren’t any strangers at conference, just friends you haven’t met yet. You get out of conference what you put into it. Bring an extra bag for all the books and conference goodies you’re going to be taking home with you!

Enjoy the experience!

What is your latest/current/upcoming book release and where can members find out more about you?

WHAT HAPPENS IN CHARLESTON – Rachel Bailey (March 2012, HMB Desire) – www.rachelbailey.com

THE COURTESAN COLLECTION – (e-bundle of three books-in-one, includes CLAIMING THE COURTESAN, TEMPT THE DEVIL and MY RECKLESS SURRENDER) – Anna Campbell (De.2011, Avon) – http://www.annacampbell.info

ALLIANCE FORGED – Kylie Griffin (July 3^rd 2012, Berkley Sensation) – www.kyliegriffin.com

BED OF LIES – Paula Roe (March 2012 HMB Desire) – http://www.paularoe.com

GUILTY AS SIN – Denise Rossetti (2011, Ellora’s Cave) – http://www.deniserossetti.com

 

Thank you, Kylie, Rachel, Anna, Paula and Denise.

~~~

Our next Conference Spotlight is with Ally Blake on 13th March.

Posted by Eleni Konstantine on March 12, 2012

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