If you’re going to take this slippery slope to try and get your manuscript published, you might as well have a good time while you’re doing it. The members of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers look at it as we’re going to skate up that slope as much as possible. This way, it’s fun when we fall on our butts. Nothing demonstrates this attitude more than our Colorado Gold Conference. I’ll elaborate on the antics of the conference later. First, let’s go over the practical reasons to attend our little convention.
It’s economical. $270 per person with early registration. One of the best bargains in the landscape of writer’s conferences.
Keynote speakers that mean business. New York Times Bestselling author Allison Brennan and critically acclaimed historical fiction writer Bernard Cornwell take the stage this year. Allison is a member of several organizations, including International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. Book three in the Lucy Kincaid series, IF I SHOULD DIE, will be available on November 22nd. Bernard is chiefly known for the Sharpe books, a series of (so far) 21 novels that tell the story of a British rifleman fighting Napoleon’s forces in Portugal, Spain and France. The books were made into a TV series starring Sean Bean.
Editor and Agent Workshops. The industry representatives that RMFW invites to the Gold are the movers and shakers in the industry. You’ve polished that manuscript through critique groups. With an editor workshop, you get the up-close and personal feedback to your book that puts you in-the-know of what the major publishing houses are looking for in terms of style and craft. Latoya Smith with Grand Central Publishing, Moshe Feder with Tor, and Angela James with Harlequin’s Carina Press are but some of the editors who will bring their expertise. Rebecca Strauss with McIntosh and Otis, Molly Jaffa with Folio, and Marisa Corvisiero with the Lori Perkins Agency are joining a long list of visiting agents that can make book deals happen.
Your chances of landing a book contract are significantly increased by meeting agents and editors face to face here. We have members who have done it. And as with most conferences, you leave with great connections and a toolbox of good information.
Now for the fun.
Come in early and see Denver. Garden of the Gods (free), the mountains (free), Big Blue Bear (free), Red Rocks (free), the DIA Giant Blue Bronco (free), historic mountain towns (cheap), a wonderful downtown arts district (cheap), all the major sports, and a Mile High metro vibe. One of our board members may just pile in the car with you to act as tour guide.
The Novel Idea Follies, presented the first night of the event by local entertainers, is a collection of short comedy skits and music that pokes fun at the writing business.
Come up with the most bizarre simile you can stand to imagine and submit it for the Rick Hanson Memorial Simile Contest. Rick was a “colorful” fellow and we honor him with his candid style of silliness.
Join the kicked back atmosphere in our Hospitality Suite where you can chat with authors, agents, and editors. Don’t be surprised if you see a well known writer bartending for the crowd. That’s just how relaxed it is.
Get the conference details at: www.rmfw.org
Gusto Dave
9 comments:
I wish I could go because it sounds amazing, but airfare would be murder and impossible for me right now.
I've read quite a few novels by Bernard Cornwell and would have loved to hear him speak.
I'm REALLY excited to be there this year. It'll be my first year!
Marlena, bummer. Tis true that while the Gold is a bargain, travel expenses aren't right now.
Giles, I see your picture, but should I miss you feel free to say hi to me at the con and I will a furnish a VIP tour.
Gusto Dave
It's everything Dave said, and more! So happy to going again this year, hope to see lots of "old timers" and "newbies" there. And to the newbies - seriously reach out to anyone who looks like they've been around once or twice and you'll make a new friend for life.
Love the RMFW Gold Conference!!
I hear you on the air fare blues, Marlena. I couldn't go last year because of it, but this year I get to go. Woot! I'm so excited I get butterflies just thinking about it. :)
Gusto Dave, I'm a local, born and raised :) But I'll try to find you to say hi!
I'll be at the RMFW Picnic on Saturday, too.
And one more thing...SELL your book at the RMFW Conference to a big 6 publisher! It can and does happen at this very conference.
My first RMFW conference started me on the road to being a writer. I learned craft and technique, met agents, editors and published writers who were incredibly supportive and helpful, and gained confidence. I had just started writing and RMFW opened the road to publication. It's a great conference no matter where you are in your writing journey!
I enjoy Colorado Gold so much. Can't wait for another great conference experience.
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