San Francisco Writers Conference

This week I’m heading off to my second writing conference, this time in beautiful San Francisco, site of the annual San Francisco Writers Conference. One thing I’m really excited about is actually going beyond the San Francisco airport and getting the chance to tour the city. Our hotel is within walking distance of the Bay, and seeing the Golden Gate Bridge would be a special treat.

Another point I’m very much looking forward to is meeting She Writes publisher, Brooke Warner, who is giving a keynote address on Saturday. Since Salvation Station is being published through She Writes Press, I’m anxious to hear her thoughts on embracing your publishing dreams. Warner is a co-founder of She Writes, a move that sprang from her own frustrations with traditional publishing. The night before, Valentine’s Day, Brooke has organized a dinner for She Writes authors attending the conference. Not only I am excited about meeting Brooke, but some of my She Writes sisters as well.

As with Boucheron, I’ll be attending panels, seminars, and classes. The San Francisco conference encompasses all genres and types of writing, not just specific genres. The San Francisco conference also offers what they term Master Classes, providing in depth instruction and resources on any number of topics. I’ve registered for two: one on pitching your project to perspective agents and the other on becoming disciplined in keeping a regular writing schedule. Outside of query letters I’ve never made a pitch to an agent in person so I’m looking forward to hearing how to hone and deliver a pitch that comes across as natural and captivating. I’d also love to say I write every day, but unfortunately, life can get in the way. I’m hopeful this class will offer tips and incentives on how to be more a disciplined, motivated writer.

I’ll be taking copious notes and posting the most helpful information in future blogs. Being President’s Day weekend, my schedule isn’t as jam-packed as it was in Dallas, allowing me the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most spectacular cities and eat in some fabulous restaurants. Seafood is definitely on the agenda. There are many iconic landmarks, that just walking the hilly streets of San Francisco will be a treat in itself!