"WORDS ARE, IN MY NOT-SO-HUMBLE OPINION, OUR MOST INEXHAUSTIBLE SOURCE OF MAGIC. CAPABLE OF BOTH INFLICTING INJURY, AND REMEDYING IT." ~ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Things I Overheard

at SCBWI MD/DE/WV!

After I attend conferences I like to bring back some of the fabulous droplets of wisdom I glean from the speakers to share with you guys. Here are a few of the ones I picked up last weekend!


"Changing one word can change an entire sentence." Editor Marilyn Bingham (Marshall Cavendish)

"The voice in your query should reflect the voice in your manuscript--it should not be cold or mechanical." Rosemary Stimola, Agent with Stimola Literary Studio

"Passion makes you want to write the story. Perseverance MAKES you write the story." Laura Bowers, Author of Beauty Shop for Rent:...fully equiped, require within

"Look for the seeds that are planted within your own life stories." Kathi Appelt, Author of The Underneath

"Cliches are the pet peeves for all editors--find a new way to send things." Editor Marilyn BIngham

"Do not use humor through self-deprecation. And don't leave an editor wondering who the audience is." Heather Alexander, Assistant Editor with Dial Books for Young Readers, (regarding submissions to publishing houses)

Laura Bowers: Layer richness through editing: pick a favorite setting and employ all the senses for that setting. For example, a campground" 
          Sight: campers, tents, people
          Scent: chlorine, fire
          Feel: grass under feet
          Hear: children's laughter, splashing
          Taste: Marshmallows, hotdogs 

"If you're writing in trend, or similar to something else, you need to be quick to point out what makes your story different (in your query)." Rosemary Stimola

"Too many adjectives leads to purple prose--and there's a fine line between descriptive prose and purple prose." Editor Marilyn Bingham

"Almost every single title changes. Don't get too attached to your title." Assistant Editor Heather Alexander

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More on the conference tomorrow--coming up: THE FRAKKING AWESOME PEOPLE I HUNG OUT WITH!

QOTD: Have you ever been to a conference? If so, did you love it? If not, do you ever plan to?

17 comments:

  1. I love a good quote...and you've chosen some good ones. :)

    Yes, I've attended conferences and I love them.

    Hugs,
    Lola

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  2. Awesome. Lots of great advice here. I'm especially glad to hear about titles, because I suck at coming up with them.

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  3. The senses example is a great reminder. Sometimes it's hard to get past visual!

    And yes - I attend conferences and love them. So motivational for me.

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  4. Great stuff! Sounds like you have a great conference. Good to know on titles! Although... *clings to WHIMS*

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  5. Great quotes. Definitely on the first one. That's what I love about writing.

    I'm with Matt on the titles. Perfect if someone else comes up with a better one--which usually isn't too hard to do. ;)

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  6. Great advice! I certainly agree with engaging all the senses.

    I've been to a few conferences here in Colorado. I also hear there are some neat-o conferences in Wisconsin and San Diego... ;)

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  7. Thanks, Sara! I've never attended a real writers conference, but I really should. I feel like I'm missing out on all the fun!

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  8. Oooooh, those are great - - thanks for sharing!!

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  9. I like the passion and perseverance quote. Very helpful.

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  10. Love these Sara. WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN THERE!

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  11. I have and I loved it. Even if they reiterate everything I've heard before, it's still fun to be around like-minded people of the industry.

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  12. There were some great ones, weren't there? Had SOOOO much fun with you at this conference and can't wait for more to come!

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  13. This is my favorite so far
    "Passion makes you want to write the story. Perseverance MAKES you write the story." Laura Bowers, Author of Beauty Shop for Rent:...fully equiped, require within. Thank you for the quote I might steal it from you.

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  14. Great tips!

    I love conferences. I'm a total conference junkie.

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  15. Those are awesome quotes!!

    I've not been able to get to a conference yet ... one of these days! :)

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  16. I overheard a lot of people saying "That's what she said."

    Oh wait -- that was us! :)

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  17. Good advice. :)

    I've been to a few conferences but I'm currently going through withdrawal. :(

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Yay! I love when you have things to add :)