Writing, Networking and Fun
Enjoyed meeting Chuck Sambuchino at the 2015 Carolinas Writing Workshop in Charlotte, NC.
As a writer it’s always refreshing and fun to spend time with other writers, networking and sharing ideas. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the 2015 Carolinas Writing Workshop in Charlotte, NC, with Chuck Sambuchino as the presenter.
The workshop format gave attendees the opportunity to meet agents as well as pitch their work. Chuck led break-out sessions throughout the day with tips and advice on writing query letters, pitching to agents and marketing. During one of the break-out sessions I learned the coordinator for the event, Jessica Bell, is not only an author, but also a talented musician. Chuck explained he and Jessica met during the 2012 Homeric Writers Retreat in Greece.
Before attending the event in Charlotte, I learned of Chuck’s expertise in the field of publishing and marketing from following his blog. He always has up-to-date information about agents, writing query letters and current trends such as how to define categories of writing. It was through his blog I learned of the workshop in Charlotte.
I was excited not only to have the chance to meet Chuck, but also to have my photograph taken with him. He was very gracious, listening to my concerns, even giving advice for specific problems such as writing realistic dialogue for a middle-grade novel. I was especially interested in his advice on getting more traffic to my blog. He said one way is to include links of similar content. I’m putting that advice into practice today.
Although I did not get to meet Jessica, I did purchase one of her books, Writing in a Nutshell. Written in an easy to follow format, she includes examples of how to “show, don’t tell.” I recommend this book to anyone who needs help with this particular writing technique.
What an awesome time to be a writer. Events such as the Writing Day Workshops give writers the opportunity to network with experts and agents they may have only dreamed about connecting with in the past. Thanks, Jessica and Chuck for your vision and willingness to share your knowledge and expertise in such a hands-on way.
If interested in learning about other writing or networking opportunities, check out this link.
What advice would you give to someone just beginning the journey as a writer? Leave a comment below, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Now for some more exciting news! My latest children’s book, Tired of Being Obedient, has been released on Amazon.com. If you love dogs, you will love this book. Be sure to check out training tips by professional trainers in the back. Thanks, Glenn Sherrill of Train Play Live dog training for your willingness to be a part of this project.
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
Advice I would give to writers is to be brave! Sometimes the stories that reach people the most are the ones that take courage to tell.
Thanks, Kelly. You’re right about being brave. Sometimes writing a story is one of the bravest things a person can do. I have especially enjoyed writing the stories of senior citizens. They tell it like it is.