A conference is only as strong as it’s workshop line-up. As the workshop chair of the 2013 Emerald City Writers Conference, I have been charged with the task of compiling a kick-ass group of people to teach, inform and inspire 300 authors. No small job indeed.
February 1st is when we will be accepting workshop proposals for the October conference. My assistant chair, Anna Richland, and I have put together a wish list of workshop proposals we hope to see.
Craft workshops are a must at a any conference aimed at writers, however, we are expecting to see proposals that go beyond what you can learn from in a book. We would love to see topics such as what is the difference between polishing and finishing, how to keep momentum going in a series or how to overcome the obstacles that come when writing a second book. What about characterization? How do you create a heroine a reader wants to be friends with and not find annoying?
The publishing industry changes as often as Taylor Swift changes boyfriends. Think ahead to October. What will be the hot topics we as authors will need to be thinking about? How does Goodreads work and how can I use that platform to gain readership? How about the inner workings of an acquisitions meeting?
Research workshops are always a favorite. MA Taylor always presents fantastic workshops about law enforcement, and last year Christa McHugh talked about trauma medicine. I love these topics because I don’t have ready access to this information. Not only do I learn something that can inspire a scene, but I meet great people who then become fantastic contacts for future questions.
Last year we had over 120 proposals submitted to fill 48 slots, so I know you all must be wondering how does one stand out from the crowd to get their workshop selected. Creativity is key, as well as the broad appeal of the topic. Our attendees cover all genres, skill sets and publishing types, and we want to offer something for everyone. We also want to know your experience in the topic you’re presenting. Experience is everything.
One aspect that can change a “yes” decision to a “no” is audio visual requirements. I know, who would have guessed, but it’s true. Conference facilities charge bukoo bucks for AV carts, which leaves us with limited space to accommodate workshops that require audio visual. Those speakers that can be flexible with their AV needs should state that on their proposals and increase their chances for selection.
Who’s excited now? Who’s inspired? Who knows a workshop speaker you want to hear at the next conference? Let them know we want to hear from them February 1st. My hope is my email will be overflowing with awesome proposals and I need all of you to make that happen.
*For more information on the Emerald City Writers Conference go to http://gsrwa.org/conference.php or email me at ECWCworkshop@gmail.com