Once the Googlerithmz realize we’re writers, we’re bombarded with online ads touting the only way to get an idea out of your head and onto the page. Hooey. Absolute hooey.
You can quote me. Marketing, quality, style, tone, plot – none of it matters if the page is blank.
How Books Get Born
It’s fantastic that pandemic protocols have eased and the Golden Crown Literary Society is resuming their live annual conference event. (Virtual series events remain too!) It’s been my good fortune to moderate So I Had This Idea – From Idea to Published Work panel over the years. Writers tell the stories of their stories. If you’re attending, mark your Friday morning at 9 a.m. to join us.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced author or just starting out. It’s refreshing to be reminded that there are as many ways as there are writers to birth a book. No two authors ever describe the same journey. This panel is one reason why GCLS is my favorite event of the year. (And thanks to writer Pol Robinson who had this idea for a panel!)
The authors telling the story of their stories this year are:
- Kay Acker, Leaving’s Not the Only Way to Go (Bella Books)
- Brooke Campbell, The Warrior Series (Next Chapter Publishing)
- Kate Castle, Girl Island (Dark Horse Publishing)
- Luc Dreamer, Heart of Gold, Heart Series (Independently published)
- E. J. Noyes, Ask, Tell, Ask, Tell Series (Bella Books)
- Anne Shade, Love and Lotus Blossoms (Bold Strokes Books)
- Chris Zett, Irregular Heartbeat (Ylva Publishing)
Just Add Weirdness? Okay!
This year I’m moderating a second panel, Just Add Weirdness. It features these debut and veteran writers of books with that extra something weird going on in the fantasy and paranormal realm. Thursday 3pm.
- Kelly Aten, Mythworld Novels
- Verónica Gutiérrez, Yolanda Ávila Mysteries
- Elle E. Ire, The Nearly Departed Series
- Britney Jackson, Pirates of Aletharia
- Sam Ledel, The Odium Trilogy
- Barbara Ann Wright, Sisters of Sarras Series
Ask Us Anything, “Rules,” and The Greatest Fear
You can also catch me talking and taking lots of notes alongside some of the most prolific and thoughtful writers in sapphic fiction today:
- Ask the panelists anything at Reader Questions with moderator Kimberley Cooper Griffin. Wednesday 2pm
- Hear about unwritten “rules” in writing and publishing in the Never Will I Ever panel moderated Lynn Ames. Thursday 1pm
- Share in my personal greatest fear of writing the same book twice in Have I Written this Before? with moderator Rachel Gold. Friday 1pm
Interested in what Golden Crown’s annual conference is like? Have a look at this year’s schedule and other information. Also featured is laughter, support, solidarity as a community suddenly once again under siege, and a night of celebration at the Goldies.
Cross Your Fingers for Simply the Best!
Cross your fingers for Simply the Best, which is shortlisted in two categories. It’s going to take luck for it to win given the excellence of the entire shortlist.
Will I See You There?
I can’t believe that, after three years since the last conference, old friends will meet up and new friends will be made. There will be ice cream and chocolate, wine and song. It’s been a very, very long three years! Please say hi!
P.S. You can pre-order a Book for the Con
One last short note – if you’re attending, you can pre-order a book to be signed at the Signing Event on Saturday. Select your title from here, and choose “GCLS 2022” as your shipping method. Once you do that, a coupon for 15% off will kick in. And I’ll see you there, book in hand! Of course I’ll sign books you acquire at the Bella table. Generally, though, the other writers prefer it if I sign only mine. Books of mine you’ve had for years – bring them! I’ll sign them too.
