My Indiana Writing Workshop Experience

On Nov. 1st, I printed out directions from Google Maps, dropped the kidlet off at the baby-sitter, and headed north to the Nora Indianapolis Public Library.

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The Indiana Writing Workshop was given by none other than Chuck Sambuchino, on the topic of 'How To Get Published'. I figured some of it wouldn't be all that new to me, as I've been chasing this dream for over six years now. And a lot of what was said did feel as if it were for those a bit more 'new' to the dream of becoming published.

BUT. 

Even if I were a published author with five books under my belt, I would go to another of Chuck's workshops. Because this guy is hilarious. He had the room in stitches all throughout the day, and it was a pleasure to listen to him speak, even if I already knew what agents do for you, as well as most of the pros & cons of traditional publishing vs. self publishing. Though don't get me wrong, I did come away with some new, helpful information, plus a renewed determination to keep chasing my dream. 

Plus, there was another draw for me as well... there were going to be agents there. Dah-dum-dum!!! I'd signed up for a 10 minute pitch session and as the time drew closer, my heart was pounding. I tried the wisdom of taking deep breaths(I also have many of my characters do this) and found it was complete rubbish. My heart was still pounding and deep breaths were not helping. 

I'm pretty sure I also looked like a crazy person as I sat at a table a few minutes before my pitch time, muttering frantically under my breath, trying to get the pitch I'd been practicing just right(I'd also practiced in my car on lunch, and the interior of my car had never heard so many curse words in an hour's time). 

BUT.

Despite all my nerves, it went lovely! The agent was amazing and so much fun to talk to. Plus, she requested a full, so yay! It was a great day, and I had breadsticks for lunch with marinara and cheese sauce. So. Like I said, great day.

I also got to see Jody Sparks again, whom I met at a SCBWI event earlier this summer. She's a great gal and I had the privilege of beta reading her most recent book, IF I WERE ME. And oh, man. I cried at the end. You know the saying about being mean to your characters? This lady gets it. When you get to read IIWM someday, you'll understand!

 And, of course, no visit to a library isn't complete without swinging by the kid's section where Curious George happened to be hanging out in a castle.