Two unexpected things this past week. First, an invitation to participate in the 5th Annual Local Authors Showcase at the Paseo Verde Library in Henderson. I’ll be there between 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm. But if you are a fan of bestselling author Robyn Carr, you won’t want to miss the event.
Then, a day later, an invitation to submit application to the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference in Vermont, a ten-day event in August. I’d never heard of this event, so I had to log on and check it out. I can attend for the insignificant fee of $3395.00. That includes room and board – or for those youngsters who may not know what “board” means: meals are included. Considering the kind of faculty they have, this is probably the premier conference in the country. Yes, Writer’s Digest hosts a humongous one in New York each year, but at Bread Loaf you get daily two-hour classes, coaching sessions, and the opportunity to read your work aloud. Not to mention hobnobbing with Pushcart and Pulitzer winners. As any publicist will tell you, connections are everything, so schmooze as much as you can.
Since not making the grade for the Iowa Writer’s Workshop (which is most likely where Bread Loaf culled my contact info), it made me feel better. I’m not sure why, because it couldn’t have had anything to do with the quality of my work; they’ve never seen it. Which is why the application requires a 6,000-word sample. But, still…. They do offer financial aid, which oddly has nothing to do with financial need. Maybe age and disability could be an advantage this time! Well, we shall find out.
In the meantime, remember that World of Deadheads, Book 3, Nathan’s Clan of Deadheads releases at noon on Wednesday. It’s already available for pre-order directly from the publisher: TWRP. You’ll find the softcover and digital versions there.