Things I Learned at the LDStorymakers Conference

by Marsha Ward

I'm getting out my "Hannah Montana" notebook so I can go over my notes (Don't mock me; it was a cheap remainder at the dollar store):

• Paul Genesse (say like finesse) reminded me that "You don't fall in love with the plot, you fall in love with the characters," and "If you have a strong plot you'll write a great book, but if you have strong characters, you'll have a great career."
• Karen Hoover borrowed an acronym from me and gave me credit. Thanks, Karen! BIC HOK TAM
• I need to buckle down and create a budget, not only for my personal life, but for my business.
• I really need to learn how to do Styles in MSWord.
• If your name is big enough, you can turn your class into a commercial.
• Book signings are most often a waste of time for mid-list to niche authors.
• Kevin's Eleven Tips rock! Now, where is that digital recorder hiding?
• I should have gone to some #2 choice classes instead of my first choices. I should have stuck with my #1 choice at least once. Live and learn.
• If your hands hurt, practice a self-preservation technique when extending one for a handshake. Or surprise a new acquaintance with a hug instead? Or give them the Colombian elbow? I'll try those out next year.
• It's time to experiment with a podcast. (Let's see, that's Styles, podcasting...and PowerPower is already on the list to master. What else?)
• When you're exhausted, ditching class makes good sense.
• It is such a treat to see existing friends and make new ones.
• Contacts can be THE key pathway to a successful career, along with "Yes, I can do that." Ask Kevin J. Anderson.
• I like chicken you can cut with a fork.
• Don't put in the bookstore more than two copies each of novels that are not YA, dystopian, or thrillers.
• Write the damn ahem, darn book!

And how was your week?