writers conferences

[Kimberly White]

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about attending the Maui Writers Conference at the end of August. I know it's an annual event, so I was hoping to hear back from some people who've attended in previous years. Was it helpful? What did you get most out of it?

Thanks in advance,

Kimberly

[I Am a Great Writer]

Maui is a schlock conference--the "writers" there actually wear suits and ties--in Hawaii! Go to Bread Loaf instead. That's the best conference in the U.S.

[ACCrispin]

Wow, I thought this guy had gotten banned? Last I knew he was going to sue everyone here for libel...

;-)

But he's probably right about Breadloaf. The buzz about it indicates that it's an excellent conference.

-Ann C. Crispin
Writer Beware
www.sfwa.org/beware

[nic.h]

I went to Maui a few years ago. I responded to the same query earlier in some detail. Do a search on this forum on Maui - it should show up then.

I enjoyed the conference, but as you'll read in my earlier posting, it might not be for you. And it is extremely expesnive (I wss living in Hawaii back then, so the price wasn't so high - and it was much cheaper in those days.)

nic.h

[brendan]

OK, so at y'all's recommendation, I looked up the Breadloaf website. Gimmie-a-freaken-break! It looked bloody dreadfull a bunch of yonniks with beards who make their money teaching at MFA programs. My attitude towards them boys is pretty much the same as how I feel about all them stockmarket ANALysts who recommend Enron, Worldcom, Cisco, and Boeing.
Personally Imo just keep writing and keep my distance from all them beardie-weirdies.

Just my opinion, fellers.

[Jean]

Guys,
I had a bad experience with the Maui Writers Conference. A few years ago I attended this conference, and I was excited that several agents, and two publishers were interested in my novel. It seemed I saw the light in the darkness, as they asked me send them three chapters and referenced the Maui Conference and the rave reviews I received. Subsequently, each one was returned with a curt statement: "we do not read or accept unsolicited manuscripts."
My husband told me that these folks were only on a free vacation and gave free smiles.

[Avery]

Jean's husband is right. The agents are in it for the freebies for them and their spoouses. It's like those talent agents and casting directors who teach classes for actors. All compliments and smiles while the class is going on and then it's "who are you?" when former students try to contact them. Agents are all slime. Doesn't everyone know that?

[nic.h]

Actually that wasn't my experience at all at Maui. I spoke with several "big" agents, on request submitted to several of them as well as a senior editor at HarperCollins, and received some very helpful advice from some, standard rejections from others. Everyone responded to my submission, and everyone seemed to take it seriously.

I think at conferences the deal is the same regarding agents - there are good ones and bad ones and it's up to the writer (with the help of boards like this and Writers Beware/P&E) to determine which is which. Attendance at a conference doesn't guarantee legitimacy, nor does it preclude it.

But I do think your money could be better spent...

nic.h

[Marti]

Nic,
Did you participate in the Manuscript Marketplace? I have received materials from the conference for the Marketplace and am considering it. (I can't afford a trip to Hawaii-- I wish I could! -- but I can afford the Marketplace fee.)

Has anyone had a good, bad, or ugly experience with the Manuscript Marketplace? Thanks.

Marti

[Diane G]

Two years ago I submitted a family saga along with my check for $125 to the Manuscript Marketplace, after being told by a Mauii Conference staff person that many authors start hearing from agents right after the deadline. Unfortunately, I was not one of them. Two months later I received the names of 14 professionals who reviewed a one-page synopsis of my novel. Two were non-fiction agents, one charges fees and is listed on Preditors and Editors, and one previously rejected my query. Another agent represented screenwriters. The list also included 3 publishers, 2 of which were well known.

Diane G