Revising Book Proposal

Preparing for the August Willamette Writers Conference by revising Dubious Grief book proposal. I plan to pitch the book at the conference. Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write (Elizabeth Lyon, 2002) is a great resource. It provides me with the structure for revising and improving my book proposal. This is my number one writing priority as I prepare for the conference.

Willamette Writers Conference

This week I received the 2012 Willamette Writers Conference catalogue. I've saved my pennies all year in order to attend the entire three days. Now I revise my creative nonfiction materials - synopsis, 3 minute elevator talk, and chose folks to send materials for critiquing and one-on-one pitch sessions. Lots to do before August. For more information on the conference go to www.willamettewriters.com or call 503.305.6729. I'm so looking forward to three days mingling with other writers.

Unwritten words...

I've not written a word for the past week - barely even read anything. Flu got me good. Last night as I struggled to fall asleep - all these story themes swirled around in my brain - keeping me from sleep. Don't ask me today what any of these story themes were; maybe a riff will unlock them. I guess it's just something that happens when a writer is prevented from letting her words out. Today I will write, write, write...

Timing is everything...

Thursday this past week I attended the monthly willamette writers meeting in Eugene. The speaker Elizabeth Lyon - talked about revising manuscripts. Very exciting since revising Dubious Grief is exactly what I'm about to tackle. Great timing for me. Also, the Center for the Study of Women in Society at the University of Oregon will have a "Memoir Fest" symposium in May. Timing is everything in the book world. Now I plunge into revisions - and look forward to the day long symposium.