I love meeting writers around the country and happen to really enjoy writers’ conferences. A great part of my job is that I get invited to them! Here are the events I’ll be attending. I’ll post more as I book ‘em.
2010
February
Friday, February 12th to Sunday, February 14th:
San Francisco Writers Conference
San Francisco, CA
Conference Website
March
Friday, March 12th to Sunday, March 14th:
Big Sur Writing Workshop
Monterey, CA
Conference Website
April
Saturday and Sunday, April 10th and 11th:
DFW Writers’ Conference
Grapevine, TX
Conference Website
Saturday, April 17th:
21st Annual TMCC Writers’ Conference
Reno, Nevada
Conference Website
May
Saturday, May 15th:
SCBWI Tri-Regions of Southern California Agent’s Day
Newport Beach, CA
Regional SCBWI Website
Monday, May 24th to Thursday, May 26th:
Writer’s Digest BEA Conference and Book Expo America
New York, NY
Expo Website
Conference Website
(See me for the Writer’s Digest conference on the Monday before BEA or try to catch me on the floor at Javits!)
June
Monday, June 14th to Friday, June 18th:
Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Workshop
Sandy, Utah
Conference Website
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Critiques and Workshops
Whenever I go to a conference, I love doing critiques, one-on-one meetings with writers and giving workshops. Don’t be shy, I’d love to meet you. Sign up for a critique with me or come to one of my workshops. Here’s what people have said about my critiques and workshops in the past:
Critiques
“Mary provided the best professional feedback I’ve honestly ever received on my manuscript. She has a superb editorial eye. Her comments were spot on and thorough without feeling like jabs through my sensitive writer’s skin. Thank you, Mary!” — Jackee
“My agent, Mary Kole, first worked with me as a freelance editor. She edited my debut YA novel several times prior to submission, and each time the work became impressively stronger. She also acted as a cheerleader throughout the revision process, encouraging me when I needed it most. Then, while marketing my manuscript, she demonstrated a commanding knowledge of current YA fiction. In only a short time, Mary has become such an important part of my writing life that I can’t imagine crafting a novel without her guidance.” — Patricia Netzley, author of 45+ nonfiction children’s books
Workshops
Most of these notes have come unsolicited from attendees of various workshops and conferences. I got them from organizers and evaluation forms.
“Mary Kole was articulate and excellent. My favorite.” — Redwood Writers Conference Attendee
“Mary gave me the best writing advice I have ever received.” — Big Sur Writers Workshop Attendee
“I particularly enjoyed working with Mary Kole. Her incisive critiques, humor, copy edits, passion for literature, time management, positive feedback for each writers’ strengths… while keeping a strong focus on the realities of what makes a successful manuscript, created a productive, informative… kick your butt in a good way workshop. It was was inspiring.” — Big Sur Writers Workshop Attendee
“If you can go to a conference with Mary, you should do it! I attended Big Sur in December 2009, and Mary gave me some of the best writing advice I’ve ever received. Not only was she able to hone in on and articulate the specific problem, she told me how to FIX it.” — Talia Vance, Big Sur Writers Workshop Attendee
Nice Words
Other nice things people have said about me!
“Mary Kole is a passionate and knowledgeable advocate of literature for younger people. She has much to offer students of this genre; her enthusiasm is infectious.” — Lewis Buzbee, author of STEINBECK’S GHOST (Feiwel and Friends), friend and mentor
“I worked with Mary when she interned in our editorial department. Mary is a gifted reader and critique-giver. Her approach to writers’ work is very perceptive, as well as feeling and compassionate. She’s extraordinarily perceptive about books and writing, and a very energetic advocate for her authors. I also see a bright future for her as an agent. She’s selling good projects in smart ways. I have no qualms about recommending her to an author for representation.” — Melissa Manlove, Associate Editor, Chronicle Books Children’s Group
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For those on a limited budget, are there any conferences or workshops that, in your opinion, stand out as being the best for the investment? Thanks!
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I am excited to find a real live member of the publishing industry willing to provide a critique and feedback for writers trying to break in. Do you have any plans to do a workshop for the NJSCBWI? We’d love to have you.
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Darlene — I’m going to be on the east coast a lot more after this summer, so do send an email my way if you know the NJSCBWI fall/winter needs.
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Regina — I’d start out with your nearest regional SCBWI chapter. The SCBWI puts on great local events.
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I would love to attend a writing conference or something similar.
One problem is that I’m not technically an adult…and so I’d stick out like a black rock in a beach with white sand. Plus, I’d probably be the only one there that isn’t an adult.
It’s so disappointing how few resources out there for young writers.
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Cassandra — Be careful you’re not limiting yourself with what you might’ve heard. I’ve seen plenty of young writers and teens at conferences. Since you haven’t been, you might not know that they’re not as off-limits as you think!
Reach out to organizers via email (usually posted on a conference’s website) and see what kind of opportunities are available. Depending on the conference, most will welcome you with open arms. -
Looking forward to meeting you on May, 15th, at Newport.
Thanks,
Sumner Wilson -
I like your site–it’s very friendly! I’m going to be attending the Big Sur Conference this year, and it will be the first conference I’ve attended. I have two YA novels and a picture book in the polishing/revising stage, so it’s time, but I’m excited and nervous. Any suggestions for making the most of my time there?
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Linda — I’ll see you there! At Big Sur, we try to make the most supportive and welcoming environment possible. A big part of that is access to instructors and faculty. You’ll have plenty of intimate, small-group meetings with agents, editors and authors, so you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, get guidance and get feedback on your work. So just go in with an open mind, ready to soak up some information, and the conference will take care of the rest.
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Thanks, Mary! Now I’m more excited than nervous. )
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I cannot find any information on the Newport Beach May 15th conference. I would love to get some information about it. Is it just for agents or is it intended to connect writers and agents?
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Rina — It’s the So Cal Tri Something-or-Other (Area? Region?) SCBWI Agent’s Day. It is, of course, intended to be a connection between agents and writers, otherwise, I wouldn’t post it here. However, I may have heard that it is sold out. Try and Google “SCBWI Newport Beach” perhaps?
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Thanks Mary,
Looked all over it isn’t listed anywhere on SCBWI or Orange county regional. Bummer, I’d want to attend.
Do you have any idea if there will be something like this in the San Francisco/Bay area this year?
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