Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Reflecting upon LDStorymakers Writers Conference

At LDStorymakers Writers Conference on May 11, I sat at tables and in classrooms surrounded by amazing writers. We chatted and reminisced and learned. What a delightful group to be with, indeed. I love being in the company of other writers. We rock and ARE definitely the new rock and roll stars.


I attended many breakout sessions that offered me a wealth of knowledge and opened my eyes to different ways of looking at writing. These topics ranging from character development to self-publishing. The class I took the most from was taught by author and editor Paul Genesse. He provided valuable information about world building.

I've been toying around with a dystopia novel called SPHERICAL. I'm at the point where I don't know how to develop the world anymore without seriously info-dumping--an absolute no no in writing. This course helped writing this book to be less daunting and more manageable.

Anyway, here are some things I learned:
  • The world is one of the most important characters. Paul said this is crucial in sci-fi and fantasy; I think this advice can lend itself to other genres, too.
  • Only bring up information about the world if it is absolutely necessary to the scene.
  • Draw a map of your world--it can help you to visualize it for development purposes.
  • What you write should make your readers love the world just as much as Tolkien's readers love(d) Rivendale and the Shire.
  • Think of your world as a living being, like one of your characters.
  • The setting can be shown through the characters thoughts and feelings.
  • Never, ever give rote descriptions that go on and on for pages. Tolkien did this but he could get away with it. It is more difficult for modern writers to get away with it. 
  • Make sure there is a connection between your character(s) and your world.
I came away from this breakout session eager to bring life to SPHERICAL and my other works. However, I was inspired to start working on a New Adult piece I've been stewing over. We shall see...

What I like about writing conferences is how revitalized I feel afterwards. I think it is the powerful boost of energy found within the participants and being enveloped around talk of writing that perks me up. It is such a strength to be a part of such an amazing group of people.

I also learned a bit about self-publishing which sounds rather intriguing to me at the moment. The gears in my brain are a-turning, that's for sure. :)

What have been your experiences at writers conferences? Did you attend LDStorymakers this year?

Writing Jewels

15 comments:

  1. One of these I need to go to one!
    Glad you had an awesome time and learned so much. I've always liked the idea of making the world itself a character.

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    1. Yup, you should go to a conference and let us all know so we can all meet you. Now that would be rockin'.

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  2. Hi Julia, that's really good advice. A few of my writing friends are in the midst of developing worlds now. I'll pass on the nugget: "Only bring up information about the world if it is absolutely necessary to the scene." :)

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    1. Glad you stopped by, Tara! Thx for your comment. :)

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  3. Never been to one but sure sounds like fun and a lot learned too, world build away at your zoo.

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  4. I was there. The conference was fantastic!

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    1. Darn, we didn't get to meet. But the conference was great!

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  5. Eeeee!!!! I loved seeing you!!!!!!!

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    1. Well, I super d duper loved seeing you! Hugs!

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  6. I've never been to a writing conference but I'd love to. Sounds like you had an awesome experience!

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  7. I *love* writing conferences. I went to one a couple of weekends ago, and I totally felt revitalized and inspired afterwards. :)

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  8. I love writing conferences. Wish I could attend more of them, but unfortunately the finances require me to choose. :) lovely to meet you!
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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  9. So awesome to see you again, Julia! It wouldn't be a writing conference without you, and I'm glad you learned so much. Oh, and by the way, *kick* (inside joke). :)

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  10. How did I miss seeing you? Did you see me? Agh!

    Glad you had fun!

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