The Horror Writers Association held their annual Stoker Award Weekend in lovely Burbank California from June 12-14, 2009. Since they were having it in my own backyard, I decided to take advantage of the situation and see what goes on at these conferences.
I volunteered my time so I could have access to various workshops and would have a chance to mingle and meet people. The word horror brings up connotations of mythical creatures from the dark recesses of one's mind and I thought perhaps this group of writers would embody the very things they created but nothing could be further from the truth. I found them to be generous, kind and friendly.
Along with making some new friends and learning about the publishing world, I was able to pitch my novel to Don D'Auria, Executive Editor of Leisure Books. I was pleased when he told me he was interested in the idea and wanted me to keep in touch with him during the writing process. I guess I am on the right track with it. Now I'd better get to writing it, huh?
One of the highlights of the weekend was getting up close and personal with John Farris. Mr. Farris is probably most famous for his novel, THE FURY. He is a diminutive man, soft spoken, well dressed in kakahis and a polo, always with a gentle smile.
Jen and John Farris.
It was a very successful weekend and I look forward to seeing my new friends at future writing conferences. The next one is Killercon in Las Vegas, NV at the beginning of September.
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