The Writer Mama Riffs

In gearing up for my next round of classes, I review the feedback forms from the last class so that I can improve the class accordingly. I am often amused to notice that those who put the most into the classes in terms of effort and positive attitude clearly gain the most from the experience (and offer the most glowing reviews both of the class and of me as an instructor).

In my classes, students succeed as much as they apply what is offered and tie it into their own process and what works for them. Therefore, self-reflection is tied into the class. I don’t offer “insider secrets,” I hold the space where folks who are ready to work can do so and reap the benefits of the work that they do.

Check out these comments from a former Pitching Practice students for a clearer idea of how my teaching style is helpful to my students:

Christina was the task master/deadline diva I needed to keep my butt in the chair. She encouraged my muse and calmed my perfectionist so I could keep typing and focus on sharpening my writing and launching my work into the world.

~ Gigi R., Portland, Oregon

This class is the fabulous next step for anyone who’s been writing and is now serious about breaking into the magazine market (and yes, you have to be serious). Christina provides quality instruction and lots of tips on how to break in, along with valuable marketing information. This class is a must!

~ Joanna N. Bellingham, Washington

A whole boatload of “insider secrets” won’t do you any good if you don’t immediately apply them to your process. But six weeks of hard work can change everything.

That’s what I offer. If you are interested in Pitching Practice, an invaluable class where participants polish their query-writing skills, please let me know. Class begins tomorrow.

I also couldn’t help noticing at the Willamette Writers Conference that two of my former students who’d completed a full round of classes with me (WPSS, the old WPNA, PP & Platform Building) likely landed their first book deals.

I’m not bragging, I can’t take credit. But I think this paints a clearer picture of what is required from writers in terms of commitment-level for higher levels of success. Whether that level of commitment is exercised through my classes or elsewhere, I thought readers of this blog might be inspired by this quality of example. I know I am!

Oh dear, I’ve gotten behind on my thank yous.

First on my list is the Oregon Writers Colony. Thank you so much for inviting me to speak! I gave a presentation at the Cedar Hills Crossing Powell’s in Beaverton–Powell’s new home in Beaverton–at the end of June.

I loved the new suburban Powell’s location. So spacious and airy compared to downtown Powell’s (which is wonderful, of course, in its own mouse-in-a-maze way).

We had a nice turnout and I was so grateful to speak for such a respected and historic organization for writers. Did you know that Oregon Writer’s Colony has been helping writers for twenty-five years? That’s a good long time.

I’m looking forward to getting more involved with OWC in the future. Special thanks to Marsha Weber and Linda Leslie.

If you would like to learn more about the Oregon Writer’s Colony and their upcoming events, please visit their homepage. If you are a Pacific Northwest writer, I hope you will consider membership.

Here’s the list:

1. I went to my mailbox at the post office today and it was like Christmas! Full of great giveaways for the Writer Mama Back-to-School Daily Giveaway that starts September first! I am giddy with excitement. Hope you are too.
2. If you’d like to post the badge for the giveaway in your blog or on your website, I made an even smaller size that should (fingers crossed) fit in any blog sidebar. You can find the badges, in assorted sizes, here. Thanks for spreading the word!
3. Less than one week until the next round of classes starts. There are a few spots left in Writing and Publishing the Short Stuff and several in Pitching Practice. Please register right away as I’m my own administrative assistant around here. I will firmly shut the door on registrations on Tuesday, August 14th at midnight.
4. Fair warning: The October 3rd Writing & Publishing the Short Stuff is filling up ALREADY. These moms are on it. I love that. Saves me time and frustration of doing things at the last minute.
5. I’ll be away this weekend, and back atcha on Monday! We’re doing a trial run with our now nine-month old pups at a local kennel and hitting the beach! Hopefully it won’t be too cold. (Sorry, all you folks in a heatwave, not trying to rub that in but it is like Fall here already. Hope I didn’t just jinx us.)

Happy end of summer weekend everyone!

Back-to-school time is coming What actions will take your career to the next level, when the kids head back to school (if you’re so lucky)?

I will be working with writers for six weeks starting August 15th and October 3rd.

Here are the classes I’m currently offering:

Writing and Publishing the Short Stuff (Starts in August—almost full and October!)

Pitching Practice: Write Six Queries in Six Weeks (August15th)

Platform Building Basics for Writers (October 3rd)

All the details can be found on the Writers on the Rise website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me.

The delivery truck just arrived with my new biz cards for the PNWA Conference. Yahoo! Three cheers for Vista Print!

Here’s a list of all the things I carry so that I can be prepared at a conference or event:

1. biz cards
2. Writer Mama cover blow up
3. WM post cards
4. a updated one-page flyer of upcoming WM events
5. a sign-up clipboard for both of my e-zines

And when I’m presenting, I add:

1. my trusty iBook with video cable and remote control (to change slides)
2. My Powerpoint presentation
3. interactive handouts for attendees (I like them to get something out of it for them)

And for this presentation, CHUTES AND LADDERS, I also need:

1. an extra easel to display the game board
2. the game board
3. sticky squares to get the board to stand up
4. a sample handout (a handout with SAMPLE written across the top)

For signings, I need:

1. a couple of fine-point SHARPIES
2. extra books for if/when supplies run out
3. a smile
4. food in my tummy (I’m hypoglycemic so I carry almonds)

Okay, this is a fairly unique situation. I’ve never needed to bring this much with me before. But hopefully, it gives you an idea.

So much for traveling light!

Move over 2007 version, the 2008 Guide to Literary to Literary Agents is about to hit the shelves!

I contributed an article called, “Almost Famous, Start Building a Platform to Garner More Attention and Respect.”

Here’s a teaser from Editor Chuck Sambuchino’s GLA blog.

I met Chuck at the BEA and Writer’s Digest/BEA Conference and he is a super-nice guy, who enjoys seems to genuinely enjoy helping writers seeking publication.

I’ve also been writing about platform development for The Willamette Writer this year. All of these columns are reprinted in Writers on the Rise. If you are interested, you can pull up the whole series by clicking here. (It will come up in reverse chronological order, so scroll down to the bottom to read the series in order.)

I also started teaching a class that focuses on platform called Platform Building Basics for Writers that I’ll be offering again starting October 3rd. If you are interested, you can find more info here.

You may be wondering, “What’s all the fuss about platform? Can’t I just write well and let that be enough?”

Well, I’ll let Writer Mama editor Jane Friedman from Writer’s Digest answer this question for me. Not too long ago she told me this:

Platform development is more important than ever for writers seeking publication.

More important than ever. You might not like hearing this. You might feel like developing a platform on top of everything else you have to learn is simply asking too much. But I’ve been growing my platform alongside my writing career for years and I am here to tell you that not only is it fun, it’s also extremely gratifying.

So, as I teach in my platform class, try to keep an open mind. No one is asking you to do anything that compromises your integrity.

It’s just that the days of the isolated writer slaving away in obscurity are over and a new day has already dawned—the day of the multi-tasking writer, who keeps introversion and extroversion in balance.

And to that, I say, Amen.

If you are not signed up for the e-zine version of Writers on the Rise, you are missing an amazing resource for writers. It really doesn’t matter what genre you currently write in, Writers on the Rise offers insight, ideas and inspiration for writers, who wish to take their writing career to the next level.

Although WOTR targets nonfiction writers specifically, writers in every genre can benefit from the wisdom that is served up in our terrific new format totally free of charge (and outside ads).

So, what are you waiting for? You just missed the July/August Part One of WOTR. But fortunately (Whew!), you can go to our blog and catch all the articles you missed in the first half of this month’s zine.

And while you are there, make sure you don’t miss a single issue in the future by clicking on the envelope image in the upper right-hand corner.

But don’t take my word for it. Check us out for yourself.

Fifteen monthly columnists are waaaaaaaay better than one.

Thankfully, there is a more feminine approach to just about everything in this biz.

Check out what I have to say about these two strategies in my latest “Dear Fellow Writers” column at Writers on the Rise.

Well, I have just finished reviewing the 2007 Willamette Writer’s Conference schedule and I all I can say is, “WOW!”

If you are a writer in the Pacific Northwest, simply put, you do not want to miss this learning and career-growing opportunity.

In fact, if I had to say what has made the biggest difference in my writing career, ever, I would have to give credit to my membership and participation in Willamette Writers and the Willamette Writer’s Conference.

As a member, I go to informative monthly meetings, keep tabs on the all the latest publishing industry breaking news, keep up with local goings on via weekly e-mail announcements, and get to enjoy hanging out with new and old writer buddies!

I write a column on platform development for the monthly newsletter, which is a valuable resource for both traditionally published and self-published writers.

As a presenter at the conference, I get to give workshops, critique manuscripts, have a signing for Writer Mama, hang out at the Writer’s Faire with fellow authors, meet attendees, spend time with awesome folks from the publishing industry (like Writer’s Digest Books Writer Mama editor, Jane Friedman) and so much more.

I think that the organizers of this year’s conference deserve a standing ovation!

And this year, Retrofit Films will be making a documentary film of the agent and editor pitching process! How totally awesome. I can’t wait to see it!

If you are thinking about coming but you are on the fence for any reason, all I can say is:

Do not miss the Willamette Writer’s Conference.

You’ll thank me later.

And if you are not in Portland or the Pacific Northwest, I suggest that you find a writer’s conference near you OR make plans now to be here for next year’s Willamette Writer’s Conference.

And be sure to look me up if you come.

MY SUMMER 2007 SCHEDULE

JUNE 2007

OWC Presents! Me.
How to juggle writing with your already busy life
Monday, June 25, 7 p.m. @ Powell’s, Oregon Writer’s Colony Presents, Beaverton, OR, Info at Powell’s Events: http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/calendar, Free

JULY 2007

Pacific Northwest Writers Conference
Chutes and Ladders of a Writer’s Career: Healthy Habits of Productive Writers
Saturday, July 28, 2007, from 8:30 to 10:00a.m. Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center, 17620 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, WA 98188
Registration required

AUGUST 2007

Willamette Writers Conference: Registration Required
Portland Airport Sheraton Hotel, Portland, OR

Thursday, August 2nd: Writers Faire 2007, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Willamette Writers and Oregon Writers Colony join forces to feature local writers and their published works. Come speak with these talented authors, buy their books, and get them autographed. I’ll be signing copies of Writer Mama!

My presentations at the conference include:

Friday, August 3rd: 10:30-12:00 a.m.
Forget Non-fiction Features: Write Short and Get Published!

Sunday, August 5th:
1:30-2:45 p.m. Part 1: Get Known Before the Book Deal: Platform Building Basics
3:15-4:30 p.m. Part 2: Get Known Before the Book Deal: Platform Building Basics

August 18th: Two six-week Writers on the Rise e-mail classes begin!

• Writing & Publishing the Short Stuff

• Pitching Practice: Write Six Queries in Six Weeks

Here’s what a recent student from Writing and Publishing the Short Stuff had to say:

This was the most helpful writing class I have ever taken. The way Christina structured the assignments got me over some mental hurdles about what I’m capable of. I liked how some of the assignments built upon the previous ones, allowing for a painless trip to a great final outcome. I also appreciated learning how to submit finished work because I feel more ready to do that vs. querying at this point. Christina is knowledgeable, organized and an excellent teacher. I felt very comfortable under her tutelage. The class is well worth the cost.

Complete details available here. Classes fill quickly, so register early to save your spot.

Whidbey Island Writers Association Fall Residency
August 21-23rd
I have been invited to the Whidbey Island Writers Association Fall Residency where I’ll be teaching alongside Andrea Hurst (of Andrea Hurst Literary Management), Marvin Bell (the prolific poet), and Holly MacArthur (managing editor of Tin House literary magazine). My topic is “Creating Your Writing Career From the Ground Up.” To learn more about the only MFA program in the country not affiliated with a college or University, click here.