This Week at WriterCon (May 5)
Retreat to Canebrake Luxury Resort and Write Your Heart Out!
Welcome! I’ve been absent for a couple of weeks because we were on the WriterCon Cruise, but we’re back. We had a great time working with some terrific writers. We combined both large-group talks and small-group analysis and critique—and still had time to for fun in the sun in the Western Caribbean.
There will be another WriterCon Cruise next year, but with a different itinerary. More details soon!
The WriterCon Retreat
Canebrake, a luxury resort about 40 minutes from Tulsa, is the new site of the WriterCon Retreat, July 17-21. Canebrake is gorgeous and, in addition to providing the perfect facilities for our retreat, they have a spa, pool, hiking trails, fishing, golf instruction, you name it, they got it. Here’s the best part: our low cost for the Retreat includes all instruction plus five days and four nights at Canebrake—food included! Out-of-state visitors can fly into Tulsa and Canebrake will provide a shuttle. Space is limited! For more info, visit the website.
WriterCon Annual Conference
And be sure to take look a look at the annual WriterCon conference in OKC, August 30-September 2 (Labor Day weekend). More than 50 speakers, more than 70 breakout sessions, unlimited pitching, and much more. I know that’s a long way off, but I mention it now because the Early Bird prices will end on May 31—so if you’re thinking about registering—do it now and save at least $100! For more info, visit: www.writercon.com
The Latest News (click the headlines for more info)
Just in case you missed it, here's the article that's creating a huge buzz on the internet, mostly due to its title. In truth, reading is up, particularly with young people, and yes, there are fewer bestsellers and publishers love series and legacy authors, but that's not the whole story. If you don't want Big Five treatment, there are many fine smaller publishers.
Amazon is Filled With Garbage Books
Red Alert! There are a lot of trash books on Amazon. Make sure you avoid them—and make sure they aren't ripping you off.
Opportunities (click the headlines for more info)
I thought it would be useful if we periodically posted information about new opportunities for writers. You never know when you might find exactly what you’ve been looking for.
New publisher: JVL Media
Viola Davis (yes, that Viola Davis) and her husband, Julius Tennon, have created a new publishing house, JVL Media, with Davis’s co-publisher on her memoir, Lavaille Lavette. It will publish adult, young adult, and children’s titles.
New Publishing Company Established by Self-Pub Authors
Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, the co-authors of the bestselling Zodiac Academy series, have launched Dark Ink Publishing. The first title will be the final book in the Zodiac Academy series. Dark Ink will re-release the previous eight titles this summer. Simon & Schuster will distribute.
Meet Jon Meyers: WriterCon Speaker & Magazine Cartoonist
You may recognize Jon’s name because he has been a frequent contributor to WriterCon Magazine of both articles and hilarious cartoons about the book world. He will also be speaking at WriterCon this year. Listen to what he says about the Retreat!
The WriterCon Podcast
Our latest episode (#159) features an interview with Chaz Ebert, CEO of Roger Ebert Digital, named for her late husband, the Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic. She is also the author of a new book called It’s Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion and Kindness. Plus lots of news from the writing world. Did you know James Patterson is getting a tv show? Or that Facebook wanted to buy Simon & Schuster so its AI engine could scrape all the books? Have you checked out the Storiaverse app? Learn about all this and much more from the WriterCon podcast. Like and subscribe!
WriterCon Photos
Since I’m getting very excited about the Canebrake Retreat, this week’s photo comes from a previous Retreat in New Orleans. How does the Retreat differ from the conference? Small groups. Yes, we all meet together at the start of the day, then we break up into smaller units so you can get first-rate feedback on your work-in-progress. The smaller size makes it easier to form friendships (or if you prefer, networking) that may be of benefit for your entire writing career. Come join the fun!
See You Real Soon!
Till next time, WriterCon Crew, keep writing, and remember—you cannot fail if you refuse to quit.
William Bernhardt
willbern@gmail.com
www.writercon.com
You are very welcome!
Thanks for the info