Memories and Writing Tips of a South Florida Writers Association Conference

The weekend of May, 16-18, 2003. I was nestled in the heart of Barry's University (Miami, Florida) lush, tropical, campus, among fellow writers and chapter members of the South Florida Writers Association.

I was being stimulated, impacted and sparked by the flames of presenters with names the likes of John Dufresne, Judith Welsh, Michael Sasser, Marcia Preston, Mandy Greenfield and Susan Cumins among others, evolving. During this evolution, the nuggets and pearls of writing, publishing, net-working, friendships and motivation flowed, energizing the more than 200 attendees and participants.

There were opportunities to listen, take notes, contemplate, discuss, net-work, have your work evaluated, present your book for sale and to showcase yourself and your work- whether it be prose, poetry, drama, fiction, or non-fiction on Friday night during a Poetry and Fiction Slam. With much delight we were entertained with a variety of six minutes readings from the audience and participants. The finale of the evening was a Tea and Crumpet Soiree enjoyed amid chatter, laughter, sharing and renewal of friendships.

The highlights of the weekend for me were:

Friday evening's Guest speaker, John Dufresne discussion on "An Author's Perspective."

Saturday evening's Dinner and Keynote Speaker, Marcia Preston discussion on "The Six Keys to Successful Publication"

Sunday morning's Breakfast and Panel Discussion, "The Changing Marketplace"

Panel: Mandy Greenfield, moderator, Sheree Bykofsky, Michael Sasser, Vicki McCash

Brennen, Don Lessne, Macia Preston and Susan Cumins.

I particularly enjoyed the talks by Michael Sasser, Marcia Preston, Judith Welsh and Susan Cumins and from the reports of others, the sessions I was not able to attend were also motivating.

Here are some excerpts from a couple of the excellent presenters at the conference.

John Dufresne: "Writing is how you think best."

"Fiction is writing about what you don't know."

"No other art can move us as literature does."

"Write from the heart, write about what you are afraid of, what you are ashamed of, what you don't want to know about yourself."

Michael Sasser: "The two most important aspects of Freelance Writing are: Net-working and Professionalism."

" It is important to build relationships, your assets are the people you meet."

"Freelance writing is not only an art, it is a business."

"The local market is important, it is the best place to start."

Have you been to a Writers Conference lately?
This is a good time to attend one of them.