I've been tagged by:
Misha Gericke
I'll answer Misha's questions, then I'll offer my own and I'll follow Misha's lead by selecting some of followers from my blog. Great idea Misha! (a getting to know you tag)
THE RULES ARE:
I answer 11 questions and make up 11 of my own. I tag and link to 11 other bloggers. You who are tagged are asked to do the same on your blog.
My Answers to Misha:
1. Do you believe in fate?
Yes, Fate brought me to Canada.
2. How the heck do you write and have a life?
I write whenever I can, in the morning (preferred) or on the road when I'm a passenger. It keeps me from telling someone how to drive.
3. If you were in a written story, which character trope would you most likely have followed?
The fallen angel. (I'd follow Wilde's advice about resisting everything except temptation. . . )
4. Sweet or Savory?
How about a bit of both?
5. What's your big dream?
See the Earth from space or from the Moon.
6. Fondest memory?
First meeting the man I'm married to now. Felt like I had known him before or had been waiting for him.
7. What's your biggest wish? (world peace does not count)
Can I be greedy and have two? I'd wish for my oldest daughter's health to improve from a chronic condition she has, and to be published, of course.
8. Would you rather have an exciting life and be alone or find the great love of your life and live a relatively normal one?
I did find the love of my life and I'm married to him.
9. Have you ever done something, only to realize a half a second later that you made a mistake?
You mean like closing the door to your car and seeing the keys still in the ignition. . .?
10. Did you try to go back and fix it, or did you follow through?
For the locked in keys, I called a car service, for big faux pas, it would depend on the mistake.
11. Do you edit while writing or after the draft is done?
I find it hard not to edit while writing, but even Dean Koontz admits editing as he goes. I think it's the perfectionist tendencies some of us have.
***
MY TAGGED BLOGGERS:
1 - Spunk on a Stick (L. Diane Wolfe)
2 - The Writing Nut (Nutschell)
3 - Seeing Creative (Stina)
4 - Veronica and Thomas - Taking the Artistic World. . .
5 - Sherry E - The Mama Diaries
6 - J. T. Lewis - Did I Stutter?
7 - The Ramblings of a Peacock - Michelle
8 - Susan Says - Susan
9 - Alexia Purdy Blog - Alexia
10 - Claudia Del Balso, Writer - Claudia
11 - Jen's Bookshelf - Jen
*****
My 11 Questions For Those Tagged Are:
(updated Feb.17/12)
1 - How long have you blogged?
2 - Do you have a pet?
3 - Do you like film noir?
4 - Do you pick male or female protagonists the most when you write?
5 - Which female actor in LOTR would you want to be if offered a part in the movie?
6 - Which male actor in LOTR would you want to be if offered a part in the movie? (this is assuming Makeup and Costume can do miracles. . .)
7 - Where do you write? (which room, or place is most comfortable)
8 - What beverage is beside you while you're writing?
9 - Do you listen to Music while writing?
10 - What is your favorite city?
11 - Is there a phone in your writing place?
(In my study where I write, I have a landline. Do you have any communication device that can disturb you nearby?)
***
That's it, I tried to make the questions short and sweet and the answers can be too.
Please pass the tag along. Misha (at My First Book) sent me the details. Hope you can participate.
Thanks Misha, for the opportunity to highlight a few followers' blogs.
****
Any comments? Hope you'll get a chance to check some of the blogs above.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
ORIGINS Blogfest 2012
Tell us for the Origins Blogfest . . . when did you first pick up that pen or sit in front of that keypad and begin to create a story, or a column, a poem, or a book? (Not for school or because you had to, but because you wanted to write something down that was in your head)
When did I first start writing stories?
After reading Tolkien’s The Hobbit for the first time, I wanted to write like that, to weave a story thread like he did. This book introduced me to the fantasy genre. I breezed through the Lord of the Ring books that followed. Reading fantasy led to reading science fiction, and there I decided to stay and see what I could create.
Thanks for dropping by. Hope you can share one of your writing memories in the comments below. I'll be sure to answer and check out your blog.
***
The Origins Blogfest is brought to you by 4 co-host Bloggers: (you can sign up on these sites)
DL at Cruisin' Altitude
Alex at Alex J. Cavanaugh
Matt at The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiement
Katie at Creepy Query Girl
Want to participate?
First, you need to sign up to participate via the handy dandy Linky tool at DL's site or any of the other host blogs above. The Linky lists, details, and badges are found there. Have fun checking out the list!
***
 |
| When did your writing dreams begin? |
Tell us for the Origins Blogfest . . . when did you first pick up that pen or sit in front of that keypad and begin to create a story, or a column, a poem, or a book? (Not for school or because you had to, but because you wanted to write something down that was in your head)
When did I first start writing stories?
After reading Tolkien’s The Hobbit for the first time, I wanted to write like that, to weave a story thread like he did. This book introduced me to the fantasy genre. I breezed through the Lord of the Ring books that followed. Reading fantasy led to reading science fiction, and there I decided to stay and see what I could create.
Thanks for dropping by. Hope you can share one of your writing memories in the comments below. I'll be sure to answer and check out your blog.
***
The Origins Blogfest is brought to you by 4 co-host Bloggers: (you can sign up on these sites)
DL at Cruisin' Altitude
Alex at Alex J. Cavanaugh
Matt at The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiement
Katie at Creepy Query Girl
Want to participate?
First, you need to sign up to participate via the handy dandy Linky tool at DL's site or any of the other host blogs above. The Linky lists, details, and badges are found there. Have fun checking out the list!
***
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
PARIS - City of Light
 |
| Eiffel Tower Lights the Evening - DGH 2010 |
Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
Paris with all its lights on shows us a city proud to flaunt its beauty. It’s an impressive sight at night, when buildings take on a golden glow and the Eiffel Tower changes colour by the hour.
***
 |
| Bright Cafe Lights on the Right Bank - by DGH |
In the Marais when evening falls, walkers fill the streets looking for a place to eat and a spot to people watch by the Seine River. On the side streets, light spills out from the cafés and bistros onto the sidewalk, while the cosy tables invite us to stop.
***
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| Bateau Parisiennes Tour - Illuminations - by Green Eye |
Illumination Tours
Bateau Parisienne is one of several companies that provide tours of the Seine River day and night. Boats are open style or covered, depending on the weather, and provide an excellent view of the buildings in their evening finery. There are also driving tours available if you prefer the land route.
The unique design of the bridges can be seen as you slip quietly beneath. From this level, it’s also easier to see the detail of architectural grotesques and the unique style of the different bridges. I imagine scenes from the past when beaches ran down to the Seine River, and a few of the oldest bridges were new.
***
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| Look Way Up at Notre Dame - by DG Hudson |
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame looms over the Seine, its haunting Gothic style highlighted by the evening glow of lights. Refer to 'Paris - Architecture Smorgasbord (from my 21st Century blog) for more photos and detail on this inspired building.
***
Hôtel de Ville
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| Evening shot of Hotel de Ville with Signposts - by DGH |
The Hôtel de Ville watches over the plaza in front, its sculptures lit from beneath. This is Paris City Hall. The quiet fountain off the the side bubbles pleasantly as we walk by, heading to our rental apartment. Public events such as fund-raisers are staged in the square at times. On those occasions, the building dons a different dress. (see 'Transformed photo' in sidebar)
http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/hoteldeville.htm Hôtel de Ville
***
Hôtel-Dieu de Paris
The illuminated photo of this building appears in another recent Paris post, Apartment Rentals and Booked Tours.
Hôtel-Dieu de Paris is the oldest hospital in Paris, and sits next to Notre Dame on the Île de la Cité. It was also the only hospital until the Renaissance. A few of the towers facing the Seine River have retained their medieval style complete with conical roofs. Below is the day version.
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| Hotel D'ieu's conical towers at left - by DG Hudson |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B4tel-Dieu_de_Paris Hotel D'ieu
***
Seine River bridges
Always lots to see, on the river or on the bridges.
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| Bridge and Tour boat on the Seine River by DG Hudson |
***
Samaritain Paris
This department store in the 1st Arrondisement closed in 2005. In 2010, the lights still celebrated the store's past. I liked the current design and the lights. Who knows how long this version will last?
More info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Samaritaine.
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| Samaritaine in the Evening by DGH |
A photographer's dream, that's Paris. It's the urge to capture the essence of the brightness, the thing that gives the city that overall glow. And I don't mean electricity.
What is it about lights - the neon that seduces us, marquees that invite us in and special lights that enthrall us at certain times of the year? In Paris, they keep it going year round and light up the best places.
Do you know of cities like Paris that enhance themselves in the evening with lights, or other public events so people feel comfortable walking about?
Please share if you do.
*****
Saturday, December 31, 2011
PARIS - Apartment Rentals and Booked Tours
Paris is an intriguing city, offering something unique to each person who visits. This post details a couple of ways to enjoy your trip and perhaps save time or money. We had two weeks, a rental apartment, an itinerary, Paris guidebooks, French phrasebooks and maps. We wanted to walk the streets where so many historical and literary figures have gone before us, we wanted to see the museums, the palaces, the artist hangouts, and the local cafes. Our favourites: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Monet’s Garden, the Seine River and its many bridges, the Isle St. Louis, Montmartre, and the Marais. It’s hard to pick just one.
Rental Apartments
Our rented apartment was in the Marais, 4th Arrondisement, right on the Rue de Rivoli. This area has many townhomes and manors which have been converted into combined private residences/designer rentals and boutique hotels. Renting an apartment in Paris is highly recommended, but do your research well. Some places are suitable for students and groups of friends on a budget, others for couples or families looking for a bit more. We selected the company A La Carte for several reasons. They were offering the types of apartments that we wanted in the areas we wanted (on the Right Bank, near the Marais and near the Louvre Museum). Costs vary by size of apartment, high or low season rates and location.
A La Carte’s website provides all the information you need including availability for booking. What we saw online was exactly that in reality, and the location was perfect for us. The costs are comparable and in some cases better than equivalent hotels in the same area. Our apartment was between the Louvre and the Place De La Bastille, a few blocks over from the Seine River right on the famed Rue de Rivoli. We booked a one bedroom with a tidy kitchen/dining area, living room, shower, wifi connection with flat screen TV, microwave, and apartment size laundry. Being on the fourth floor we knew the view would be great, but we made sure there was an elevator. We just didn’t know it was truly a petite Parisian elevator. Cozy.
The rental agency supplied their own customized guide in the apartment (suited to that particular area). It was a lifesaver. The rental company also left a complimentary bottle of wine and a bowl of fruit to welcome us. We enjoyed being able to locate the small grocery nearby that had everything we needed, finding the local boulangerie (bakery) where we bought our first and daily baguette (or two) and discovering the many local bistros and cafes nearby. The sounds of Paris drifted up to our window every day as soon as I opened the windows. September is a great time to visit with mild weather and fewer crowds. The only time we left Paris was on a one day coach tour to Monet’s Garden and Versailles.
Our taxis, with English speaking drivers, were booked by our rental agency for our arrival at CDG airport and for our departure. The cost was 80 Euros one-way. We were driven to our apartment in large comfortable European sedans. Luxe. The drivers contracted with A La Carte escort you and your luggage up to the apartment and carry your luggage to the taxi when you depart. So much better than my expected visions of haggling with the taxi drivers. For someone used to hauling her own luggage, it was nice.
***
Booked Tours
All of our excursions were booked with Viator Tours - Paris. This company offers an excellent selection of tours, and friendly staff. The office we visited was near the Tuilleries. Our tour guides were well-informed, multilingual and managed their groups well. Very professional.
Tours we selected:
• Monet’s Garden, a day trip by coach to Giverny, includes a tour of Monet’s house, with access to his famed Water Garden and the flower gardens. Included are two additional stops. Lunch at Le Moulin Fourges, an old mill location that provides a seated lunch with a pre-planned menu served by staff. This is a welcome break in the coach trip between Giverny and Versailles.
Later, we arrive at Versailles, the golden palace. The grandness of the estate cannot help but awe those who see it for the first time. In 2010, the gilt was fresh and the palace was crowded, but our intrepid blue leader guide led us through the Hall of Mirrors, the royal bedchambers, and some of the galleries. From the natural to the gilded, the French celebrate both.
• Paris Illuminations Tour (Group access to 1st level of the Eiffel Tower, an evening Seine River cruise on the Bateaux Parisiennes with the return City Illuminations tour). We had plenty of time on the Eiffel Tower for photographs and the gift shop, but no meals. If you want to eat at the Eiffel Tower or while cruising, look for casual or formal dinner cruises. There are many variations to suit everyone’s taste.
• Walking tour of Montmartre starting at the Blanche Metro station. We walked past the Moulin Rouge, on our way to meet up with the group of about 12 people. The tour took us past Van Gogh’s house, a hidden Montmartre vineyard, the famed Bateau Lavoir, Tertre Square and ended at the Sacre Coeur. I detailed this one in Paris Walks.
Getting Around: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Les Cars Rouges - (the Red tour bus) the stop nearest us was on the Isle St. Louis near Notre Dame, you can buy the tickets online or on the bus, get on and off for two days @ 24 Euros per person, good value, great orientation to the city on arrival. They stop at all the major tourist sites and allow you to get on and off with your pass. A fellow traveller recommended it over the Metro. It’s nice to see where you’re going aboveground, and it’s much easier going around the L’Etoile when there’s a French driver at the wheel.
Whether you prefer an apartment or a hotel, the right accommodations can make or break a vacation. Location, cost and the personal touch are important. We were located in the middle of Paris, but the apartment was as quiet as could be when the windows were shut at night. We leaned out our 4th floor apartment on October 2, 2010 at midnight, gazed down the Rue de Rivoli and watched the celebrations of Nuit Blanche (a Paris street party) promising ourselves that we’d be back.
REFERENCES
A La Carte Paris -- Designer Rental Apartments in Paris
http://www.alacarte-paris-apartments.com/
Viator Tours booking site
http://www.viator.com/Paris/d479-ttd
***
Have you ever rented an apartment in a city you’re visiting? Which city?
***
Disclaimer: The businesses mentioned in this post are recommended based on our experience. We were satisfied with their service and would use both again.
 |
| Eiffel Tower framing Trocadero - by DGH 2010 |
Paris is an intriguing city, offering something unique to each person who visits. This post details a couple of ways to enjoy your trip and perhaps save time or money. We had two weeks, a rental apartment, an itinerary, Paris guidebooks, French phrasebooks and maps. We wanted to walk the streets where so many historical and literary figures have gone before us, we wanted to see the museums, the palaces, the artist hangouts, and the local cafes. Our favourites: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Monet’s Garden, the Seine River and its many bridges, the Isle St. Louis, Montmartre, and the Marais. It’s hard to pick just one.
 |
| View from our Paris Rental Apartment - by DGH 2010 |
Rental Apartments
Our rented apartment was in the Marais, 4th Arrondisement, right on the Rue de Rivoli. This area has many townhomes and manors which have been converted into combined private residences/designer rentals and boutique hotels. Renting an apartment in Paris is highly recommended, but do your research well. Some places are suitable for students and groups of friends on a budget, others for couples or families looking for a bit more. We selected the company A La Carte for several reasons. They were offering the types of apartments that we wanted in the areas we wanted (on the Right Bank, near the Marais and near the Louvre Museum). Costs vary by size of apartment, high or low season rates and location.
A La Carte’s website provides all the information you need including availability for booking. What we saw online was exactly that in reality, and the location was perfect for us. The costs are comparable and in some cases better than equivalent hotels in the same area. Our apartment was between the Louvre and the Place De La Bastille, a few blocks over from the Seine River right on the famed Rue de Rivoli. We booked a one bedroom with a tidy kitchen/dining area, living room, shower, wifi connection with flat screen TV, microwave, and apartment size laundry. Being on the fourth floor we knew the view would be great, but we made sure there was an elevator. We just didn’t know it was truly a petite Parisian elevator. Cozy.
The rental agency supplied their own customized guide in the apartment (suited to that particular area). It was a lifesaver. The rental company also left a complimentary bottle of wine and a bowl of fruit to welcome us. We enjoyed being able to locate the small grocery nearby that had everything we needed, finding the local boulangerie (bakery) where we bought our first and daily baguette (or two) and discovering the many local bistros and cafes nearby. The sounds of Paris drifted up to our window every day as soon as I opened the windows. September is a great time to visit with mild weather and fewer crowds. The only time we left Paris was on a one day coach tour to Monet’s Garden and Versailles.
Our taxis, with English speaking drivers, were booked by our rental agency for our arrival at CDG airport and for our departure. The cost was 80 Euros one-way. We were driven to our apartment in large comfortable European sedans. Luxe. The drivers contracted with A La Carte escort you and your luggage up to the apartment and carry your luggage to the taxi when you depart. So much better than my expected visions of haggling with the taxi drivers. For someone used to hauling her own luggage, it was nice.
***
 |
| Monet's Water Garden, Giverny - 2010 by DG Hudson |
Booked Tours
All of our excursions were booked with Viator Tours - Paris. This company offers an excellent selection of tours, and friendly staff. The office we visited was near the Tuilleries. Our tour guides were well-informed, multilingual and managed their groups well. Very professional.
Tours we selected:
• Monet’s Garden, a day trip by coach to Giverny, includes a tour of Monet’s house, with access to his famed Water Garden and the flower gardens. Included are two additional stops. Lunch at Le Moulin Fourges, an old mill location that provides a seated lunch with a pre-planned menu served by staff. This is a welcome break in the coach trip between Giverny and Versailles.
 |
| Versailles, France, Hall of Mirrors - by DG Hudson |
Later, we arrive at Versailles, the golden palace. The grandness of the estate cannot help but awe those who see it for the first time. In 2010, the gilt was fresh and the palace was crowded, but our intrepid blue leader guide led us through the Hall of Mirrors, the royal bedchambers, and some of the galleries. From the natural to the gilded, the French celebrate both.
 |
| Paris - Bridge over the River Seine 2010 by DGH |
• Paris Illuminations Tour (Group access to 1st level of the Eiffel Tower, an evening Seine River cruise on the Bateaux Parisiennes with the return City Illuminations tour). We had plenty of time on the Eiffel Tower for photographs and the gift shop, but no meals. If you want to eat at the Eiffel Tower or while cruising, look for casual or formal dinner cruises. There are many variations to suit everyone’s taste.
 |
| Paris - a Montmartre Cafe 2010 by DG Hudson |
• Walking tour of Montmartre starting at the Blanche Metro station. We walked past the Moulin Rouge, on our way to meet up with the group of about 12 people. The tour took us past Van Gogh’s house, a hidden Montmartre vineyard, the famed Bateau Lavoir, Tertre Square and ended at the Sacre Coeur. I detailed this one in Paris Walks.
Getting Around: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Les Cars Rouges - (the Red tour bus) the stop nearest us was on the Isle St. Louis near Notre Dame, you can buy the tickets online or on the bus, get on and off for two days @ 24 Euros per person, good value, great orientation to the city on arrival. They stop at all the major tourist sites and allow you to get on and off with your pass. A fellow traveller recommended it over the Metro. It’s nice to see where you’re going aboveground, and it’s much easier going around the L’Etoile when there’s a French driver at the wheel.
 |
| Paris - Arc de Triomphe 2010 - by DG Hudson |
Whether you prefer an apartment or a hotel, the right accommodations can make or break a vacation. Location, cost and the personal touch are important. We were located in the middle of Paris, but the apartment was as quiet as could be when the windows were shut at night. We leaned out our 4th floor apartment on October 2, 2010 at midnight, gazed down the Rue de Rivoli and watched the celebrations of Nuit Blanche (a Paris street party) promising ourselves that we’d be back.
 |
| Paris -Nuit Blanche, Oct 2, 2010 - DGH |
REFERENCES
A La Carte Paris -- Designer Rental Apartments in Paris
http://www.alacarte-paris-apartments.com/
Viator Tours booking site
http://www.viator.com/Paris/d479-ttd
***
Have you ever rented an apartment in a city you’re visiting? Which city?
***
Disclaimer: The businesses mentioned in this post are recommended based on our experience. We were satisfied with their service and would use both again.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Rainforest Pickings #7 - 11 Writing Sites for 2011
Four Guys named Santa. . .
Here’s my pick of the writer sites that I’ve found helpful, and those that keep me coming back. Lists can save time, and most writers can use more time. In 2011, many bloggers assessed their blogging schedules and social media management. The result appears to be a move away from daily blogging, a change that makes it easier for readers to keep up with reading and writers to do more writing.
The following blogs offer a diverse selection of newsletters and email notification, forums, humour, blog events, and discussions of the ongoing changes in publishing. Read on and when you have time, browse the links. You might discover something new.
Alex J. Cavanaugh, author, movie reviewer, Science Fiction
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
Guide to Literary Agents
http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/
Hope Clark, author, & FFW
http://hopeclark.blogspot.com/
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/
Jane Friedman, Media Professor, & Speaker
http://janefriedman.com/
Konrath, J. A., Author & Self-pub Advocate
http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/
Nathan Bransford, author, MG
http://blog.nathanbransford.com/
Rachelle Gardner, literary agent
http://www.rachellegardner.com/
The Alchemy of Writing Blog - flash fiction, humour, book reviews
http://alchemyofwriting.blogspot.com/
The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiment - query analysis, creature analysis & blog events
http://theqqqe.blogspot.com/
Writers Beware Blog (watchdog for writers/supported by SFWA)
http://accrispin.blogspot.com/
Writer’s Digest
http://www.writersdigest.com/
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/questions-and-quandaries
Do you have a particular site you find helpful for writing? Please share in the comments.
***
Enjoy the Season! Both of these photos showcase a friend's talent for making felt Santas and paper Angels. I just took the photos.
Here’s my pick of the writer sites that I’ve found helpful, and those that keep me coming back. Lists can save time, and most writers can use more time. In 2011, many bloggers assessed their blogging schedules and social media management. The result appears to be a move away from daily blogging, a change that makes it easier for readers to keep up with reading and writers to do more writing.
The following blogs offer a diverse selection of newsletters and email notification, forums, humour, blog events, and discussions of the ongoing changes in publishing. Read on and when you have time, browse the links. You might discover something new.
Alex J. Cavanaugh, author, movie reviewer, Science Fiction
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
Guide to Literary Agents
http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/
Hope Clark, author, & FFW
http://hopeclark.blogspot.com/
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/
Jane Friedman, Media Professor, & Speaker
http://janefriedman.com/
Konrath, J. A., Author & Self-pub Advocate
http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/
Nathan Bransford, author, MG
http://blog.nathanbransford.com/
Rachelle Gardner, literary agent
http://www.rachellegardner.com/
The Alchemy of Writing Blog - flash fiction, humour, book reviews
http://alchemyofwriting.blogspot.com/
The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiment - query analysis, creature analysis & blog events
http://theqqqe.blogspot.com/
Writers Beware Blog (watchdog for writers/supported by SFWA)
http://accrispin.blogspot.com/
Writer’s Digest
http://www.writersdigest.com/
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/questions-and-quandaries
Do you have a particular site you find helpful for writing? Please share in the comments.
***
Enjoy the Season! Both of these photos showcase a friend's talent for making felt Santas and paper Angels. I just took the photos.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Surrey International Writer's Conference
DG’s Review - SIWC 2011
Starting on October 20th, I attended a local writers conference - the Surrey International Writers Conference - in its 19th year. SIWC offers a selection of conference packages which you can select to fit your own time commitment and budget. There was no time to take photos, so I've substituted photos of the Vancouver area. These photos show that we do have a few sunny days in the British Columbia Rainforest.
Cost vs. Value
This conference delivers great value and flexible options. SIWC tries to keep the costs fair and reasonable for the attendees. Check the rates on this year's registration page.
There are several options to choose from:
Master Classes:
These advanced 3 hour classes are presented by well-known literary agents, authors, or editors. The morning, afternoon, or evening sessions are presented in conference room format with a short break. Bring a notepad or a laptop to record your notes as the instructor takes you through exercises that will improve your writing. In the evening class I attended taught by Donald Maass, there were approximately 130 people.
For my money, it was well worth the cost. I'd like a smaller group size, but affordability is more important. This class covered the three levels of story construction, and included on the spot writing exercises to improve your characters, setting, and plot.
Critique and Pitch Appointments
I booked my appointments in June 2011 when registration opened. One pitch and one critique is included with your registration, but subsequent bookings for agent/editor pitches and author critiques must be done at the conference to ensure everyone gets a chance. There were lineups for bookings at the conference on the Friday that I attended. Best advice: Get there early for a better selection.
Included with the conference workshops and panels, are the Trade Show, the Book Fair and Signing, and Writing contests. I've only commented on the parts of the conference that I participated in, which was a sampling of the offerings.
More details are available on the site of the Surrey International Writers' Conference.
***
Anyone else had any recent experience at a retreat, conference, or workshop?
 |
| Vancouver City Skyline - by DGH |
Starting on October 20th, I attended a local writers conference - the Surrey International Writers Conference - in its 19th year. SIWC offers a selection of conference packages which you can select to fit your own time commitment and budget. There was no time to take photos, so I've substituted photos of the Vancouver area. These photos show that we do have a few sunny days in the British Columbia Rainforest.
 |
| Brockton Point, Vancouver, Canada - by DGH |
Cost vs. Value
This conference delivers great value and flexible options. SIWC tries to keep the costs fair and reasonable for the attendees. Check the rates on this year's registration page.
There are several options to choose from:
- full 3-day, Friday - Sunday conference package (meals, workshops, events)
- conference basic - 3 days of conference workshops and keynotes, no meals or evening events
- one-day only Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
- Master classes are not included in the conference costs, and they are offered the day before as an adjunct to the conference.
Master Classes:
These advanced 3 hour classes are presented by well-known literary agents, authors, or editors. The morning, afternoon, or evening sessions are presented in conference room format with a short break. Bring a notepad or a laptop to record your notes as the instructor takes you through exercises that will improve your writing. In the evening class I attended taught by Donald Maass, there were approximately 130 people.
For my money, it was well worth the cost. I'd like a smaller group size, but affordability is more important. This class covered the three levels of story construction, and included on the spot writing exercises to improve your characters, setting, and plot.
 |
| Vancouver - Trolley bus on the right - CP Train Station at end |
Critique and Pitch Appointments
I booked my appointments in June 2011 when registration opened. One pitch and one critique is included with your registration, but subsequent bookings for agent/editor pitches and author critiques must be done at the conference to ensure everyone gets a chance. There were lineups for bookings at the conference on the Friday that I attended. Best advice: Get there early for a better selection.
- Pitch - 10 minutes. The process of getting from the lineup to the waiting area and in to see the actual person works better than I expected, thanks to the organization of the many volunteers. I had enough time to pitch the novel, ask a few questions and discuss a few items.
- Critique - 15 minutes. In same room as above pitch appointments; one critique with a new Fantasy author and one with a very well-known science fiction/fantasy writer. Both offered insights with their crits as to saleability, and tips on formatting and construction. Exactly what I was looking for.
Included with the conference workshops and panels, are the Trade Show, the Book Fair and Signing, and Writing contests. I've only commented on the parts of the conference that I participated in, which was a sampling of the offerings.
More details are available on the site of the Surrey International Writers' Conference.
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Anyone else had any recent experience at a retreat, conference, or workshop?
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Halloween Blog Hop!
Starting Friday, and continuing over the Halloween weekend October 28-31, Jeremy Bates is hosting a Halloween Blog Hop. All the details are at his site (or you can use the Linky list at the bottom of this post):
Join in the fun and discover a few new blogs. You've got four days to browse the list and see who's who. . . in between the fireworks and pumpkins and little ghosts and fairies.
Participants are requested to:
• Visit as many of the other blogs as you can in the Linky List below
• Follow the site or comment when a blog appeals to you
• Tell us your favorite monster movie or book
• Share what your Halloween costume will be
My answer to Jeremy's blog hop requirements:
- Fave monster/Book: God Emperor of DUNE - the part human, mostly sandworm creature of Frank Herbert's DUNE series who tries to 'become' the Worm.
- The Lady in Black costume (this covers many variations: the deadly black widow, the dark witch, the French Existentialist, the retro Beatnik, the vampy Goth, you get the idea. . .)
Have a look around at either of my blogs (they're on the list), and follow if it appeals to you. Hope you have a great weekend!
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