Willamette Damn It
Monday, 08/09/2010 
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That is how I was taught to properly pronounce 'Willamette' when I first moved to Oregon [properly pronounced a knife 'or a gun' - also taught to me when I first moved out west].
This August was my first attendance at Willamette Writers Conference. I ended up there through my public readings. That first nerve-wracked Sunday in February when I read "Translations", was a step down a road I could not see. Now I look back and think, 'wow'. One thing really does lead to the next.
Ellen Waterston told me not to take 'no' for an answer [wish I had the choice] and told me I 'must' go to Willamette Writers this year [2010]. I've impressed other folks since with my stories and won some fans [my first fan was so exciting]. But, it was that first reading that set me on this path. When I got home, I looked Willamette Writers up online and made plans to go.
I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had two first drafts done for two different novels and was about to start final edits on the first. So, I was certain I would have a finished product by August [and we all know I was hard at work on it until last Tuesday]. I had only done one pitch [by mail] for the novel and then held back. Why? I knew I jumped the gun. I knew the book wasn't ready and my pitch was a mess. I knew I had to fix the novel before I pitched it again. I was in the middle of novel#2, so waited to fix 1 until I was done with 2.
With the help of my friends in Central Oregon Writers Guild, my critique group and online research of my own, I got ready - edited and revised the novel and got the business end done. I still was not sure what to expect when I got to Portland on Friday night.
For one, the hotel was packed. There were 1,000 or more writers attending. I met people from Italy, Canada and all over the US. Most folks attending were from Oregon though. Oregon grows and attracts writers like weeds. Why? Maybe it's something in the water. Although there's not so much water on this side of the Cascades. Maybe because you feel like you can breathe on the west coast and, thus, feel you have the time to try writing or whatever flames your passions.
What was really great, the conference provided 'pitch practice' before you went into a pitch. So, I went and signed up - bright and early as my first pitch was at 9:45. I took what advice and help the kind person playing agent / editor had to offer.
At Willamette Writers, the writer or aspiring film / TV attendee has access to top-notch people in the business. A foot in the door if you do well. I can say you don't even have to be spot-on with your pitch. You just have to be ready. By that I mean, study the industry. Know what publishers and agents want, especially from new writers. Then deliver your story within that package. Be professional. Look professional. Get a pitch together and practice hitting the highlights. Bonus that you will really know your subject. Take steps to show you're a serious, committed writer - go out and read your stories, get a web presence, get involved. Join a writers group. You will learn invaluable information from other writers and speakers. Take initiative. Realize your career is in your hands and not somebody else's. Be yourself. This is potentially someone you'll be working with.
I think face-to-face [scary as it is] is a fabulous way to pitch. Maybe the pitch isn't perfect, but the agent / editor gets to see you and your passion and excitement. That's something you can't put in a letter.
I'm awkward, stink at small talk and come off as a reserved person when I first meet people. I'm really not reserved, but that's what I show until I get to know somebody. I was tongue-tied and nervous, but I did all right.
I think I feel more nervous now. It wasn't until the drive home yesterday that it hit me what exactly I had just done. Another step forward.
Well, I have some queries and submissions to get together for my first novel. I have a submission to get together for Orycon. I'm reading later this month at the Guild meeting. I want to get some flash fictions together for upcoming Second Sundays, too. Then I need to print out novel#2 and get started on it. I don't anticipate it being as much work as the first was. But you never know.
In sum, if you have the chance to go to Willamette Writers, I highly recommend it. Especially if you have a novel to sell. I didn't get to sit in on many classes / workshops / panels. I saw half a class, the last ΒΌ of a panel and one full class [otherwise I was pitching]. They were all top-notch and so I heard from the other attendees. I met a lot of great people and more writers to share this crazy journey with. It is crazy and exhilarating fraught with highs and lows. Oregonians are a personable lot, so you will definitely find a kindred soul plus more to speak to during the conference to share your nerves and war stories with. Next year go! Rumor has it, it's the largest conference of its kind in the west and the only place that gives such an opportunity to pitch Hollywood. Until you hit a homerun, keep learning and arming yourself.
