Meeting Six Accomplished Authors, and ROW80 check in

ROW80:  So far I’ve cut 1,500 words out of the first 200 pages of my novel.  I wish it could have been more.  There is one section that I “might have been able to cut” but it shows great characterization of the King and his relationship to  Magellan.  It might not make it into the final draft.

My big excitement was that I was able to attend the Q & A Panel on “Getting Published” put together by the  New Jersey Authors Network  last night.  I met six accomplished authors, and I am so glad that I didn’t wimp out and not go.  If you ever have a chance to do something like this, I highly recommend it.

Author’s panel:  From left to right as they were seated…

 Kristin Battestella:  Author of the Vampire Family Series (Her new book comes out Friday.  Check it out!)
Jennifer R. Hubbard: Author of The Secret Year and Try Not to Breathe.
Jon Gibbs:  Author of  Fur Face, Book one of “A Cat of Nine Tales”
Danielle Ackley-McPhail:  Author or Yesterday’s Dreams, Tomorrow’s Memories, The Halfling’s Court, The Redcaps Queen, Kantasi, as well as the Bad Ass Faeries and Dragon’s Lure anthologies among many others.
Mike McPhail: (Yep, they’re married) Military novelist, publisher and all around does-it-all guy
Jonathan Maberry: New York Times Best Selling Author, and multiple Bram Stoker Award –winner with about twenty books under his belt.  He’s who I want to be when I “grow up”

The night started out with them each answering the same questions.  It gave a great perspective from people who have achieved success from different angles.  The overall topic was “Getting Published” and each of their views and perspectives were enlightening.  (And exciting, because a lot of it I am doing already.)

They followed up with a short question and answer session, and then invited anyone who wanted to talk to come up afterwards.  Now, normally I am the type to run for the door.  The thought of talking to people I don’t know?  Terrifying.  I am Soooooo glad I didn’t break and bolt.  I hunkered up, walked to the front of the room, and shook hands with and introduced myself to each one of them.  (If you are really shy, you can appreciate what a HUGE accomplishment this was for me.)

Wow.  What a great experience.

I waited on line to meet Jonathan Maberry first.  (My gosh, I felt like I’d known him for years.  What a nice guy.)

After that, most of the “not really serious” people were gone, and I was able to take my time with the rest of the panel.  I felt like I was just hanging out at a coffee shop and talking to my writer’s group.  They were all so friendly, and some even asked about my book.  I must admit that I tripped and stuttered a little, until I realized that they were genuinely interested in helping.  I got great advice from each of them.  I even got to speak to Mike about some concerns I had from the “publisher’s angle”.  It was wildly informative.

Now I am more pumped than ever.  Yes, I will blog about some of their words of wisdom after I finish deciphering my notes (Thank goodness I taped the discussion, too).

For now, let me suggest that you look for panels like this in your area, and make time to check them out.  This was well worth it to me.

Also check out these author’s novels.  They are very talented, and we can all learn something from their writing styles.

Jonathan Maberry:  www.Jonathanmaberry.com

Mike McPhail:  www.mcp-concepts.com

Danielle Ackley-McPhail:  www.sidhenadaire.com

Jon Gibbs:  www.acatofninetales.com

Jennifer R. Hubbard:  www.jenniferhubbard.com