Special Events

The Business of Fiction Writing Seminar Inspires Success

By Vickie Zanger, WIW Member

Whenever a group of creative-minded indivuals gather together, the atmosphere becomes full of energy that stimulates the brain and motivates the senses. This was certainly the case at Saturday, Jan. 13, The Business of Fiction Writing Seminar.

Words of welcome came from author and former WIW President Joseph Barbato and from Denise Orenstein, an author and a director of the MFA Program in Creative Writing at American University. Our keynote speaker, Keith Donahue, then shared his personal “12 step program” for becoming a storyteller.

Donahue, a former speech writer for The National Endowment for the Arts, had his critically-acclaimed first novel, The Stolen Child, published in 2006. Donahue’s 12 step program included valuable pointers for all attendees. He concluded by saying, “the real business of fiction writing is achieved through your love of the word and your desire to tell the story. Read every day. Write every day. When it comes time to sell your stories, be professional, be stubborn, be smart when working with agents and publishers. Enjoy whatever comes your way, but remember that no one but you has to write the next word.” Donahue’s excellent advice was only the beginning.

The first panelist shared their knowledge about “Getting Published.” The panel was moderated by Nathan Leslie, an author, fiction editor of The Pedestal Magazine, and editor-in-chief of The Potomac. The panel included Susan Muaddi Darraj, Dave Housley and Jen Michalski. The do’s and don’ts of getting published and literary publishing resources were also discussed.

The next panel consisted of experts on “Getting A Literary Agent.” The panel was moderated by Barbato, who urged attendees to be professional, to take our craft seriously, and to thoroughly research an agent before submission.

Author, attorney and literary agent Nina Graybill emphasized that the query letter is a writer’s most important tool—it not only gets your foot in the door, but also sets the stage for your work. She said that a professional query letter should state the issue the book represents, and the personal way that issue has been addressed. Graybill suggested attendees develop a thick skin when going through the query process.

Literary agent Deborah Grosvenor told attendees to approach an agent as we would a professional job, and to be absolutely certain our work is the best we can make it before submission. She suggested we get a recommendation from a published author or celebrity whenever possible. Grosvenor stated that if someone was attending the same conference she was attending, she considered that a recommendation.

Novelist David L. Robbins emphasized that literary agents are not authors’ friends. He recommended we master not only our craft, but our manuscript as well, before submission. He added that literary agents should be approached like the business they are, always respect their time and follow their protocol for querying.                 

The panelists also addressed self publishing. They were united in their opinion that self publishing is sometimes deceiving and non-productive. It should be approached with a great deal of caution.

Everyone returned from lunch anticipating the next panel’s advice on “Getting Your Work Done.” Panel moderator, Gerrie Beck, is a professional organizer who assists in maintaining order and maximizing time. She suggested using visual stimulation (such as colorful file folders, offices supplies and storage bins) to keep creativity flowing. To prevent stress and make planning easier, she recommended breaking tasks into units and tackling portions at a time.

Novelist Mary Eccles advised us to create the proper work environment, to set a time frame for writing each day, and to carry a notebook for jotting down thoughts and so on. She also reminded us that keeping things in balance was a necessity.

Journalist Paula Whyman stressed the importance of knowing our market and having confidence in our work. She reminded attendees that it is important to treat our writing like a real job, and to protect our time to work. Setting goals, finding a good place to work, and having dependable child care also helps Whyman stay on task.  

Poet, fiction writer, editor and Johns Hopkins University professor Richard Peabody said that everyone writes a different way, and suggested we find the method that works best for us. He said we will be amazed at what we can produce when we stay focused.

The seminar had the perfect blend of both education and inspiration. Having time for questions, socializing and acquiring autographed copies of the books our panelist have written also added favorably to the overall experience.