It was MAGICAL!

Liberty States Fiction Writers did Create Something Magical, and no, I didn’t take a single picture! Sorry, I just can’t ever remember. Plus I hate taking pictures—always have.

It was their inaugural conference and I don’t see how it could get any better. I met most of the members for the first time and guess what, now that I know some of them--they will find a way to make it better! Mark your calendar next year for an awesome conference experience, one you won’t want to miss. I’ve attended a few conferences and this one will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best. LSFW doesn’t only encompass romance writers, its members range from Horror, Young Adult, Suspense, Romance (including Erotica) and more—they were all there and the knowledge base of this group is fantastic.

The March winds roared away outside of the Renaissance Woodbridge in northern Jersey, but the atmosphere inside was one of camaraderie and warmth. Sirens blared and a pole or two toppled in the parking lot but the hotel did a great job at working around Mother Nature.

The sessions brimmed with information on every facet of crafting a good story, how to promote and market your book and yourself. Agents and editors were in attendance not only from New York, the E-Publishing community was very well covered. I don’t believe there was an empty slot for pitching!

F. Paul Wilson was the speaker at the luncheon and his humorous speech on an author’s life drew laughter from the group of over 100 attendees. He regaled us with the fairytale of what most people believe a writer's day consists of.  All to the point of saying “No, we don’t have it like that, and there are very, VERY few writers who make the mega dollars and grab that pot-of-gold contract." I had the opportunity to moderate and sit in on his session for Self Editing and found it very informative. I'll edit my stories with a brand new eye!

Networking and talking with other attendees had me wishing I could have cloned myself for one day so I would not have missed a thing. There was Plotting and Pacing (Caridad Pineiro is my new hero even if she did say I can't fly by the seat of my pants anymore!), She Said, She Said which was about communication skills. Sessions on how to use digital publishing as a promotional tool, a look at how to work with your editor, how to prepare the ultimate submission—everything—it was all there and the presenters couldn’t have been better.

The chocked full day ended with a ‘delicious’ reception that was followed by a book signing of many talented authors. (Thanks Cris Anson and Judi Fennell--you guys rock!)

I’ve been a member of this awesome group for less than a year and I’ve been nothing but impressed with the LSFW site which abounds with all kinds of information and learning materials for every genre. Every member has been nothing but generous and helpful. As an epubbed author—I’ve never felt more welcomed anywhere! My calendar is already marked for next year.

To find out more about Liberty States Fiction Writers, its members, and its goals, visit: http://www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com/

Kudos to everyone involved in the event--I wish I could name you all. One person stood out for me--Rayna Vause, you are AWESOME!

LSFW did CREATE SOMETHING MAGICAL!

Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.-© J. Hali Steele