Sweetwater Writer's Conference

In this post first we'll have a long, loud, enthusiasic, standing ovation thanking Mr. Lyle Mortimer and Mr. Lee Nelson for their amazing efforts in preparing and presenting this conference. Next, another round of applause thanking the staff of Cedar Fort for giving up their Saturday so that our Saturday could be a complete success.

Oh, but I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm forgetting the fun Friday evening reception where the staff made sure the refreshment table was always ladened with delicious food while those of us who attended got to know each other.

Now, back to Saturday. Mr. Mortimer welcomed us with a smile and some timely advice about becoming a successful author. "You have to work at it," he said. "Work is 99% of success." (I'm paraphrasing but not taking away from the truth of his words). He suggested a book, "Born to Run" I think I'll buy it and read it just because he said it would help us in our writing.

Mr. Nelson took us on a writer's journey,(He's a good storyteller). He talked about forshadowing - meaning that you can always go back and rewrite your manuscript until you've got it right. (Again, I'm paraphrasing but I completely agree him.)

Lunch was delicious and I want to thank Lyle for giving up his turkey sandwich. Apparently the look on my face when I saw all the turkey sandwiches were gone, was dramatic enough to cause him concern.

Bryce Mortimer touched on websites, Facebook, twitter, etc. But it was decided by all present that we should have another conference in the near future, spending the day learning about linking, googling, SEO, websites, and the list goes on. Bryce agreed to teach us.

Steve Alten, NY Times Best Selling Author, who was supposed to be our next speaker at the pulpit, had, at the last minute, some health issues that made it impossible for him to be there in person, so Bryce made it possible for him to be there via satelight. His message: SET GOALs. Say "I WILL". Write what sells, Do the research . . . and so much more, was invaluable. I was wishing they had set up to have everything put on DVD.

Catherine Lanigan, author of "Romancing the Stone" and "Jewel of the Nile" was every bit the personality she was meant to be. She had so much to offer. So much to tell us and we had so much to learn from her. She explained that writing opens up a whole new universe. That every novel has to evoke emotions. Every character is what you make them.

Oh, there was so much more I could write about but I think my time is up. But before I sign off I want to, once again, say, "Thank you," to Lyle and Lee and the Staff of Cedar Fort. It was a wonderful conference, and I'm glad I didn't miss out.