Monday, May 14, 2012

A Shout Out for WIFYR


There's still time to register for a fantastic event in June. The Writing & Illustrating for Young Readers (WIFYR) conference made a HUGE impact on me last year. After writing steadily for 1 1/2 years, I decided to attend with my longtime friend and CP, Robin. We took the conference very seriously and spent three months madly writing and revising our manuscripts. I learned so much and met many wonderful people (including the fabulous ladies of my current critique group--see links to their blogs on my right menu bar). Most of all, I left this conference with a huge amount of confidence that I could actually achieve this crazy writing dream of mine. It would be incredibly hard work, but it was totally within my grasp. My writing quality and network of writer resources has skyrocketed since last year's WIFYR, and I'm so excited to return! The amazing Matt Kirby (first person in the video below) will be my instructor for the fantasy class.

WIFYR takes place on June 18-22 (Mon.-Fri.) in Sandy, Utah. You sign up for a week-long morning class (limited to 13 members) with an instructor who is a reputable published author, and then the afternoons are reserved for a wide selection of awesome breakout workshops (you can just sign up for the afternoon workshops, if you want to). Each year various agents and editors attend, and you have the opportunity to network with them and/or submit your work post-conference (unless you enroll in the Boot Camp--then you can pitch at the conference).

I can't stress enough how fabulous this conference is. For some incredible success stories, watch the short movie below. And check out wifyr.com for more information. (To read more about my experience from last year's WIFYR, click here.)



UPDATE: The WIFYR peeps just released a NEW video, starring yours truly. Haha. I'm actually only in it for a few glorious seconds in which I manage to rub my fingers together and roll my eyes. And, hey, my CP, Robin, is sitting beside me. Check it out!



10 comments:

  1. Yeah, I would totally consider going except my $500 went elsewhere this month. I'm not bitter. I'm not. *cough* Anyway, I signed between Matt Kirby and Kristyn Crow at the book fair on the 5th. It was nice to meet them both and got to listen them talk about how amazing WIFYR is. Maybe I can go next year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ugh. Sorry, Michelle. Hey, you could still come to the keynote speaker address. That is open to the public!

      Delete
  2. WIFYR is the best. Seriously so glad that we did it together last year. My writing grew so fast, so quickly from the experience. And look at us now-you with a shiny MS and me with 2.5 novels written and needing to work on the shiny part:)

    Just being around other writers, people who understand my madness, was huge. As was starting at the super star agents and editors and wondering if I'd ever dare talk to them. Maybe this year I've matured enough to be brave:)

    Can't wait to see you there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so happy we did this together last year, Robin. It's going to be a very unusual WIFYR this year with all our crit group in different classes. We'll need to meet up at lunch and compare notes!

      Delete
  3. Woohoo WIFYR!!!

    Also, congrats on your super secret special news! (I don't actually know if it's super secret special, but you haven't announced it yet, so I'm just assuming :).) So excited for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kate! I expect that later today or tomorrow I'll be able to announce it. :-)

      Delete
  4. Wow, this sounds interesting. I guess I would have to check this out. What would be the highlight of this conference?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting my blog, Jeremy! I think what sets WIFYR apart is the 20 hours of personalized time for you to workshop your book (most conferences would call this a "boot camp" and do it for only one day only). Also, the caliber of writers who attend this conference tend to be much more serious about their craft than your average conference attendee. So the people you are networking with are stellar! I came away with an AMAZING critique group from this conference.

      Delete
  5. oh my goodness....I want to go so bad. Hmmm (this is me tapping my finger to my chin trying to figure out how to convince my husband to watch the kids for a week)

    I've never been to a conference before, sounds great, but where does everyone stay? Is there a certain hotel, or just where ever you choose?

    I'm very interested.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Amber. Thanks for visiting! I live close by, so I've never had to arrange a hotel stay, but this event doesn't take place in hotel conference rooms; they rent a private school. So you arrange accommodations for yourself. I believe you can get a discount with a particular hotel if you mention the conference. Check out wifyr.com for more details. Tell your husband to watch those kids and let you come! My husband watches our three children for a week so I can go. The "sacrifice" is totally worth it!!!

      Delete