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by Robin Duncan
Remember the scene in the movie, Pay it Forward when the stranger tosses the keys to his brand-new Jaguar to a man stranded without a car?
For aspiring writers, the La Jolla Writers Conference is a different set of keys. Instead this conference offers bestselling authors Lisa Jackson, David Morrell, and Stephen J. Cannell and many other experts in the field of publishing, donating their time, experience and knowledge, as well as good fortune, to writers of all levels.
Inspired by the book Pay it Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde (later a movie of the same name), Antoinette Kuritz, the founder and director of the LJWC, created a conference centered on successful authors giving back in an atmosphere of collegiality and camaraderie.
Now in its seventh year, the three day LJWC, at the Paradise Point Resort and Spa is unlike any other writers’ conference for the number of successful writers donating their time as well as limiting registration to 200, with a faculty/attendee ratio of 1:4. Aspiring writers describe their past experiences at the La Jolla Writers Conference;
“…an intimate event where every writer should feel both welcomed and nurtured.”
“Your writers’ conference was unique for the spirit of generosity that permeated it.”
“Where else can writers sit elbow to elbow with New York Times bestselling authors?”
If Antoinette Kuritz, could sum up what makes the La Jolla Writers Conference different from all others she would describe it in one word – accessibility.
Kuritz says that the conference has “… amazing faculty that are incredibly generous with their time.” Some of her best contacts have been interesting authors she has interviewed as the host of Writer’s Roundtable Radio Show, prompting her to say on air, “You must come speak at the LJWC!” Other authors have contacted her directly as word has spread.
But Kuritz also knows that in today’s market, writers do not only write, but they must learn the art and craft of editing, publishing and PR so the conference also offers top-level literary agents and editors, publishers, PR and marketing experts with intellectual property attorneys.
Bestselling author Walter Mosley describes the art of getting published as a Sisyphean task. “You will be rolling your manuscript up and down Publisher’s Mountain many times before you get your first book over the top.” If this is true, then the La Jolla Writers Conference might be your best opportunity to beat the gods.
One highlight of this year’s conference is bestselling author and Emmy award-winning writer and producer Stephen J. Cannell who will be teaching three classes and speaking about his experience as a screenwriter for shows such as The Rockford Files, 21 Jumpstreet and Silk Stalkings. Kuritz says, “…seldom do writers have access to someone as powerful as Stephen with the ability to learn from his insights.”
In addition, other classes and workshops this year will be taught by Linda Lael Miller, Tracy Hickman and screenwriter Warren Lewis; Marcella Smith of Barnes and Noble Small Press Vendor Relations, as well as literary agents Caryn Weisman of the Andrea Brown Agency, Taryn Fagerness of the Dijkstra Agency to name a few. These experts can answer the myriad of questions that writers must ask. Should they self-publish or use a traditional publishing company? Do they need an agent or attorney? How do they generate sales once they get a book published?
Named by Writer’s Digest Ultimate Resource Guide as “one of the 84 conferences in the country worth your money,” the success of the conference has spread with attendees now representing over 24 states, and four different countries. At just $325 (if paid before September 30th) the LJWC is a bargain offering: three days of lectures, and interactive writing workshops (attendees are encouraged to bring written work for review), keynote speakers at the Friday night cocktail reception, Saturday lunch, and Saturday evening cocktail and dinner.
Now if you still don’t feel like someone is dangling in front of you the keys to a brand-new Jaguar, or even better the chance to see your work published, then there is more.
Note: The LJWC also provides one-on-one read and critiques with specific faculty members. Submissions cost an additional $45 and must be received no later than October 1, 2007. Information on faculty members and the process for submissions is available at the website www.lajollawritersconference.com.
This year’s conference, in the heart of Mission Bay at the Paradise Point Resort and Spa, is the perfect retreat for immersing your writer’s soul. A limited number of rooms have been reserved at a special conference rate.
While it appears that Kuritz has accomplished her goal of paying it forward and giving others the opportunity to do the same, she is not content to rest on her laurels. She is currently looking for sponsors to send twenty teachers to the conference. If you would like more information about sponsoring a teacher you can contact Antoinette Kuritz directly at jkuritz at san.rr dot com. For more information or to register online for the LJWC visit the website: www.lajollawritersconference.com, or phone 858 467 1978.
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