The Authorpalooza writer’s conference was a huge success and gave the attendees rare opportunities within the Houston Writer’s community. The event featured a variety of speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities. Attendees had the chance to learn from some of the best writers in the business, network with other writers, and get inspired to write their own stories.
Friday evening kicked off with what event concerning utilizing social media and promoting your writing from Guild president and England’s publisher, Fernanda Brady as well as an awards presentation for those who won spots and an anthology co-sponsored and produced by the women and the visual and literary Arts in Houston Texas. the winners were announced during the ceremony and also several participated and were excerpts from the short stories in the anthology.
Winners: Vasanthi V for first place, Sam McWhorter for second place, and Des Gracyn for third place.
Honorable Mentions:
Mildred J Mills
Chris Rogers
Fred MacGravan
Denise Bossarte
Ellen Seaton
Rebecca Chirak
Tassie Kalas
Lorelei Zaitsev
Lynn Long
Arthur Pike
Each winner and honorable mention receives a certificate. Winners received a medal as well as prize money.
The next short story contest opportunity will open in January. If interested in submitting, people can visit the Houston Writers Guild website for information as it comes online.
Saturday the conference was kicked off by a talk from keynote speaker Kevin J Anderson, presenting his popcorn theory of success. Mr Anderson also spoke towards the middle of the day on how to successfully crowdfund a project be a Kickstarter.
also, other panels offered to Riders during the day were: writing for radio with Houston media Legend Patrick Fant, A freelancing workshop by Former journalist, editor, and columnist Doug Williams, Legal Issues for Authors Presented by Melanie Bragg attorney and author, as was workshops on doing diversity correctly, working with developmental editors and joining and working with critique groups.
To wrap up the afternoon workshops, a friendly Renga poetry competition was held at the end of the day. Sunday the conference is wrapped up with a final talk from Mr Kevin J Anderson or the 11 tips for more productive writing.
This conference although on a smaller scale than other conventions or conferences that are produced in the Houston area was probably one of the better-organized and received conferences by the attendees.
ABout the Houston Writer’s Guild
The Houston Writers Guild is a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization working to create a community of writers of all skill levels. Together we strive to improve our writing craft and help each other build successful careers through education, collaborative marketing efforts, and camaraderie.
The Guild offers a myriad of programs for both published and unpublished writers. It creates opportunities to build careers through networking, as well as, opportunities for author book sales throughout the Greater Houston area and neighboring communities. The Guild is also a place for hobbyist authors to enjoy writing in a relaxed and fun environment.