JS Lyster

I discovered mere days ago that I have taken second place in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Literary Contest, in the science fiction & fantasy category. This award is based on a submission package which an editor or agent might see, and the final judging is done by an agent.

It is one thing when friends and family tell you you’re writing something worth reading. It’s another thing entirely when it comes from someone entirely detached, with no reason to soft-sell their criticisms of your work.

It has been a good week. While the PNWA notice was wonderful, I am also mere days away from marrying my sweetheart, Myst.

It’s the final day of the Surrey International Writers Conference. It’s been a wonderful experience yet again. I’ve been to a number of these over the years, including the PNWA conference in Seattle just a few months ago. For the aspiring writer a conference like this is a gold mine. You meet agents and editors, you learn how the business works, you learn why your particular story ISN’T working, and you learn how to fix it.

I met an agent who is currently reviewing my novel, “Fragments”. And I spoke to an editor about “The Armageddon Jape.” She liked the premise and the writing on my first page or two enough to request the whole manuscript. (Note: this simply never happens. Almost.)

Sometimes what we take away from this kind of event is validation. Robert Dugoni reviewed my first chapter of “Armageddon” and loved it. When a professional says “You can clearly write,” this carries much more weight than the same words from your mother, your significant other, or your best friend.

Now, of course, the real work begins. I have a novel to finish.

Here I am at the Surrey International Writers Conference. This is a wonderful conference for the aspiring or professional writer. If you have time, scrape together the money to come. You will learn everything from the fine art of writing (beginner or advanced, there is something here for you) and publishing (including all the things you DON’T want to say to an agent; this is important stuff to know).

So far I’ve attended two workshops and a critique of my first chapter of The Armageddon Jape by thriller writer Robert Dugoni. Robert’s feedback was: “You can write and you’ve got a great story. Push through it and get it out there.” Sometimes just getting validation helps.

More later as the conference unfolds.