Jamboree Eve - Writer's Conference

I spent most of today with John Phillip Colletta.  Well, maybe 75+ other people did too - at the Writer's Conference sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society (SCGS).  John presented four one-hour classes about the 'what, why, for whom and how' are you going to write; turning biographical facts into real life; using good writing principles; and writing narrative family history.  Many excellent and often humorous examples accompanied the technical aspects of writing. 

John may be happy to know that I have already identified someone to serve as my "Elsie" - the "have red pencil and not afraid to use it" editor for my writings.  I have many notes, resources and inspiration.....to clear my calendar for the next year for writing my family history.



l-r: Pam Wiedenbeck, Lisa Alzo, Tom Underhill, Lorretto Szucs

 The last session focused on publishing your writing.  The panel of experts included Lisa Alzo, Tom Underhill and Lorretto Szucs with moderator and SCGS member Pam Wiedenbeck.  They addressed commercial and self-publishing; identifying your publishing goals; and marketing yourself via blog and local newspaper writing.  Their concensus was to consult a publisher early on in your writing.

Thanks John and panel and SCGS for a very informative day!

Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond