The Sixth Act

Curtain Call

2009-03-03T23:11:00.003-06:00

Well, that's about it for this blog: my experience at the "Love is Murder" mystery writer's conference, sponsored by the Drury University Honors Program, was one of the greatest, most enjoyable, and life-changing experiences of my life.

I learned an encyclopedia's worth of knowledge in just a few short days, from writing and publishing to networking and the writer's life. Added to that, I got to explore one of the coolest cities in the world, Chicago, before returning home. But lastly, and arguably most importantly, I made a number of friends that I will treasure for life.

I feel better about my choice of career and more confident in my ability to succeed in the world of editing and publishing. And that is priceless. So much for the fifth act of my story: I'm more than ready for the sixth!

"One should always be a little improbable." - Oscar Wilde

Friendly Faces

2009-03-03T22:48:00.007-06:00

There's a lot to learn and do at any conference you go to, but one of the things you'll treasure the most is the number of friends you'll make along the way. This first picture is of my friend Scott and I. He generously offered to pick me up a the airport when I arrived, thus saving me an awful cab fare, and this gave me a friend to meet up with and eat meals with before I even got to the conference itself. Scott had been to the conference many times before (in fact, "Love is Murder" was the first conference he ever attended), so he had a lot of good advice for me. My experience would have been completely different without him, but I'm glad I never had to figure out what that would have been like!

These ladies - Lydia, Helen, and Sandra from left to right - were easily the comic relief of the conference. Hearing them talk about murder, sex, and the best literary tools for each was a treat. They were great meal partners, and I met them through Scott. Never a dull moment with them.

Here are Nicole and I at the hotel bar - we closed it down. She and I had a lot in common, and it was great to find someone closer to my age and in the same stage of writing as myself. We talked about our processes for composing and our lives at length, and if I'm ever in St. Petersburg, Florida, then I know I have a place to stay.

I walked away with business cards for all these characters and many more so we could stay in contact via e-mail and help each other as needed through the trials and joys of a writer's existence in the world today. I feel so much more comfortable going out into the market knowing that I have a safety net and support group like this one for encouragement and advice.

"Friendship is far more tragic than love. It lasts longer." - Oscar Wilde

Some Hands-On Research

2009-03-02T23:03:00.008-06:00

Since this conference took place in Chicago, I thought it would be a good idea to do some exploring around town. The novel I'm writing is set in Chicago, so obviously a bit of research would do the piece some good. You know, give it that realistic feel and gritty flavor of the city. My first cool experience was riding the Elevated Train into the heart of town. I loved being able to see, as you can in this first picture, into the belly of the city. Making it a point to stand the entire trip, I got my train-riding skills up to the par set by the locals pretty fast. Feet apart, toes splayed out, rocking with the side-to-side and forward-to-backward motions - it was educational!
This second shot is also from the train. If you've ever seen Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window, then you'll know what it felt like to watch people climb their back stoops with groceries, chill out after work with a beer, or fight bitterly for a parking space on the ground below. Ah, the daily grind.
Here, I'm standing just outside Union Station (it's the building with columns to the right) watching traffic and pedestrians. The cabs are all different colors in Chicago, unlike other cities I've been to with only yellow, black, or white cabs. There's a separate lane for bicycles - another cool thing that sets Chicago apart. It's very biker-friendly, except at rush hours. Then it's every man for himself and woe to anyone who drifts out of their lane. I also noticed the people walk different here, too. In New York, it felt more natural in my experience there to walk bent forward, shouldering people out of the way to get by. Not so in the Windy City. Here, I found people walking with a kind of shuffle/kick, throwing their legs out in wide circles in front of them, as if sweeping the ground to clear away any objects or people. Weird, huh? I'm glad one guy I followed for a few blocks, copying his movements to learn the walk, didn't notice me. Imagine trying to explain that one: "Sorry, sir, I'm doing research for my book..."
I took the time to peer through a fenced-in construction area in the middle of the city to see what they were dong in there. You can see the beginnings of a foundation for a new building surrounded by four skyscrapers. As a mystery fan, I found this an ideal spot for a murder. It's funny, the different things that excite different people.
This is the Chicago River, a lovely shade of green and covered in broken ice. On the other side of this bridge is the Magnificent Mile portion of Michigan Avenue, a great area for shopping. And a great place to learn the ins and outs of the Emerald City.

I felt Chicago to be a great setting for my novel, and I loved getting to know her and her residents a little better. I can't wait to go back and learn more!

"It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors." - Oscar Wilde

The Mother of all Book Signings!

2009-03-01T15:55:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite events of my weekend at "Love is Murder" was a special event called "The Mother of all Book Signings". All of the authors at the conference - whether they were multimillionaires with a whole series of novels under their belts or whether they were first-timers there to advertise their new work on its maiden voyage - sat down at their assigned tables, pens in hand, to sign their names and a brief message for anyone who'd bought one of their books.

After dropping a chunk of money at the bookstore, I had a whole handful of people, most of them now friends, to hit up during this event. Everyone wrote something nice or inspiring for me, laughing and having a good time. Here are some of the messages:

"To Jason: Best of luck in your exciting future!" - Julie Hyzy, Hail to the Chef

"To Jason - Good luck with your novel!" - Michael A. Black, Random Victim

"Jason - Don't read and drink!" - J.A. Konrath, Whiskey Sour

All of us had a great time, and this was yet another opportunity for me to network and make some good contacts for the future. Even though I was the raving fan this time around, I could see myself in their positions someday.

"A burnt child loves the fire." - Oscar Wilde

"I can resist anything except temptation." - Oscar Wilde

More Re-enactor Madness...

2009-02-27T09:14:00.008-06:00

I took a few more good pictures of the re-enactors I spoke of earlier, and here are some of them. The first one here is a shot of a phalanx of ancient soldiers. They were lining up in formation for a photo-op when I thought it would be a good idea to snag a shot of my own.

I thought these guys looked from the American Colonial Period. They spoke in a type of elevated style, almost akin to British English, but not quite. We had a nice chat over tea. I said I liked Chamomile, but they preferred Earl Grey. It was more "bracing", they said, and the strong flavor was more suited to the colonial life. "As long as it's not taxed," one joked. Those colonists. What kidders.

Speaking of foreign imports, here's a barrel of something set up outside one of the many ramshackle "shops" along the corridor I was in. Each shop sold actual food, beverages, or trinkets from the time it came from. This barrel's got the logo of the Dutch East India Company on it, the "A" above it signifying the barrel was shipped all the way to Chicago by the Amsterdam branch of the company. There's more to learn about than writing when you sign up for "Love is Murder", I guess.

"Only the sacred things are worth touching." - Oscar Wilde

Pitch-A-Palooza!

2009-02-26T08:18:00.002-06:00

The most harrowing experience of my trip was the Pitch-A-Palooza. In this event, all of the editors and agents attending the "Love is Murder" conference sit behind tables with their names posted above them, and prospective authors queue up in front of them to "pitch" them the idea for their book, hoping their audience will eventually publish or represent their work. As a potential first time novelist, this was a big deal for me - I wanted to see if my "literary theatrical mystery" would be a hit or not, if my talent was worth a dime or not.

Before even coming to the conference, I was preparing for this thing. I researched the agents and publishers I might meet, weeding my list of targets down to the ones I thought would be interested in my project - the conference was not just for mystery writers, but for romance, thriller, suspense, etc. as well. I also practiced my pitch, getting advice from my professors in the process as to what I needed to say to make a good impression. I planned to talk about genre, the basic plot (who, what, when, where, why, how, etc.), what other books currently in the market it reads like, how it's different (and better than!) those already published books, a word or two on theme, estimated word count, and how long until completeion (this was where I was worried, because you're supposed to pitch a finished product and not a work in progress). I said what I was going to say a dozen or so times in front of a mirror at home and thought I was ready.

Then I went to that seminar at the conference on how to pitch a novel and changed half the thing. Not the topics about which I was speaking, but the content of those, I realized, would have to change a bit for each person I pitched to. If one agent liked family dramas, then I would have to play that aspect up a bit more, for example. It threw me off a bit, to say the least.

Finally, the time for the event came. I did all the personal stuff to prepare, popping three breath mints, checking my teeth in the bathroom for remnants of lunch, wiping my sweaty palms on my carefully selected "business casual" attire and hoping they didn't leave wet marks, and so on. I waited, pensive, in line - eavesdropping on the other writers in front of me as they gave their pitches, assuring myself I was better than them, and running my speech in my mind on endless repeate. Then my turn came.

I sat down, greeting the seated agent by first name, giving her mine, and accepting her hand with a dry one (thank goodness!) of my own. I remember trying to crack a lame joke I hadn't planned on saying before I began, though now I try to forget it. I started out pretty shaky in my pitch, but the agent's eyes were kind and her head tilted to the side in curiosity at the only writer at this conference under 30 and what he had to say - yeah, I stood out in this way, praying it didn't come off in an immature fashion. With about half my pitch done, I started warming up to the nice lady and knew I'd picked a good person to give my first, horrible, and inexperienced pitch.

When I was done we both smiled. She asked me a few questions that I supposed my mouth answered as my brain was thinking of a thousand other things to say or do. In the end, she scribbled a few submission guidelines on the back one of her business cards, telling me not to rush myself to get the book done, to finish it on my own terms. She said to send her a synopsis and a complete copy of the manuscript whenever it was done, be that five months or a year from now, referencing in the cover letter that we met at this conference.

I accepted the card, shook her hand, and got up in a benign air to let the next person to take my seat and run the gauntlet. My body felt as if it were on some kind of crazy heroin trip - I was on cloud nine. Gradually, my mind started screaming silent exclamations of joy and laughing itself hoarse. I had to go and get a drink of water before I pitched to the next person on my list. My mouth was soo dry. But I was successful! My project had potential. And I had potential, too.

My excitement only built as I continued to pitch to the other agents and publishers I wanted to meet. I got better at the pitch each time, selling it with more energy and less nervousness during each successive performance. When the Pitch-A-Palooza was over, every single person I pitched my book idea to gave me a business card and requested a copy of the manuscript. I couldn't believe it!

Even though the book wasn't done yet, I knew this experience would give me the fire and energy to get it done and get it submitted. I had taken my first big step to becoming an author, and I hadn't tripped too badly doing it, either. Probably the best thing I got out of this conference came to me during this event, and it wasn't even a business card: it was the self-confidence I gained for myself as a writer and my work as a whole. I knew now I had what it took to make it. All I had to do was take another few steps.

"One cannot disarm destiny, merely seduce her." - Oscar Wilde

More Cool Seminars!

2009-02-25T10:30:00.003-06:00

The "Publishing-based" classes and "Q&A-based" discussions were just as meaningful as the the "Writing-based" ones. The seminars on publishing focused on the ways and means a writer can find a home for his or her work and become an author. Some of these that I went to were: "Agents and Authors, Publishers and Authors - Delicate Relationships", "Location, Location, Location - Why This Matters When It's Time To Sell", and another one explored the "do's" and "don'ts" of pitching one's novel to agents and editors - as much as it pains you, you have to tell them the ending, even if you are writing a mystery like me, haha!

Since I had no prior experience in these areas, I learned a great deal in a short time. The bond between an author/writer and his or her agent/publisher is a special one. Now I know what to expect from my agent when I get one and what my editor will expect from me. Likewise, I found out a lot about marketing - specifically, I discovered that before anyone will buy my book, they have to buy me. By that, I mean an author is expected not only to write the book, but also be an active participant in the sales of said novel. I will have to go to book signings, trade shows, book readings, etc. and act like a salesman, trying to get a buzz going about my work. You can see some people doing this in the picture above at the "Love is Murder" bookstore.

I spoke with a very nice man in the bookstore whose book I bought after asking for some advice. I told him I was interested in his work and intended to buy it, but I also asked if he could approach me as if he weren't having a nice chat so I could see how he sold his book to strangers. Oh, people, he was slick.

First he said hello and said he saw me looking at his book and said he wanted to tell me about it. There was no, 'would you like to listen to me?' crap - he picked up the book, put one of his bookmarks in it advertising his other projects, and handed me the novel - putting his hands behind his back so I couldn't return it, I might add. Then he told me a little about the plot, what T.V. shows and movies his novel was like, what important people had praised about it, and what awards it had won. And it was 'only' twenty bucks, hardcover. Naturally, I thanked him profusely and bought the thing. I'm reading it now, and it's really good!

On another note, the "Q&A-based" seminars were pretty cool, too. These classes centered around career professionals in areas such as private investigation, DNA-based lab testing, police-work, marital arts (for writing good fight scenes!), psychology, etc. Attendees like me got to ask questions of these pros and find gems of information to add to our writing to make it more real and engaging. Though, I might note, not to the extent of being boring and over-informative.

My favorite of these Q&As was the talk with the fighting experts. A professional male boxer and a female master of Aikido, both novelists themselves, duked it out for our benefit while commenting on form and technique. I asked the boxer what it felt like to get hit. He told the group that's one of the things a lot of writers mess up. Most times, it sounds and feels like a dull thud, but usually there isn't time to even think about the pain of it. You have to keep fighting. And there are precious few other thoughts in your mind during a fight, because while you're thinking of something to add to your grocery list, the other guy's gonna break your nose. Good to know!

I recieved a lot of good info to make my writing sound more realistic and accessible, and I'm also aware of the hoops I'll have to jump through to get my book on those bestseller lists. It takes work, but if you know the tricks of the trade for the experts, then you'll feel like me - one step ahead of the competition.

"One shuld always play fairly when on has the winning cards." - Oscar Wilde

Learning to Write from the Masters

2009-02-24T17:21:00.003-06:00

This photo (excuse the blurriness!) is of a panel of seasoned authors, all of whom I had the opportunity to meet, get to know, and share contact information with, during a discussion called "Avoiding Cliches in Mystery Novels". Needless to say, the session was both funny and informative. One of the most interesting things I learned is the the "serial-killer villain" is the best-selling antagonist, while the "gun-for-hire villain" is the least profitable. Weird, huh?

This session was just one of the many under the category I labeled as "Writing-based". There were also "Publishing-based" and "Q&A-based" classes as well. Some of the other Writing-based seminars I went to were: "Editing Your Way To Success", "Sex and Murder - How Much Is Too Much?" (women need a reason, men just need a place!), one session on how to insert back story, another on proper pacing, and, my personal favorite, "Food and Murder" (complete with recipes: Devil's Food Cake, Bloody Mary, etc.).

As a writer, these sessions made me look back at my own writing and rethink a lot of the decisions I had made. There was definitely some serious growing-up for me in the way I write, the manner in which I think about writing, and the method I approach the craft. I love writing for the sake of writing, don't get me wrong, because it's a major outlet for me emotionally - but now I see it also as a means to share my therapy with others who may be going through the same things that I am. It would be nice to be inspiring.

Yes, my trip to "Love is Murder" was a fun one, but I think it changed me for the better as a man of letters. I honestly hope everyone gets the chance to experience the thrill of meeting their heroes and of learning from them. There's few words fit to describe the feeling, to be sure.

"I am not young enough to know everything." - Oscar Wilde

All the World's a Stage, I Guess...

2009-02-23T18:15:00.005-06:00

The accommodations at the Westin hotel were so nice and so big that there was another conference going on at the same time as "Love is Murder": it was a re-enactor's convention!

Everyone at the other conference was dressed up in some kind of period costume, ranging from Greek and Roman warriors, Civil War soldiers, and knights in armor to cowboys, society ladies, and WWI&II soldiers. My favorite was the card shark form the old west who had a "three card monte" game set up in the hall.

The best part about being in the same hotel with these guys was that they stayed in costume and in "character" the entire weekend! So I ate sushi with a pirate at one of the three hotel restaurants, chatted with a witty Victorian couple at the hotel bar over a beer, and once went to the bathroom next to the that massive knight. The only frightening part was the platoon of Nazi S.S. guards protecting the entrance to the grand ballroom. They were scary!

I have more pictures of these guys around and I'll get to posting them eventually.

"Acting is so much more real than life." - Oscar Wilde

"The one charm of the past is that it is the past." - Oscar Wilde

Other First-Timers Share Their Experiences

2009-02-22T23:15:00.004-06:00

I was blown away upon arrival at the accommodations of the Westin Hotel, after a quick flight up to Chicago, and at the size of the "Love is Murder" conference overall - and by size I mean small...in a good way! I had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with dozens of authors, agents, and editors that I wouldn't have gotten at a bigger conference. And that meant I could ask more questions of the presenters and panelists who offered up a HUGE amount of information during the hour-long topic sessions.

The picture above is of a panel of authors who became published within the last year. There were so many of them! It was especially inspiring for me to hear their stories: how they went through the same steps I am currently going through, such as finding their voice, making the time to write, networking, and ultimately getting the outpourings of their souls in print. Each of their experiences was a little bit different, and it was great to hear the different perspectives. I really wanted to be up there at that table with them!

Some specific tools I got out of the discussion included differnent methods of advertising and the advantages and disadvantages of those mediums: business cards, bookmarks, post cards, table settings, flyers, posters, and even - yes - the backs of recipe cards for brownies and peanut brittle (baked goods attached!). Who said publishing wasn't messy?

I also learned how you should approach someone to talk up your book or to sell it to them. You can't get bogged down with plot or characters, though they are important, and it's better to say "the story is like this popular t.v. show" or "the main guy acts just like that one dude in that last summer blockbuster." (Obviously with the relevant references included!) Mentioning some awards you or the book have won doesn't hurt either.

For first timers, these guys had a lot to teach me, and I'm glad for it. The best part was that all the other info sessions I went to were just as good. But more about that soon. Ttfn.

"Wisdom comes with winters." - Oscar Wilde

Love is Murder...

2009-02-21T13:31:00.013-06:00

Hello all! My name's Jason Loeffler, and I'm a Senior English and Writing double major at Drury University. My undergrad experience has been amazing, and I think I'm both prepared and excited to enter the world of publishing (as both writer and editor).

I'm enrolled in my university's Honors Program, and my capstone project is - and remember I chose to do this willingly - to write a full length mystery novel. It sounds grueling, and my draft is due in a few short weeks, but the project is going to turn out great.

Part of the reason for that is the mystery writer's conference the Honors Department sponsored me to attend. I found the "Love is Murder" conference in an online search, submitted a proposal, and the department agreed to send me to Chicago for a weekend. I learned so much from this experience, and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to gain practical advice from published writers, agents, and editors.

The conference included a number of informative seminars, guest speakers, countless networking opportunities, great food, and a chance to pitch the idea for my novel to agents and publishers. After the conference, I even stayed around the Windy City for a few extra days to do some walking around and research for my book, which happens to take place in Chicago.

In part for the Honors and English departments at Drury, and in part for my own benefit, I agreed to set up a blog to chronical my adventures, starting at the "Love is Murder" conference and ending...well, I haven't written the final act to my story yet, so we'll just see how far I go!

"Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination." - Oscar Wilde