When I attend a conference I’ve come to look forward to the unexpected. Some of the most profound learning experiences evolve from chance remarks or unanticipated conclusions, rather than what’s highlighted on the program.  This year’s ASJA weekend,"Making Your Writing Dreams Come True" (April 20 - 22) proved no exception.  Here are some details that struck me:

1.  A book on the Barnes and Noble display table entitled:  How To Move To Canada.  A Primer for Americans.

2.  The Idea Marketplace’s best exhibit:  City of Philadelphia.  They know how to not have you forget them with all their freebies, which included the notebook in which I recorded the information for this blog piece.  Inside the cover, it gave the blog address, uwishuno.com, promoting a blog written by "genuine Philadelphians."

3.  An agent’s most disappointing confession came from Adam Chromy, founder of Artists and Artisans.  What an author wants, as explained in proposals submitted to him, isn’t Chromy’s concern:  "I don’t care what you want," he states, "I want to make money!"  Other panelists and audience members responded, "The truth comes out…"  Chromy also insisted that the book, itself, isn’t the "business engine" for clients making money any longer.  More can be gained from speaking engagements and web-related activities and products.

4.  An agent’s most honest confession came from Ken Wright, from Writers’ House:  He said, "I love this.  This is exactly the kind of book that I love…"  Subjective endorsements are obvious when agents aren’t just looking to make a quick buck.  They truly feel a connection with what they’re representing, representing it because they can do so with genuine passion.

5.  A writer’s most powerful development tool—the blog—was overviewed to advantage by Bill Dyszel, author of Microsoft Outlook for Dummies and more.  He explained how blogs provide a new "business model for writers" where you get to be your own publisher (despite the risks that might be involved).  He also highlighted how the public seems to put more credence in a blog than professional media, today.  Blogs can be considered more inviting because of their more personal tone.  It’s like they’re put out by "friends."

6.  The most progressive marketing strategy for publishing houses came from Penguin’s Matt Boyd, who revealed his work behind the scenes to promote their authors and books, with little to no cost.  Penguin uses every possible web aid, from creating websites and blogs to My Space profiles and beyond.  The greater the free buzz on line, the better the sales and profits off-line!

7.  A gracious and courageous keynote speaker, Jeanette Walls, author of The Glass Castle.  A Memoir reinforced what’s long-overdue for being put out there  (exposed, questioned, and accepted):

Re. truth:
• "There’s the facts, and then there’s the deeper truth."
• "What is your truth, and how do you choose to say it?"
• "’The truth shall set you free.’"

Re. "you":
• "You don’t know what you would do or be like in different circumstances."
• "The things we think are our flaws might ace up the hole."
• "Face your deamons."

Re. other people:
• "You can control yourself and your life, but you can’t change other people."
• "Don’t underestimate yourself, or other people."
• "In writing about yourself, you make the tough decision to write about other people.

She also drew attention to a Talmudic quote:  "’When the heart speaks, the heart listens.’"

8.  A children’s book writing’s guru was born.  Liza Burby publicized her new book, How to Publish Your Children’s Book:  A Complete Guide to Making the Right Publisher Say Yes, and announced that she’ll soon have a website too.

The best take-home gift of the conference came from the acclaimed author/agent/editor Terry Whalin.  His very generous and comprehensive blog and websites are invaluable, for prospective and veteran writers alike.  Check out http://terrywhalin.blogspot.com/ and http://www.right-writing.com/ and you’ll agree.

For anyone hoping to get published, and do it the right way, the ASJA conference provides a potpourri of learning opportunities and connections for everyone—novice to expert.  And then there’s the back-drop on New York City—the publishing industry’s mecca and a fine place to visit as spring fever hits…