Da Rejection Code

Dan Brown's not the only guy with a templar thriller out. Steve Berry recently returned to the New York Times' Bestsellers List with his fourth novel, The Templar Legacy. When I first met Steve Berry a few years ago at the Baltimore Book Festival he was still basking in the glow of The Amber Room. He wrote eight novels before getting one published, so he knows all about the ups and downs of the writing legacy.

"I may or may not know much about writing, but I'm an expert on rejection," he said. He was rejected 85 times before the 86th manuscript hit "the right editor at the right time with the right story."

So that's the code, and the only way to crack it is persistence. In the meantime, learn more about Steve Berry and his books at his website.

http://www.steveberry.org/

A.C. Crispin Warns Writers to Beware

At the Annual Maryland Writers' Conference earlier this month, I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with bestselling author A.C. Crispin. As a science fiction and fantasy writer, Ann's written everything from V to the Han Solo Trilogy, from Star Trek novels to her own Starbridge series. In her spare time, she likes to help keep new writers from getting scammed.

She founded Writers Beware to snag and expose those who prey on aspiring writers. Check out the Writers Beware website before putting your trust in any agent, publisher or writing contest.

http://www.sfwa.org/beware/

"Freedom" Finds an Audience

On the heels of a successful reading at the Patterson Theater comes more good news. My short story, "Freedom," is being published in Coloquio.

Coloquio is an electronic newsletter that boasts more than 800,000 unique visitors a year. The newsletter registers more than 7 million hits annually.

"Freedom" is being serialized in 12 parts. One section will appear each month. The story follows an American soldier conflicted about his service. "Freedom" is the first story to be published from Tracks, a novel in stories.

Read Part 1 of "Freedom" now!

http://www.coloquio.com/coloquioonline/0604front.htm#eric

A Remarkable Reading

The Write Here Write Now Reading at the Patterson Theater last Tuesday went very well. Creative Alliance Artistic Director Jedd Dods called the event "a home run." At the reception and in emails and conversations during the days that followed, a number of remarks rolled in. Here are a few.

"Everyone did a wonderful job and I'm glad there was a big turnout."

"Your art shined last night and each of you breathed life into things that were previously mere thoughts in your heads, dots on the screen, words on a page. Man, THAT'S creation!"

"The writing presented was tight and polished, worthy of publication."

"I've had few moments in my life where I've truly been honored to be a part of any group; you guys did us proud last night. Whether we had had five or fifty people, I think the result would have been the same."

"Writing is such a solitary endeavor; it is so nice to come together like last night."

"Just wanted to say again how wonderful each one of you was. Truly. You looked like seasoned readers."

"Thank you all for all your creativity, commitment and presence to make last night a very special one."

"Everyone was so poised and eloquent out there, it was hard to see who had done this type of thing before, and who hadn't. As such, I look forward to my continued affiliation with and support of Write Here, Write Now, The Creative Alliance, CityLit and whatever splinter groups have formed or happen to form out of such a talented group of people."

Get a glimpse of the readers in action on Paul Lagasse's Book Blog.

http://seeingthroughclouds.com/wordpress/?p=24

Maryland Writers' Conference Tomorrow

The Maryland Writers' Association sponsors the Maryland Writers' Conference from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, May 6. It's not too late to register; you can even sign up at the door. Featured guests include authors A.C. Crispin, Robert Walker, Austin S. Camacho, Loree Lough, Kathryn Lively and a host of others. Local authors, such as Paul Lagasse, will promote their books. Several writers from this week's Patterson reading (myself included) will be on hand. Even agents will walk among the writers. It all takes place at the Chesapeake Arts Center. Visit the MWA website for more information.

http://www.marylandwriters.org/conferences.html

Reading at the Patterson Theater

A lively night of literature comes to the Patterson Theater at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2.

Creative Alliance Writer-in-Residence Christine Stewart hosts the event and will read from her story, "Hot Water."

Eric D. Goodman reads a condensed version of his story, "Cicadas."

Paul Lagasse reads from his novel, Seeing Through Clouds.

Kathy Franks Spath reads an essay, "Remembering Nan," and poetry.

Mare Cromwell reads six of her poems.

Barbara Friedland reads from her novel-in-progress, A Member of the Force.

Fernando Quijano III reads his essay, "A Little Puerto Rican."

And ending the event, Nancy Greene reads her story, "The End."

Come to the Patterson Theater at 3134 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224 for an exciting evening of literature, food and drinks! It's a great way to meet a rising literary star, and it's all free!

To learn more, visit the CityLit Project website.
http://www.citylitproject.org/?q=node/119