Don’t let the name fool you. The March WCDR Roundtable Meeting is NOT just another Roundtable Meeting. Not that there’s anything wrong with all the other great Roundtable meetings put on by this fabulous organization! Each one is fantabulous! But MARCH, 2014—Now this one is a beaut! Think–WRITING CONFERENCE! Think CELEBRATION OF YOUNG ADULT, NEW ADULT, and MIDDLE GRADE FICTION! Think MUST SEE EVENT! You don’t want to miss this one! Why, this promises to be the best thing to happen for writers since Mr. Magorium opened his Wonder Emporium up for a writers’ sleepover pajama party back in ’07! BUY. YOUR. TICKETS. NOW!
Let me fill you in on what you can expect to see at this extravaganza. First…let’s dissect the name, shall we. U25- This refers to the body of readers covered by the writers in attendance on the panel. UNDER 25. We have Middle Grade authors, Young Adult Authors, and New Adult Authors. In order to encapsulate all 3 markets, the name U25 was born. If you do NOT write for these markets, don’t count yourself out of this event! It is going to be geared towards these markets—but also, away from them. The panelists will be giving advice that will resonate for writers of all markets. Writing advice will not be YA/MG/NA specific.
Who will the panel be comprised of, you ask?
- Joanne Levy
- K.A. Tucker
- Deborah Kerbel
- Norah McClintock
- Lesley Livingston
This panel is a who’s who of the Canadian YA/NA/MG landscape. You will want to be on-hand to hear what these authors have to say about the writing process!
CLICK HERE TO READ PANELIST BIOS
My literary agent, Stacey Donaghy, will be on hand to moderate the panel discussion.
It doesn’t stop at the panel, though. This Roundtable Meeting is set up like a mini-conference. You can sign-up ahead of time for PITCH SESSIONS WITH LITERARY AGENTS.
Agents in attendance on the day of this unique WCDR Roundtable WCDR U25 MINI-CONFERENCE are:
- Stacey Donaghy of Donaghy Literary Group
- Sam Hiyate of the Rights Factory
- Ali McDonald of The Rights Factory
CLICK HERE TO READ AGENT BIOS AND THEIR CURRENT INTERESTS!
This is an amazing opportunity! It’s not every day one gets to pitch their work to a literary agent. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity.
For young writers, there is yet another aspect to the day. From the WCDR U25 Webpage, here’s the special invitation to young writers:
A special invitation to young writers
We’d especially like to invite local young people to join us, and have some great things planned specifically for young writers:
- Join WCDR members and guests to listen to the panel discussion, and have a chance to ask questions of the panelists.
- Receive a bag of writing-related swag, which will include a ticket to our young-writers-only raffle.
- Opportunity to participate in a special writing challenge. Those who enter the contest have the chance to win and be published on our website—and get paid!
- Attend a one-hour workshop after the meeting to learn more about writing.
Note:
- Young writers from grade 8 to 25 years-old are invited to attend this event.
- Registration fee for the RoundTable meeting only: $25
- Registration fee for the RoundTable meeting and the special workshop: $35
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE U25 PAGE AT THE WCDR WEBSITE
Here’s something to remember about the WCDR:
ALL writers are welcome to attend. You do not need to be published AND you do not need to be a member of the organization to attend a WCDR Roundtable Meeting. The WCDR Mission Statement is as follows:
Mission statement: The Writers’ Community of Durham Region encourages writers at all levels; offers opportunities for support, education and networking; and promotes the value of writers and writing.
So, what are you waiting for? Today’s the day you should consider becoming a member of this vibrant organization! And for those writers in TORONTO reading this, trust me…these meetings take place in AJAX. That’s only a 20 minute ride, tops, from downtown. If you’re in Toronto, there’s no reason you shouldn’t attach yourself to the WCDR. You’ll thank yourself for doing so. They will propel your writing career to the stratosphere!
KEVIN CRAIG 