This weekend I ventured onto shore to attended my first writer’s conference ever and my head is still spinning. The New Jersey Romance Writers Put Your Heart in a Book Conference is incredible and I first have to send out major kudos to that entire chapter for throwing a stellar event. I cannot begin to imagine the hours of work and dedication required to ensure success on that scale. It was very well organized, offered an incredible amount of information, and brought together some of the best writers in our industry. Plus, they offered priceless support to those of us still chasing that publishing dream.

I attended workshops about asking the right story question, writing dialogue like a pro (which means focusing on more than just the words between the quotes), and upping the emotional and sensual ante in a love scene. There were the keys to creating a beta hero, a page turner and pitching in a way that is sure to get you a request as well as tips on how to present yourself as a brand and how to navigate the rough seas of the publishing industry.

The biggest thing I’ve learned in the last week is how much I have to learn. But the good news is I know more than I used to. I’m still processing the new knowledge but I wanted to give some of the tips I thought were the biggest light-bulb moments for me.

1) If you have a beta hero, he must have an alpha moment at the end of the story. He has to step up when it counts, fight for what he loves and take charge of the situation. And it helps if he’s rich from the beginning. *g*

2) End every chapter with a lingering question. That doesn’t mean actually have a question but throw in something that makes the reader HAVE to keep reading to find out what happens next. The trick is to give them some piece of information they didn’t expect. For instance, if your hero is a cop and he is supposed to find the villain, when he finally comes face to face with him, make them sound like friends. Give the impression these two have a history of some sort and make the reader question what they think they know about the hero? Isn’t he supposed to be a good guy? Why would he be friends with this ruthless mobster? The reader would never be able to put the book down and go to sleep with that question lingering in their minds. We hope.

3) Keep asking questions. If your story is about a woman who runs away, ask yourself why no one went after her? If your hero and heroine have a fight and the heroine walks out, ask yourself why she would refuse to listen to his explanation. If you don’t ask, the reader will and they better be able to find the answer in the story or that book is going against the wall.

4) Get to know your characters. What is in your heroine’s purse? What is in your hero’s closet? Does she always have a mirror? Does he have an old box of letters? When is her birthday and what does it tell about her personality? Is he the oldest child or the youngest? Knowing these details make it easier to know exactly what your character’s reactions and behaviors will be in any situation.

There is a great deal more but my notes are still in the truck and I’m still not completely awake. But this is a good beginning. If you have attended a conference, give us one of your biggest light-bulb moments. If you haven’t, do you plan to attend one soon and if so, what do you hope to get out of it.

PS: There is also lots of socializing and networking involved in a conference but those topics will be covered at a later time. *g*