Countdown to Conference - 1 Month to Go!

Let's take a moment to do a gleeful dance.

Artwork by OCAL, courtesy of clker.com

One more month to conference! PPWC 2013 is nigh!

Before we lose ourselves to the celebrating, though, there are a few important details to go over:

Today is the last day to sign up for conference at the early bird pricing. As of tomorrow, March 16, pricing goes up to $450, and is based upon space available. Hurry and get in at the $395 early bird price!

The brochure is now available at our website, www.pikespeakwriters.com. Go to the PPWC tab and scan down to the bottom right. You will see a link that says "2013 PPW Conference Brochure" just above the following image:

On that brochure, you'll not only find information on the authors, editors, agents and workshops, but also more information on the conference, including the code for a discounted hotel room cost during the conference. That's right! If you are attending PPWC 2013 and would like to stay at the Marriott during the conference, an option many locals even choose, the PPW rate is $105 per night.

Why do locals stay at the Marriott for conference? Tons of reasons! Some of these include convenience, safety, ease, time, and to take a vacation from every day life. You see, just because programming ends at a certain time doesn't mean everything stops. Many people hang out in the evenings, getting to know other attendees, as well as editors and agents who may stick around in the bar area. Buy a lingering agent a drink and they're sure to listen to your elevator pitch, maybe that night, maybe the next day.

Even if you don't want to stay after hours, there are benefits to staying at the hotel. An early start and late close to meals can mean limited time at home between transit times, so staying at the hotel can make the weekend easier. In addition, having a room right upstairs where you can take a rest during the day, grab a snack or shower, and change your clothes for dinner is a wonderful convenience. Also, it's just nice to get away sometimes, and the Marriott is a lovely and comfortable hotel. Why not take advantage of the discounted price they offer and have a mini-vacation during the conference?

If you've already registered for PPWC 2013, be sure to keep an eye on your email inbox, including your spam folder (just in case). You'll get an email at some point with instructions to go in and make your meal selections. In addition, you'll get the schedule and handouts via email, so don't forget to check!

Finally, now is the time to buckle down and prep for your pitch. Even if you haven't signed up for a pitch appointment (which it's not too late for!), you may get an opportunity at your table, in an elevator, in the hallway, or at the bar. You never know. Try to whittle down your logline just in case you get the opportunity. Know what your story is about, get it polished, and be prepared for whatever may come your way!

Good luck! And see you in April.

About the Author:  Shannon Lawrence is a mom of two, a freelance writer and aspiring novelist.  She lives in Colorado Springs and is inspired by the beauty of Pikes Peak and the Rockies.  After years of letting her writing fall by the wayside, she has recently thrown herself back into it.  Her main focus is fantasy and horror and she has just finished a Young Adult Fantasy novel.  She has a flash fiction piece featured in the anthology Sunday Snaps: The Stories, due out in 2013.  She has also discovered a love of photography and enjoys photographing the breathtaking Colorado scenery and wildlife, as well as her children.  She blogs about reading, writing and photography at www.thewarriormuse.com.