Cruise With Your Muse: An Opportunity to Create

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By: Kathleen Pickering  http://www.kathleenpickering.com

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I believe networking is one of the most important writing business tools for authors. I’ve stressed this fact several times in previous discussions.

While TKZ is a mystery writers site, I make it a point to attend cross-genre conferences because we are ALL writers with something to teach each other.

Today, I’m here to suggest an excellent conference opportunity to add to your networking schedule—or to use as a jump off point if the conference world is new to you.

The Florida Romance Writer’s Cruise With Your Muse Conference, in my humble opinion, offers one of the most laid-back atmospheres to either get your feet wet in the writing industry or celebrate your writing career.

Blue Heaven-Key West

Adam Wilson playing ping-pong while the group awaits  table for breakfast at Blue Heaven in Key West.

 

22236_282690434155_700359155_3635882_220329_n[1]There is something about attending writing  workshops and mingling with authors, editors and agents aboard a beautiful ocean liner that sets the mood for relaxed, fun and productive results. Fellow Blogger, Nancy Cohen, who writes romance and mysteries has also attended this conference as a workshop presenter.

Founding Mothers and imposters

Joan Johnston, Aleka Nakis, Heather Graham, Kathleen Pickering, Sally Fairchild and Tracy Hall after a skit honoring three of FRW’s founding mothers.

Attendees such as authors Heather Graham (who will attend the up-coming cruise), Alexandra Sokoloff, Joan Johnston, Sally Fairchild, Erin McCarthy (another up-coming 2013 attendee), Karen Kendall, as well as TOR editor Eric Raab, Simon & Shuster editor Adam Wilson, Harlequin editor Wanda Ottewell, and agents Lucy Childs and Lucienne Diver were just some of the contributors to previous conferences’ success. You will also note that several of the above named folks write and represent genres other than romance.

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After three years of conference networking, my career launched as the result of the last Florida Romance Writers Cruise With Your Muse Conference in 2011. I met my editor and agent on board. Networking with them in such a care-free environment helped us get to know each other better without the the stress of “performing.” In these two short years working with my agent and editor, I have signed contracts for four books and another novel is being shopped around as we speak.

I consider that excellent results from attending a Cruise!

Charlaine Harris fans will be thrilled to know that Charlaine is our Keynote Speaker for the next FRW Cruise.

charlaine harris

Charlaine is the New York Times Best Selling author of the Sookie Stackhouse urban fantasy series and HBO series, True Blood http://www.hbo.com/true-blood.

Charlaine possesses thirty years of knowledge and success in the writing industry. She will be sharing her insights with authors. Wouldn’t you just love some one-on-one time with her? And, I know she’s going to look hot in a balloon hat!

Visit Charlaine’s website for more details about her amazing career. (http://www.charlaineharris.com/)

Here is a photo from the last conference lunch on the wharf in Cozumel. It’s like a WHERE’S WALDO picture, but if you look closely you can spot  notable authors, editors and agents. (Another of these photos adorns the banner on my Facebook page. www.facebook.com/kathleenpickering)

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So, I beg forgiveness for turning this blog into an advertisement for the FRW Cruise, but I so wholeheartedly endorse networking as a writing business tool, that I didn’t want to miss the chance to share this opportunity.

I will be on this Cruise. I hope to see you there!

Write on, my friends!

xox, Piks

21 thoughts on “Cruise With Your Muse: An Opportunity to Create”

  1. What an incredible invitation, Piks!

    Those photos speak volumes – I’m penciling the dates in on my calendar as we speak. Looks like FUN!

    Paula

  5. That cruise sounds GREAT. I’m putting it on my wish list for next year, and will post it prominently where my husband can see it! 🙂

  6. I have to tell you that Kathy has it right. This cruise is a dynamic way to network with terrific editors, agents and authors on a one to one basis without the stress. In such a fun and relaxed atmosphere, you don’t feel the pitch fear. And if nothing else you make new friends and meet interesting people. Not to mention the fact that the last cruise was the best time I have ever had! Five years ago I never woulda thought that I the agoraphobic queen, could have a great time in a huge place with tons of people! But the FRW consists of a group of really special people. That says it all…

  9. It really is unlike any conference I’ve been to. The relaxed atmosphere makes is easier to get to know the editors & agents. They actually hang out with you. Such a fun group, too. can’t wait for January!

  13. JOHN!!! A Speedo in Mexico might be the highlight of the day for the locals. . . I DARE YOU!! LOL!

    And, yes, Heather Graham and Alexandra Sokoloff are the two authors who come to mind for writing thrillers. I know Heather has already booked the Cruise. Not sure about Alex. . . but I’ll check.

  16. I brought my husband who signed up for the spouse package, meaning he could attend any of the social functions. We both had a great time. It really is a wonderful chance to shmooze with editors, agents, and fellow writers in a relaxed atmosphere. After all, we’re all stuck aboard ship. No one can leave! It’s a great way to make new writer friends and hang out with your writing pals.

  17. I loved the FRW cruise I went on and I’ve signed up for the next. Small and informal, you can talk, discuss and argue in depth about writing or lie in the sun or both. A really invigorating experience. Can’t wait.

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