My First West Coast Genre-LA Creative Writing Conference Experience

Yes, this happened! At the end of last month, I spoke on two panels at the West Coast Genre-LA Creative Writing Conference, and interviewed on video by Keith Ogorek for his Author Learning Center.  The amazing organizer, Tony Todaro, who helms the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society (GLAWS)--where I'm now a faculty member--always thinks up such terrific writer-friendly topics. Here are the ones that I was honored to speak about (there was a third slated for Sunday, but I was unfortunately sick after the 2-day marathon and had to skip it):

How to Develop Your Memoir with Appeal to the Widest Possible Audience
What makes “Eat, Pray, Love,” “The Liar’s Club” or “Angela’s Ashes” garner dazzling reviews or make readers weep or howl with laughter? How do you impose order on a thousand memories? Why is it important to resist the temptation to summarize your life?

Head Shot Referral: Beautiful professional photos for your book cover, etc.

Photo by Patryk Strait

Photo by Patryk Strait

The Great News for the past few months has been that the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society (GLAWS) invited me to join their faculty. The Uh-Oh News was that Tony Todaro, the master mind behind all the amazing workshops, panels, meetings, and conferences needed a professional headshot, and I haven't had one done since I was an actor many moons ago. 

Fortunately, professional photographer extraordinaire, Patryk Strait, came to my rescue about a week ago and took these gorgeous photos in natural light in less than an  hour at sunset.

I highly recommend him (pictures are worth thousands of words). He is also a good person, easy to work with, who is willing to wait until you are relaxed and trusting in the process. (Did I mention the sun was going down? LOL) 

Patryk Strait Artist

I'll drop links below so you can contact him as well as see his portfolio (he does studio portraits as well!). He has a "Quotes" button on his Facebook page.

The research I did online advised jewel colors, as opposed to black or white against the skin tones, to set off eye colors, etc. What shows here is the black top I wore under a forest green gown (not visible under my rust jacket). The tan hat isn't jewel, but the neutral colors work for a professional publicist/writer casual look.

Patryk was conscious of how my hair color would play against the golden sunset.

No sooner did I submit the pics, then Tony informed me that (Huzzah!) I'll be on a few panels at the Genre-LA Creative Writing Conference in February (that will be the next post!).

If you think all your promo pictures can be selfies...you might find not everyone agrees with you, and a great photographer can literally save your...face.

 Thank you, Patryk!

Patryk Strait Contact Info

E-Mail
straitboypatryk@sbcglobal.net

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/patrykstraitartist

Linked In

https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrykstrait

Genre-LA Creative Writing Conference

http://www.wcwriters.com/genrela/program.html

Feb. 22 - 24. The Conference will be held at Los Angeles Valley College, Campus Center, 5800 Fulton Ave, Van Nuys CA 91401, between Burbank and Oxnard Avenues.

I'll be speaking on 3 panels (2 Friday, 2/22 and 1 Sunday, 2/24)!
More will be revealed.
Hope to see you there!