The Muse Online Writers Conference

Publishing news in relation from the 2007 Conference:

 

After months of trying to break into the picture book market, I finally did it! My story "Rainbow Sheep" will be produced as an ebook and print book by Guardian Angel Publishing. This acceptance is a direct result of a chat from the Muse Conference. During the chat I asked the publisher, Lynda Burch if she would be interested in seeing my fiber art, and she said yes. Lynda also graciously closed down regular submissions for a couple of months to take only authors from the conference. It was an opportunity I couldn't resist.

During the conference, Deron Douglas of Double Dragon also saw my posting of an excerpt from my novel "Caul, Shroud and Veil." He asked me to see the manuscript and has now accepted my entire trilogy for publication!

Wow! All I can say is thank you, Lea and the others who contributed their time to this amazing conference. I still have so much information to go through. I swear, I learned more in one week than I did during four years of University!

Kim McDougall

---

Lea, what a fantastic conference. Two in a row. Obviously, this year that you tweaked the conference agenda and platform. It worked. The forums were wonderful and I had such a great time in the suspense workshop with my partners in crime - I mean suspense. Diane Newton and Pepper Smith are not only great friends, but great talents as well. The questions we were asked  were excellent. I really enjoyed our suspense forums and had a lot of fun reading the posts and helping where I could. I look forward to next year's conference.
Geez, your Greekness, how ya gonna top this?
Dave (J. D. Webb http://www.jdwebb.com)
Shepherd's Pie (Golden Wings Award)
Moon Over Chicago
Her Name Is Mommy (Dec 2007)
The Smudge (2008)

---

    The 2007 Muse Online Writers Conference was an absolutely awesome experience!!  I presented two Workshops and Chats, and served as co-presenter in two other Workshops ... and I had fun!!  Visiting other Workshops felt like walking down virtual hallways in some magical building where everyone buzzed and chatted about writing.  There was a palpable feeling of excitement in the virtual air.  It was a wonderful experience!!
Marilyn Peake
http://www.marilynpeake.com
* "Twisted Tails: An Anthology to Surprise and Delight" ~ Winner, Anthology Category, 2006 Dream Realm Awards
* Audio Book of "The Fisherman's Son" by Marilyn Peake ~ Finalist, 2006 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards
* "Coyote Crossing" by Marilyn Peake ~ TOP TEN Finisher, 2006 Preditors & Editors Readers Poll
* "Twisted Tails" Anthology ~ TOP TEN Finisher, 2006 Preditors & Editors Readers Poll

---

    I have enjoyed meeting so many dedicated writers this week! Thanks for the opportunity and all the hard work in organizing this conference. It is a highlight of my year!
    Dindy Robinson - Publisher of:
http://www.swimmingkangaroo.com

---

    Writing sizzling love scenes to soaring children's stories...this conference has it all!  Who ever heard of platforms (other than shoe style) and world building?  This week-long experience broadened my knowledge on the art of writing as well as publishing and promoting a book.  It was jam-packed with information from people who knew their topics and who graciously answered all questions or were able to find the answers from their resources. 
    Thanks, Lea, sponsors, and all those who presented and moderated.  I am looking forward to next year. 
Janet Glaser
http://www.myspace.com/janwrites
http://www.gardenandhearth.com/camping.htm
http://www.squidoo.com/westmichigan

---

    This has been a truly awesome experience for me. I've never attended any sort of writer's conference before, but I'm impressed! The atmosphere has been so welcoming, so encouraging.
    Lea, you are unbelievable! From the immediate responses to my questions prior to the start, right through the incredible job you've done pulling this all together and making this a wonderful learning experience. I've just posted a message with a writing class I'm taking, encouraging all my fellow students to sign up for next year. I'll be doing the same with my yahoo group.
    Well done to all the presenters too! I can't believe how much I've learned in just a short week.
    I highly recommend this conference to anyone even remotely thinking about it. Do it, you won't regret it...though your family, job and friends may be disgruntled at all the time you spend writing and interacting with the conference. But then, when did they ever understand this passion for writing?
    Cathy A. Chance
    Writer (Thanks, Lea, for making me realize I am a writer, though unpublished for now)
http://cathychance.livejournal.com/

---

    WOW!
    That says it all. What an amazing week of fun, learning, and STRESS! I was away from home and half the time couldn't get online. Now I'm home and discover the material will be available until the end of October! Lea and co . . . you ROCK!
    I've already put my name down for next year. I'll be back, this time with a free week on my calendar (remind me of this!) and hopefully a group of S.Africans with me.
    Thank you all again,
    Shirley Corder (South Africa)
http://www.shirleycorder.com

---

    I just wanted to say another Muse Conference well done. The numbers were much higher and I know each year there will be an increase. A lot of writers just can't afford or make it to in person conferences. Thank you for filling this need. I look forward to next year.

VS Grenier
http://vsgrenier.com
http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com

Where to begin. This conference gives energized new meaning. Few in-person conferences last a whole week. Plus they offer overlapping sessions and require running around to catch up with presenters. And let's not forget the cost in travel as well as conference fees.
    Here, we can reach every presenter through the forums, get transcripts at no extra cost (most conferences sell tapes) and access a diverse group of writing professionals, not only in the presenters but among the participants as well.
    The whole conference was extremely well organized and easy to access, this from someone who is not particularly adept with technology.
    Thanks to Lea and Carolyn, and all the presenters and moderators (let's not forget them) for their tremendous donation of time, resources and expertise. I am already enrolled for next year and plan to submit a proposal to present as well.
    Thank you isn't enough.  I got much more out of this than any in-person conference I've attended.
Cheers!!!
Carol Celeste
http://www.writingtoheal.com

---

    To Lea and All Who Have Put Their Hard Efforts into the 2007 Muse Online Conf:

As fantastic as the inaugural con was, this year trumped it in spades. The organization, the content, the sheer talent and knowledge went beyond all expectations.

From this side of the computer screen, everything moved as smoothly as a fish through water. I'm sure the scene was different from Lea's and the other conf's organizers' points of view, but from where the "audience" -and even the "actors"- stood, baby, it was nothin' but net.

Somebody stop me before I mix more metaphors.   But a simple analogy just doesn't seem enough.

Everyone deserves a standing ovation, but Lea and all the behind the sceners -especially- deserve a couple of curtain calls.

Bravo, All! I can hardly wait for next year.

K.L. Nappier
http://www.klnappier.com
Author of Award Winning Full Wolf Moon, Critically Acclaimed Bitten & Voyagers and Contributing Author to Online Best Seller Twisted Tails Short Stories Anthology Series

This has been a great conference. Even though I'm a writer, I'm having trouble finding the words to describe my experience!
    Thanks for all of the hard work of the organizers and presenters. Opening up the forums to everyone so that we could peek into (and even post into) workshops that we hadn't signed up for made this a slightly overwhelming (in a good way) adventure.
    I'm so excited about all that I learned that I've already signed up for next year. I can't wait!
Deb Cushman
CushmanDeb@aol.com
http://FrecklesandDeb.blogspot.com

---

Lea Schizas has hit upon a beauty of an idea for conferences by using the internet. It's inexpensive (She asked for donations, which she richly deserved, but has no fees.). You can have an overload of information yet not miss anything you really want (thanks to the beauty of cut-and-paste.) People from all over the world could attend,  in any time zone (thanks to the forum workshops) and even if they had disabilities. You could market your books (subtly, just be talking with folks, including characters in your exercises, and of course your signature line.) The only thing this conference lacks is a good pitch session, but I think ask the con continues to grow, you'll start seeing that, too.

If you are a writer, make a note for January to sign up for MuseOnline Conference 2008. Of all the writers' conferences available, this is the most comprehensive, easy and fun!
Karina L. Fabian
Editor, Infinite Space, Infinite God, thought provoking sci-fi with a Catholic twist
http://isigsf.tripod.com
http://www.fabianspace.com

Thanks to Lea, the presenters, and everyone involved in putting together this conference. This was my first one, and I will be back again next year! I loved the classroom atmosphere and the personalized attention I received from several of the presenters. I got so much more out of this than I expected, and I am more motivated than ever to continue writing.
Thanks again,
Karin Taney

---

The Muse 2007 Online Writers Conference was superb.  The quality of the presentations and the enthusiasm and professionalism of the participants make it the kind of wonderful, win-win event that most of us only dream about.  Everything was wonderfully organised, and best of all, I didn't have to get a babysitter or travel to participate.  Absolutely perfect. 

 Magdalena Ball,
_________________
http://www.compulsivereader.com/html

   What a great experience I'm having already. I have met some wonderful and interesting people all over the world. The internet has brought the world into my humble home.
   Lea, thanks for all your hard work, you and Carolyn. I know you've spent months getting this ready for everyone. All your hard work is paying off and I know next year is even going to be bigger and better. I plan on sharing another workshop or two! You can be sure I'll be onboard from now on. 
  Thanks again,
   Linda Barnett-Johnson
http://www.longstoryshort.us
http://www.lsswritingschool.com
http://www.lsspublishing.com/
http://www.alongstoryshort.net/LindaBarnettJohnson.html

---

I want to thank Lea for a wonderful first conference day. Although I had problems get into the author's chat room, she was immediately available to help me get on. She spent the whole day trouble shooting and was unable to participate in the chats. Let's hope all goes well the rest of the week. Hurray for Lea and Carolyn, all the presenters and moderators, and the high level of professionalism on the part of the particpants! Thanks everyone!
Kathy Helmer

---

I was a first time attendee of the conference and cannot be more grateful to have participated in this worthwhile event.  The coordination of the conference was incredible!  From registration, selection of workshops and chats to completion of the conference all went off without a glitch.  I have already inked in the conference for a must attend next year.  It is worth taking the time off from work...so that networking and attendance can be at a maximum.  Kudos to Lea and all involved in the coordination and execution of this not to miss conference. 
Donna M. McDine
http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

---

I have to admit, I have been pleasantly surprised with the experience I've had so far! I really wasn't sure what to expect from an online conference, but this definitely exceeds any expectations! Great work Lea! I'm having so much fun!
T L Thomas

---

This year's Muse Online Writers Conference is even better than last year's.  I am learning so much.  This is the best thing I've done for my writing career.
Cheryl C. Malandrinos
http://ccmalandrinos.tripod.com/

---

    Due to physical contraints, I'm not able to attend as many writing conferences as I would like. Conferences are necessary for writers to learn (we stop learning and growing, we start dying) and to network.
    The Muse 2007 Online Writers Conference gave me the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and network with other authors, with publishers, with agents, and with others wanting to learn. Even for someone with limited computer and online skills, the conference was "do-able."
    The organizers did a marvelous job, and this conference is on my list for as long as it exits.
    Vivian Zabel
http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com
http://www.viviangilbertzabel.com

---

    Kudos on a conference well done!  This has been a journey of learning offering a plethora of information for writers at all stages in their careers.  This being my first writer's conference, I was a bit overwhelmed and hesitant to participate but that feeling was short lived.  All of the presenters offered their expertise in the most open and friendly manner.  I particularly liked the critiques offered and learned quite a bit from that feedback.
    Congratulations to Lea and all of the others. 
Jozette Aaron
http://www.theauthorsdesk.net
The Authors Desk Ring of Writers

http://M.webring.com/wrman?ring=authorsdeskringo&addsite

Freelance Writer/Reviewer

http://www.writers.net/writers/31242

---

 Last year's conference was great, and this year's was even better!
And of course, as impossible as it seems -- next year's will be even better.

Congrats to all on a job well done.

Meredith Karen Laskow
poet and essayist
http://www.meredithlaskow.com

It's been great so far.  The forums are the best with all the info and links.  Lea as always you've done a  great job.  I'm sure the week will be beneficial to all. Have fun!
Sharon
http://www.freewebs.com/storylady/

---

    I'm an artist and wanna-be children's picture book author/illustrator. I just happened onto this conference and signed up at the last minute and so glad I did!
    Having never even been in a live-chat before, I found it was easy to catch on to everything. Now I feel like I'm on the fast-track as far as getting a feel for what publishers are thinking and what writers and illustrators need to succeed.
    If I had know it would be this good, I would have signed up for more workshops. Looking forward to next year!
    Thanks!
    Pam RuBert
    http://pamrubert.com

---

    I cannot begin to tell you how much I am enjoying this, my first but definitely not my last, Muse Online Writers Conference.
    I have enjoyed the chats though I believe I have learned more in the forums.  The chats depend so heavily, of course, on the questions that are asked.  The forums allow more leeway in discussions.
    Mary Ann Peden-Coviello

---

    This conference has been energizing and challenging. I have reviewed writing basics, discovered new writing techniques, explored different genres and venues, and even learned computer skills. I have gained a more positive attitude about myself and more confidence in my talent.
    Many thanks to Lea, her helpers, and all of the presenters who have
given so much of themselves.
    Jan E. Fetherolf-Shick

---

    If possible this year's conference was better than last year. The chats ran smoothly and the amount of information was astounding. I will be working on assimilating it all until next year.
    Thanks, Lea, for all the hard work. I know it takes an incredible amount of preparation to put together this kind of event. It's wonderful to have a chance to do a conference on line. Going to a conference away from home is difficult for many of us.
    Kudos to everyone for a great experience!
    NancyF

---

Thanks Lea and all the presenters and moderators.  This is a great experiance.  Everyone is so friendly and ready to help.  I have had a great time. Not very computer savy yet,so I have been making notes the old fashioned way.  A special thanks to Florence and Dyanne for all the extra help you have taken the time to give me in answering all my newbie questions this week.

Kim C.

---

Thank you Lea, other presenters, and participants for making me think so much my brain hurt then soothing it with warmth and humour. This from someone who wasn't able to participate actively in Muse 2007! It has been an outstanding learning experience and will continue to be as I work my way through materials and exercises in the coming months. I am deeply indebted.

Linda Graham