The Muse Online Writers Conference
The ONLY online conference of its kind!
2009 Testimonials
Two writers have been offered contracts by Lyrical Press.
One writer has been offered a contract by Breathless Press.
One writer has been asked to send in the full submission by 4RV Publishing.
One writer has been asked to submit the first book in a middle grade series to Twilight Times.
Chip MacGregot has asked to see and read the synopsis and first three chapters of another writer's work.
Will keep you posted as they come in. About three quarters of the pitches were asked to submit their first three chapters for consideration. YAHOO!!
Not sure what the Muse Online Conference offers? Our Workshop page gives you a hint but here are some of the 2009 testimonials trickling in:
"I got so much from this experience! Not just Joyce Anthony's workshop, but all of them. Even though I was not always able to keep up with assignments, I still felt as if the presenters, over all, were taking this seriously. So many times the old adage "you get what you pay for" is true--and not in a good way. Which is why I almost did not take the Muse Conference. But I'm so glad I did! This was a professional job--free of charge. I'm amazed and beyond pleased, and Joyce did a great job with hers."
TangoDream
***********************************
The Muse Writers' Conference is an experience that challenges and encourages the growth of writers at every level of their careers, supported by a constructive atmosphere that allows for fun, freedom, and individuality.
Devon Ellington
Ink in My Coffee: http://devonellington.wordpress.com
http://www.devonellingtonwork.com
http://www.fearlessink.com
The Jain Lazarus Adventures: http://hexbreaker.devonellingtonwork.com
Dixie Dust Rumors: http://www.devonellingtonwork.com/jennystorm.html
***********************************
There is a saying - you get what you pay for - well, I didn't pay for this conference and I'm telling you I have received more encouragement, more instruction, more information, more contacts, more creativity, more sharing, and just plain MORE than any other paid for writers experience.
The volume of information freely given is worth my family's weight in gold. I have 'met' publishers, agents, authors, experts in most every conceivable area writers need all from my laptop, in my home, on my time.
And I'm not talking about handouts and that's it, there is feedback, multiple feedback and patience with the most naive questions.
Muse Online Writers Conference brings together those who know success is in sharing what they know.
Lea, you are the leading gem among Mentors.
Sometimes Thank You is all a person has...Thank You
Chris Speakman
ChrisChatReviews:http://www.freewebs.com/chrischatreviews/
ChrisChatTalksCreativity: http://chrischattalkscreativity.blogspot.com/
Twitter Me: http://twitter.com/ChrisChatReview
***********************************
This
is my first Muse Online conference and I can’t find words to match my
enthusiasm. I learned much more from this free conference than a paid
conference I attended. The workshop leaders were truly generous with
their advice. Pam, the moderator for my pitch session was an
organizational genius, as were all the workshop moderators.
Lea, you pulled off a Herculean task with grace and smarts. I’m astonished by not only the huge variety of workshops you were able to offer, but by your incredibly hard work answering everyone’s questions, solving technical problems, and generally pulling thousands of rabbits out of one hat. Viva la diva!
Thank you everyone who helped to make this a magical experience!
Maggie Lyons
Children's writer
Editor/proofreader
http://www.lyonseditorialservices.com
***********************************
Lea, what a tremendous gift this conference is to the writing community. This was my first time and it was an extraordinary experience. Most impressive was having instructors in fields of medicine, military and others share their expertise so we can provide authenticity to our characters. I always love to learn more about the professions of others.
The last conference I attended chanted "submit your best possible work". This conference provided mountains of information on how to do just that and I think I got more out it. I loved every moment of it and have my calendar marked for next year.
Thank you so much for all your hard work in putting this together. A true jewel.
S.L. Englehart
***********************************
As a
member of various professional writer's groups and attending their conferences
for almost two decades, the 2009 MUSE onlinewriter's conference was the
best writer's conference I have ever attended. "WOW!" I
have been a MUSE member for almost a year, and this was my first MUSE
conference. The experience this week was "Super Cool."
I was impressed with the guidelines for attending
workshops and chats as well as the preliminary information posted before the
online conference actually began. The workshops were organized and extremely
informative. The chat boards were structured and also very informative. Same
with pitching and the publisher's chats. It was awesome to receive the
transcripts and the handouts for future reading and don't forget the free books.
And so much more. "WOW!" There was just so much useful information
for a writer to absorb.
It is mind boggling to realize how much work Lea
and her team put forth to make this a successful conference and all for
"Free." One can spend a thousand dollars to attend a week-long
writer's conference, yet Lea did not charge anyone a penny.
"WOW!" I hope all the attendees donated as much as they could
to help underwrite Lea's expenses. Lea is a "Wonder-Woman" as a
conference organizer and director, as a a doer, as an editor, and as a
great human being. Thank you very much for all that you have done to help your
fellow writers. You really know how to put the "WOW" factor back into
attending a writer's conference.
Sincere congratulations on a great conference
from Ellen Spain, Ph.D., M.A.
(Writing) who is
now registered for the 2010 MUSE online writer's
conference
http://www.EllenSpain.com
Thank you can't be said enough... so thank you thank you thank you Lea, for putting on such a wonderful online resource! I've been to in-person conferences where I did not come away with as much knowledge, contacts, and friends as I have with this online conference. It's been truly amazing! I'll go through withdrawals next week, I know.
I have learned so much in just a few days my head is going to explode (well not literally but it might). The people and presenters in the chats, workshops and pitches have all been very helpful and kind, with more sharing of information and tips than I ever expected.
You bet I'll be back next year... and I'm going to tell my writing buddies that missed it this year that they missed something really super wonderful!
Thanks Lea,
Susan Borowy
Here there be... A.N.G.E.L.s
(not your mother's guardian angels!)
http://www.SusanBorowy.com
***********************************
What someone can expect at the Muse Conference:
Constructive criticism at its best.
Resourceful workshops.
Organized forums to answer many of the questions an aspiring author wonders about.
Networking.
And measurable growth in your understanding of the writing process all the way through publishing and marketing.
I will come back again! You always have something new!
Thank you!
Annette Boehmer
***********************************
I just wanted to thank you Lea, for all your hard work in organising such an excellent event. The Muse conference is a wonderful idea that gives me that yearly kick in the butt I need and helps to both motivate and inspire me.
The workshops this year have been of a very high level. I particularly want to thank Devon Ellington for her Dialogue workshop. Her exercises have been inspiring and her feedback very constructive. I hope she will do this again next year as I'm already ready to sign up
__________________
Jo Linsdell
http://jolinsdell.tripod.com
http://writersandauthors.blogspot.com
http://astheromansdo.blogspot.com
***********************************
You never cease to amaze me with all that you do and the people you rope into being at The Muse Conferences.
This is my third year, and they only get better.
Thank you seems so little to say, but that you for your tireless efforts putting this conference together for all of the attendees and presenters.
__________________
Bob Medak
Freelance Writer & Editor
http://stormywriter.com
***********************************
I've attended brick-and-mortar writer's conferences. I've attended online conferences. I've paid a little. I've paid a lot.
The Muse Online Writers Conference is, without a doubt, one of the very best. Easy to navigate forums and chats. Knowledgeable, accessible teachers. Eager students. The best bargain is the price: FREE -- with donations accepted.
The topics will appeal to writers of all types. The atmosphere is welcoming and non-threatening. The diversity is impressive.
Will I be back next year? You bet I will.
Mary Ann Peden-Coviello
***********************************
WOW! Thank you all so much for everything you have done for us. I love the way you pull together to help a writer out. This was my first writers' conference, and let me tell all of you, I was very impressed. This is something to write home about.
Special thanks to you, Lea, for letting me in.
Hi, Mom.
Bye, Grandpa.
Goodnight, Johnbob.
__________________
Johnnie Renee Barrett
***********************************
I
want to add my thanks also.
It was an action packed, information jammed packed,
amazing, and overwhelming week - just like last year's.
The
Muse Conference is an amazing concept. I will plug it from now until next
year's is at our doorstep. It is an astounding opportunity for writers to learn
their craft, or a new one, get advice and tips, network, and move forward in
their careers.
It allows us to partake of the knowledge and
experience of wonderful writers, authors, editors, marketers, and publishers.
And, it gives us the opportunity to get professional critiques of pieces of our
writing within some of the workshops offered.
But hold on, if this isn't enough, you are given
the opportunity to PITCH YOUR WORK!
A GREAT BIG THANK YOU AND BUNDLES OF APPRECIATION
to Lea and Carolyn for the time, effort, expense, and the obvious caring that
goes into these amazing conferences. And, a special thanks to everyone
involved: moderators, transcribers, and all others!
Karen Cioffi-Ventrice
http://www.dkvwriting4u.com
http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
http://vbt-writersonthemove.blogspot.com
Co-Author of Day's End Lullaby
Author of The Self-Publisher's Guide
Reviewer for BookPleasures.com
***********************************
I
just wanted to thank you Lea, for all your hard work in organizing such an
excellent event. The Muse conference is a wonderful idea that gives me that
yearly kick in the butt I need and helps to both motivate and inspire me.
The workshops this year have been of a very high level.
I particularly want to thank Devon Ellington for her Dialogue workshop. Her
exercises have been inspiring and her feedback very constructive. I hope she
will do this again next year as I'm already ready to sign up 
Jo Linsdell
http://jolinsdell.tripod.com
http://writersandauthors.blogspot.com
http://astheromansdo.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for bringing Caryn Wiseman to the pitch sessions this year! When I pitched to her, I was so nervous that my mind went blank, and I thought I ruined my chances to pique her interest. I sent off the first 20 pages and a synopsis anyway, and my heart sank when I saw that she had responded only seven hours later. BUT it turned out to be good! She said I hooked her and she wanted me to send the entire manuscript!
Now I am so nervous, but thank you so much for the opportunity! This never would have happened without you, Lea!
__________________
Check out my blog "The Worries and Triumphs of an Unpublished Author" at http://www.sheribr.blogspot.com for the chance to win a free, signed copy of Michael Grant's "GONE."
***********************************
Thank you Lea and everyone who has been
part of the Muse. This is month seven in my journey to become a published
author. I pitched on Wednesday, submitted the full MS on Thursday and
Sunday morning I was really, really glad I took Jamieson Wolf's forum on
promotions because I was offered a contract. Thanks again. It's
been an amazing week and I will be back next years with lots of friends!
__________________
Stephanie Becken
http://stephaniebeck.yolasite.com
***********************************
I
have enjoyed attending the conference for the past several years. I have
to say, each year gets better. The addition of pitch sessions this year
was brilliant. The chats are more organized and the variety of presenters
both for live chats and in the forums increases each year. There are
always too many choices and never enough time to do it all! Thank you
Lea, and all those who participated giving their time to make this one of the
best writing conferences available at any price.
Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz
http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/pennyehrenkranz
Ghost for Rent
http://store.fictionwise.com/servlet/mw?t=book&bi=8656&si=42
Dragon Sight
http://www.genremall.com/fictionr.htm#dragonsight
***********************************
I've
studied writing for over 50 years and taught it for over 30, yet I still learn
something each year through the Muse Conference.
Lea Schizas and Carolyn Howard-Johnson offer a
conference that is free, takes no funds for travel, meals, or hotels, and there
is something for everyone -- IF a person is willing to look and try.
Vivian Zabel
Experience the Emotion
mystery – romance – love
http://vivianzabel.blogspot.com
http://4rvpublishingllc.com
Congrats on brining in Jerry Simmons. He offered one of the best chats on a unique subject matter: distribution. His expertise and insight was remarkable.
Thanks so much for that opportunity
Deb Denson
__________________
Magician's Spell a historical adventure romance
An admiral's daughter sails with the crew of the 40-gun privateer, Magician;
swept away in action, adventure, and romance.
http://www.magicians-spell.com
***********************************
I didn't know what to expect of an online conference, and I admit i was full of insecurity going into it--would I ever be able to navigate the site, did I bite off more than I could chew having signed up for 3 workshops, would my writing be good enough to share in public, etc.
Now that the week is almost over, let me say that this is one of the best writing conferences I've ever "attended." The instructors were excellent, giving personal feedback in a constructive, nurturing tone; offering suggestions and examples to better my work; and sharing their wealth of writing knowledge and experience.
And the other writers were so generous in sharing their own work and, in the case of the personal essays workshop (C. Celeste), stories of their own lives. I was honored to read them.
I was fortunate enough to be off work for the first two days of the conference, and could apply myself to the lessons without interruptions. Those were two of the best creative days of my life. If I can take more days off during next year's conference, I definitely will.
Bless everyone involved in the organization and presentation of this week's event. Thank you for all the hard work and effort it took to organize this. It was magic!
--Toni Pebbles
***********************************
Wonderful conference, and an invaluable resource to writers everywhere!
All my best,
Beth Barany
Author, The Writer's Adventure Guide
beth@bethbarany.com
http://www.bethbarany.com
Tweeting? Me too! @bethbookcoach
***********************************
Wow! This has been my fourth year
attending the conference and there are really few words that can truly describe
the camaraderie and level of information shared in one week. The workshops this
year were fantastic. The chats much more organized than in years past. Unlike
years past I picked up a potential reader for an endorsement, found someone who
I could turn to with questions in specific areas, pushed myself to participate by
actually doing assignments (on the one day I took off), and am left with so
much new energy to move on, but first I will need to organize everything and
finish getting all the good info.
Oh, and by the way, one more thing, I attended
a live conference last summer and I can only say that the presentations here
were so much better and on a higher level. Anyone who thinks free means low
quality is missing out on the tremendous amount of knowledge and support put
out in one week. Hear Ye! Here at the Muse Online Conference FREE = SUPER
QUALITY!
Once again Lea, thanks for all you do. I will send a
donation as soon as I can.
Can't wait till next year. See you all again then.
Gloria Oren
http://gloirascorner.com
http://gloriaoren.com
***********************************
It's a whole new world
after attending MuseCon. I read a novel and revised some of my wip with a
keener eye for POV, active voice, & other traits of tight writing. This
week-long forum covered key topics to guide experienced writers and newbies
like myself. Thanks Lea. Count me in for next year.
Sandra Gonzalez
Become a Fan on Facebook
email: sandyjg23-guardian@yahoo.com
website: http://theguardianscurse.yolasite.com
***********************************
Dear Lea, Carolyn, and
Presenters:
You have all out done yourselves.
This is my third year attending and each year the
conference gets better and better. The renewed and new connections and the
wealth of information provided is overwhelming. Never could you garner so
much at an in-person conference. My slippers are worn out from running up and
down the cyberspace hallways of the Muse Conference in the desire to attend
just one more lecture or workshop.
Kudos to all and best wishes to everyone's continued
success!
Best wishes to all,
Donna M. McDine
Children's Author
http://www.donnamcdine.com
http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com
http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com
***********************************
Once again work and other
obligations kept me from totally living in the MUSE conference and yet what I
feel I have taken from it is substantial. I put many of the things I learned
last year (my first) into play this year and I can see the positive effects.
This coming year will also benefit from all I learned.
Thank you all is just two little words and not nearly
strong enough to express the gratitude I have. And I will be back in 2010!
http://chellecordero.com
Combining Passion & Suspense
***********************************
Congratulations
Lea and everyone on the wonderful conference. It has renewed my inspiration and
asperations, and given me a wealth of new knowledge. Thank you all.
Great job with this years conference.
Looking forward to next year.
Cher Green
http://chergreen.blogspot.com/
***********************************
Lea
and gang!
This was the best conference ever. I had so much
fun, learned sooo much, I'm still smiling. Thank you, thank you!
~normaj~
***********************************
This
was my first writers conference ever, but it definitely won't be my last.
It has been an amazing week long journey that I will never forget. It was
10 times better than I ever imagined it would be.
The workshops are packed full of great information,
the instructors and fellow attendees are so helpful and caring, and the chats
are great. It was exciting getting to hear from publishers and authors
who know the ins and outs of writing, publishing and promoting. And all
of this was from the comfort of my own home!
I've already registered for the 2010 Conference and
am counting down the days! THANK YOU Lea for making this great experience
possible for me. Thanks to everyone who helped in any way with this conference.
Susanne
***********************************
I
also want to add my thanks for all the hard work that goes into this
conference. It's an amazing week. This is my third Muse Conference
and I have learned so much each time. Thank you so much to Lea for all
the organization and being there and to the presenters of the chats and
workshops. I think you have done a wonderful job.
Robbie
***********************************
Lea,
I want to add my thanks as well. I really enjoyed
the conference and could not have attended if weren't for you. A week long
conference would be way beyond my means on any level - financially as well as
time spent away from work and home. I appreciate the presenters and
participants too, but it has to start with someone. Thanks for taking on the
challenge!
Julie
The
Muse online writers conference has been wonderful, so many opportunities to
meet and talk with publishers, editors, agents and other writers. Wide
range of workshops and all week forums so there is something for
everyone. The support from the participants was amazing, the intensity
and energy in the gathering rooms for the pitches was incredible. Great
job by the moderators, the presenters, the transcribers and especially
LEA! Lea is amazing. Thanks everyone who made this such a great
event. This was my first conference and I'm looking forward to next year
already.
Nancy Bell
***********************************
Thanks,
everyone, for the great experience at the 2009 Muse Conference. I learned a lot
of truths about the writing industry that dispelled the falsehoods and made a
lot of new friends.
Cheers!
A. R. Braun
http://arbraunsblog.blogspot.com
This
has been a wonderful conference. I wish I had time to attend more forums, but I
got a lot from the ones I did attend as well as the chats. It was nice to meet
more people, too. The pitch session was one UNFORGETABLE experience.
Let's hear it for LEA!!!
BarbaraB