I firmly believe that professional writers have a duty to pay forward the help they received to get where they are. I have achieved what I did because professionals volunteered their time and wisdom to help me, and it's only right to do the same.
So: a bit of money-where-my-mouth-is time on that score. I've got two upcoming appearances where I will be doing EXACTLY THAT.
First up: Comicpalooza in Houston, where I am on the Literary Track. In addition to appearing on panels where I'll do my best to give decent advice on writing, I will be participating in a Read & Critique Session, where we'll have ten minutes for a speed-date style examination of your work. And I will try-- stress try-- to be available for further thoughts, questions and discussion whenever I am there. You can sign up for a slot there-and-then, or right now by emailing literature@comicpalooza.com.
Next up, I am again teaching at the ArmadilloCon Writers' Workshop, which is in Austin and you do have to sign up for ahead of time (the deadline is June 11th). This is an in-depth, all day workshop which also includes membership to the whole con. I've talked about it before, and let me stress, this is so worth the time and money, especially if you have no opportunity to do one of the bigger, longer workshops like Clarion or Odyssey. If you can take a long weekend and come to Austin, this is a fantastic learning opportunity. More details at http://www.armadillocon.org/d39/writersworkshop.html
I've got a few more paying-it-forward plans in the works, and when they are up and running, I will let you know.
Until then, keep at it down in the word mines.
