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Soaps, Graphic Novels and Publicity

March 30, 2008

Jill Hurst and author Edie Claire

It's Saturday already and the Novelists, Inc. Conference is in full swing.  This morning's speaker was Jill Hurst, writer/producer of The Guilding Light on CBS.  Jill filled us in on her rise from part time receptionist to writer/producer and all the stops along the way.  She dished the dirt, but is such a sweet person, it was really clean dirt.  This soap has been on the radio and television for over 71 years.  They must be doing something right.  

Alisa Kwitney, GB Tran, Tricia Narwani

Next up was Graphic Novels.  This was a wonderful insight into the fascinating world of graphic novels, Manga, anime and comic books.  GB Tran is an artist who is developing his own graphic novel by writing the story and drawing the illustrations.  Alisa Kwitney is an author, Editor, DC comics and is writing a Young Adult story that will be illustrated.  Dallas Middaugh is an associate publisher with Del Rey Books/Random House and she picks what's to be written.  She said Del Rey went from publishing 14 books a year to over 100 a year.  A fast growing trend that could mean a whole different market for authors.

Author Nicole Burnham and Nadia Cornier, agent for the Firebrand Literary Agency talked about the exploding YA (Young Adult) market.  They're on bestseller lists and the popularity of the series is amazing.  Niki will be writing a book about an intern on a soap opera and has been invited to spend the day on the set of The Guiding Light.  She'll keep us updated about her adventure.

Shannon Aviles, Jamie Brickhouse

Will a Publicist help your career?  was the question asked but according to Shannon Aviles an independent publicist, there is no easy answer to this question, so you'll need to individually figure out where you are in your career and what you would need help with.  Jamie Brickhouse, director, HarperCollins Speaker Bureau explained how you can make even more money by polishing up your speaking skills and his company's approach to it. 



Members of Novelists, Inc. held a members only evening session where they could let their hair down, relax and talk without worrying about saying something that might be taken out of context and posted all over the internet.  Ah, to be a fly on the wall...  Just kidding, I wouldn't put it out there if it wasn't an approved comment, but as a reader, it would be so cool to be on the inside.

Bottom Line:  Maybe it's time for me to write a book so I can join these organizations and be invited to the insider stuff.  How pathetic...I'm thinking of writing a book just because I'm nosy.
                                          

Posted by Barbara Vey on March 30, 2008 | Comments (6)