Like the song from my teenage years says, “See you in September,” woo woo woo, when the summer’s through…
And why are those guys singing in suits on the beach?
Now, where was I? Oh yes. I’ll be traveling next month to two conferences, and then a third in October, talking about book proposals, career reinvention, and making your food writing sharper. Here’s what’s coming up:
September 8-11, 2014
Panelist and Workshop Leader
Association of Food Journalists Annual Conference
The Peabody Hotel
Memphis, TN
For the first time, I’m attending the Association of Food Journalists (AFJ) annual conference, where I will appear on a panel September 11 called Entrepreneurial Skills for Everybody, with editor and writer Chuck Reece, founder of the Bitter Southerner. We’ll be talking about how to keep up with new opportunities and build a brand. I’ll also be teaching this optional workshop the day before:
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
9 – 11 a.m.
Workshop Leader
Write Your Cookbook Proposal Right Now!
Felicia Suzanne’s Restaurant
80 Monroe Ave. LI
Memphis, TN
(801) 523-0877
$99 for AFJ members/ $125 for the public
Book publishers require a book proposal for most non-fiction books, particularly cookbooks. The acceptance rate from agents and editors is about two percent, so it’s more important than ever to get the best possible advice and coaching about how to write a book proposal that succeeds.
Whether you’re already a book author and contemplating a new book, or you want to write your first book, this two-hour interactive workshop will get you started on your path towards publication. See this page for more details and to register. You do not have to be a member of the AFJ to attend.
I’m proud to be a new member of the AFJ, dedicated to promoting responsible food journalism.
September 19-21, 2014
Speaker
So, How Did it Taste?
International Food Blog Conference
The Westin Seattle
Seattle, WA
$395/$95
I’m a big supporter of this conference, where over the years, I’ve made friends, networked, and spoken on panels with superstars. This time I’m teaching a class about how to describe food using other techniques besides adjectives. You’ll be surprised by how your writing will spring to life.
October 17-19, 2014
Workshop Leader and Speaker
Food Bloggers of Canada conference (FBC2014)
Four Seasons Vancouver Hotel
Vancouver, Canada
$449-$849
I’m excited to return to my hometown of Vancouver to be part of this first-rate conference. I’ll be teaching a 3-hour class on the craft of food writing on Friday for $125, and speaking on food blogging ethics, whether for recipe writing or restaurants, during the conference on Saturday. The organizers got a great deal on rooms at the Four Seasons, so I’m expecting swank chocolates on pillows and fancy soaps.
Maybe I’ll see you at one of these conferences? Let me know if you’re coming.
Hi Dianne,
I will be at the FBC 2014 conference in October. I am excited to be attending your class on the craft of food writing!
Wonderful, Liliana. I look forward to meeting you. And I love the name of your blog.
Hi Dianne, these conferences all sound great! I’m writing today though to thank you for introducing me to the Bitter Southerner! I immediately subscribed to Chuck’s newsletter. What a find for a reader like me who loves stories which evoke a sense of place. I’m a born Midwesterner but I think the South has always called to me. Thanks.
Oh, what a great side effect to this story. I know you will enjoy the newsletter.
I’ll be at IFBC in Seattle this year as well! So glad you will be speaking!
Hey Nicole! Thanks for saying hi. I’ll see you in Seattle!
I’ll be at IFBC in Seattle this year as well! So glad you will be speaking!
Hey Nicole! I hope to run into you and say hi.
Dianne, I wish I could attend your descriptive writing seminar, but other travel plans are already in place. Is there a way to access your discussion after the seminar? Purchase a copy of your remarks?
Hi Carol, oh too bad. I am doing a workshop rather than a seminar, so I’m afraid there is nothing to purchase except the class itself. I do write quite a bit about proposals in my book, Will Write for Food.
Both of these food bloggers conferences sound amazing. Hoping i can make it to one of them next year.
They are! Just to confuse the issue, here’s a list of a jillion conferences coming up. http://jenncuisine.com/resources/food-blog-conferences/
Dianne – thanks for the heads up about AFJ – it looks like a great organization and I’ll have to check out the Bitter Southerner! It was a pleasure meeting you at BHFood this year – looking forward to seeing you speak again at conferences in 2015!
It does seem to be a great organization — I am a newbie but so far I am enjoying the people I’ve met. Lots of heads of newspaper food sections, longtime journalists. The conference looks fabulous!
Great to meet you at BHF as well, Aly. Looking forward to events in 2015. Maybe I’ll see you at one of them.
Hi Dianne. I’ll be at IFBC in Seattle. Your session is at the top of my list!
Wonderful! Look forward to meeting you there Kristine.
Hi DJ. Sure wish I could do the one in Memphis. I finally have my book idea in my head that I believe is “the one”! Driving me crazy, I really need to write a proposal. May just have to call you and ask about private coaching to get it done. Wish I could make a conference this year. Not one. Next year, I will. Miss seeing everyone. Too many family emergencies this year. Have a great time and I know everyone will be blessed with your teaching!
Thank you so much Sally! Nice to hear from you and I’m so glad you have a new book idea. We will talk about it.
I know what you mean about the family emergencies. Going through one on our end now.
Completely stoked to see you at the IFBC conf in Seattle!
I look forward to meeting you there, Rebecca.
Rebecca, hope to see you at IFBC and say hi!
I will for sure! 🙂