USA Today Bestselling Author Mary Buckham to Give Keynote Luncheon During MWG Conference

As any writer knows, crafting a story—whether fiction or nonfiction—often takes a writer on a journey of discovery. Sometimes the road is virtual. Other times, its actual. 

Mary Buckham, USA Today bestselling author of high-concept urban fantasy and romantic suspense stories, credits her many international travels and her natural curiosity to creating her highly sought-after fiction books noted for their pacing, setting details and in-depth characterizations. She also credits teaching other writers of all genres, live and online, as the reason her writing craft books have been consistent bestsellers at Amazon. 

In addition to Mary’s travel and teaching, she has co-authored the Red Moon series with New York Times bestseller, Dianna Love. Currently, she is neck-deep into her Urban Fantasy series, INVISIBLE RECRUITS, about five women who combat preternatural beings fighting for world domination. And the latest of her three-book series, WRITING ACTIVE SETTING, assists thousands of writers worldwide with techniques to create super-powered manuscripts. 

During the 2014 Missouri Writers’ Guild conference, Buckham will present two breakout sessions on Saturday, April 12, teach a 3-hour workshop on Sunday, April 13, and present the keynote during the Saturday luncheon.

The first of Buckham’s breakout sessions, “Analyze This: Scene Survival Test: Test Your Scene’s Strength,” will assist writers in learning the three key elements to what makes a powerful scene, what a scene MUST do, the difference between scene and sequel, and how POV impacts your scenes.

Another of Buckham’s popular workshops, “Active Settings: For All Genres and Sub-Genres,” spells out the difference between active and passive setting, as well as how setting can show conflict, emotion, and characterization, among other important aspects writers need to consider when crafting a story.

Her Sunday Master class, “Super Power Openings,” expands on developing techniques such as characterization and hooks, as well as pacing that writers can use for a powerful opening and throughout their entire manuscript.

A complete description of Buckham’s workshops can be found on the Missouri Writers’ Guild Conference web site.

Chuck Sambuchino, Editor at Writer’s Digest Books, to Headline 2014 Missouri Writers’ Guild Conference

Register before Dec. 31 to Receive a Chance to Win a Query Letter Critique from Sambuchino or a 1-on-1 Practice Pitch Session from Best-Selling, Non-Fiction Author Matthew Frederick

Chuck Sambuchino
Editor at Writer's Digest Books

SAINT LOUIS (Nov. 7, 2013) – Writer's Digest Books Editor Chuck Sambuchino will headline the 99^th Annual “Fifty Shades of Writing” Missouri Writers’ Guild Conference from April 11-13, 2014 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel St. Louis Downtown Convention Center. Early registration opens today and runs through Dec. 31. 

“This year’s conference reflects the many ‘shades of writing’ through our conference line-up, which addresses topics like non-fiction, query letters, agent etiquette, mystery writing, character building and more,” said 2014 Conference Chair Lisa Miller who is also the owner of St. Louis-based Walrus Publishing, Inc. “Regardless of whether they’re published or not, conference attendees will have an opportunity to network with writing professionals from around the country who can help them reach their writing goals.” 

Matthew Frederick
Author

Sambuchino will welcome conference attendees Saturday morning with his “Pitch Perfect” presentation geared to help attendees with their agent pitches. He will spend 20 to 40 minutes talking about what a pitch is and what not to do when sitting next to an agent. He'll also break down what does and doesn’t need to be in a pitch. In addition, he will present the keynote address during the “Annual Show Me Awards Banquet” on Saturday night. Sambuchino edits the GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENTS and the CHILDREN’S WRITER’S & ILLUSTRATOR’S MARKET. His Writer’s Digest Guide to Literary Agents Blog is one of the largest blogs in publishing.

“Writers and authors will want to secure their spot as soon as possible this year,” Miller said, “because, in addition to receiving a considerable Early Bird discount, everyone who registers early may enter a raffle for a chance to purchase one of a limited number of in-person query letter critiques from Mr. Sambuchino.”