Hi Reader! Registration opens in just three days. π€― Where did the last few months go?! I know today is a holiday for many of you, so I'll keep this intro short and sweet! If you missed a previous update... π Click here to meet the Day 1 speakers β π Click here to meet the Day 2 speakers β β€οΈβπ₯ What I'm excited about Day 3 is PACKED with learning and networking. Between every session, you'll have the opportunity to drop by the Ignite Lounge and network with your fellow romance writers (and some of the speakers will be there too). Here's your exclusive first look at the lineup for Day 3, Saturday June 15th. The theme for Day 3 is "For the Story", and it's all about making writing decisions that align with your unique brand of romance books while also hitting the most important reader expectations of the romantic fiction genre. We are also giving away some do-not-miss prizes during the daily Happy Hour. There's one every day of the main conference (Thursday through Saturday), plus a farewell version on Sunday. You'll have a chance to win things like a 1:1 chat with a speakerβand more than one have offered this up!βcomped registration to other events, audiobook codes for a must-read craft book, a 30-second pre-roll ad on a popular podcast, a half-page ad in a major reader conference, and so many more. You need the Spark Pass to access the live event areas. So start thinking about upgrading your ticket as soon as you register! β³ You'll get 20 minutes to upgrade at half off (only $67) right after you register for your free ticket. After that, the cost for the Spark Pass goes up to $127, so plan ahead if you already know you want it! Open my next update email to see the Day 4 speaker lineup + a hint for registering as soon as the doors open on May 30! π οΈ What I'm working on More video edits (so very many π ) and setting up the live conference space. Also, BLOOPERS! π€£ In my daily welcome session, I'll be sharing preview clips of each day's sessions, as well as some behind-the-scenes bits that got cut from the final versions. Including pet invasions, word flubs, and bad handwriting. Plus, I am setting up the application form for Stacy Juba's line edit critiques (more info below) and will be sharing that in the Registration Welcome email for everyone who upgrades to the Spark Pass. π€ β π A peek behind the scenes Want a sneak peek at the Airmeet setup for the live chats and networking? Hidden behind that second tab at the top left (that says "Ignite Lounge") is a nifty space where you can literally grab a chair πͺ at a virtual table and chat in real time with other attendees. π€ Invite a friend! Know a fellow romance writer who would love to attend? Click the "Invite a friend" link in the signature below. Being on the waitlist gets you not only behind-the-scenes updates, but also early access to apply for some very limited opportunities from our speakers. βοΈπ For example, Stacy Juba is doing live line-edit critiques of your romance fight scenes (a peek at Day 4). But she can only do a few, and the first people to register will get the first opportunity to apply. Being on the waitlist gives you a 3-day lead and FIRST access to apply. Once Stacy has what she needs, we'll close down the application form. β π More updates coming soon, but mark Thursday May 30th on your calendar! That's your early-access registration day.
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The heart of your story is in the hero's growth as a person. Learn how to start plotting the RIGHT story from your very first draft by digging deep into WHAT is holding your protagonist back and WHY they choose to become their best self. Sue's techniques break down storytelling in simple, intuitive ways that traditional writing methods often muddy. Stop wasting time spinning your creative wheels and start writing stories readers will remember... WITHOUT having to rewrite the story a million times.
Hi Reader! Yesterday afternoon, I was sitting in my office (upstairs) and hear a crash (downstairs). I look around. The cat is here. β My partner is in his office. β π° What caused that crash?! When I walk downstairs, the first thing I notice is the smell. β¨οΈ (Sugar, strong.) And the carpet is drenched. π¦ (But not from any source that makes sense.) After about 5 minutes of investigation, I realize that this π is the culprit... π Naughty Loki! The cork had exploded from the bottle, and the...
Hi Reader! Stories matter most when they resonate deep in a reader's heart. Right after recording my recent guest spot on The Author Next Door podcast with Angela Haas and Cassie Newell, my heart felt so full. π₯° For a whole hour, we dove into what makes writing romance such a special career niche. π₯ We got real about trends in the romance-writing industry, then went deep on what transforms typical snooze-worthy characters into unique, compelling, everyday people that readers connect with. π€...
Hi Reader! I spent a lot of years doing 1:1 work with authors, first as a developmental editor and now as a story coach. π§© And there's one conversation that I seem to have over and over. It usually starts with: π€ "Sue, something feels... off with my story. But I cant figure out what." The plot makes sense. The scenes flow. The characters are interesting. But somehow, the emotional impact isn't landing quite the way you want. And here's what I've discovered: When a story isn't connecting with...