Virginia Writers Conference - Continued

…we don't have to live in it. Distance is well known to cause a softening of the heart and head. Really the past was bloody awful inconvenient." 

Krahn confessed she preferred the present, not only to live in, but also as a place to read. Unconsciously echoing Ahearn, she noted, "I believe we are writing the best romances now. If you go back to your 'keeper' shelves and pick out some of the books from the early Eighties you'll find: forcible seduction, out and out rape, beastly men, giddy 17-year-old virgins, self-sacrificing nurses, and romantic relationships so 'tempestuous,' they'd probably be labeled abusive today." 

In addition, she noted, the past was relative. "What you're doing right now, in the near future, will become your past." 

Around the room, women awaiting interviews glanced at each other, their eyes telegraphing the message that their 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. interviews couldn't become the past fast enough. 

Strong Criminology Track 

The published authors took the conference at a more leisurely pace, focusing on the conference's unusually strong criminology track. Mystery and fantasy writer Rosemary Edghill, and her sister, the short story writer India Edghill, traveled all the way from New York for the panels. Forensic criminologist Dan Grinnan's "Study of a Crime Scene," Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms special agent Kathleen Kiernan's reminiscences, and Virginia Chief Medical Examiner Marcella Fierro's cheerful discussion of decay did not disappoint. 

In a major coup, the conference also snagged FBI special agent Rob Patterson, who discussed profiling and stalking. Although FBI representatives routinely talk to civic groups, the Bureau views writers as more dangerous than a room full of explosives. The Bureau worries writers will publicize their methods, giving criminals an edge they do not need. 

Towards the end of Patterson's talk late Saturday afternoon, the back of the room began to fill with "the suits." Quiet sighs accompanied the settling of carry-alls on back tables. Tightly buttoned jackets opened to reveal soft blouses and tops. 

"I had nine interviews today," Hoyes whispered during the video of a famous Florida stalking case. Although selling an inspirational fantasy at a romance convention might seem a long shot, Hoyes succeeded in seeing four editors and five agents. Three editors and four agents agreed to see a partial manuscript. 

After the Wars 

Hoyes viewed their willingness to see his manuscript as affirmation of his strategy. "I was willing to take interviews with anyone, including some of the smaller houses other people weren't so interested in." 

Hoyes appeared unconcerned that his strategy bordered on simultaneous submissions, a practice frowned upon by many publishers. Although at the time of the conference his manuscript was under consideration by Kensington Books, he said he wanted a back-up plan, "just in case," and carefully noted every tip and hint. 

"Even the editors and agents who didn't handle [inspirational fantasy] were helpful. They'd say, 'I'm not interested, but I know someone who might be.' And just about everyone came up with at least one name." 

Writers who pursued a more conservative strategy also appeared pleased. After her interview, Korman said, "I went to the desk to ask if they were always that nice. Both [Bantam Books editor Kara Cesare and Writer's House agent Karen Solem] wanted to see more of my work." 

"The point is to get [the editors and agents] to ask for pages. They probably do this to everyone, but it plays better if they ask," new writer Nan Thompson added in the wake of her own interview with Mary Sue Seymour of the Seymour Agency. Needless to say, Seymour asked to see Thompson's pages. 

Success Stories 

The interview process works, according to conference publicity director Mary Burton. She should know. She met her agent, Irene Goodman at a 1997 Washington Romance Writers conference and looks forward to the publication of her first novel. 

"It's a historical romance set in the American West in 1876," Burton said. "It's going to be published by Harlequin Historicals and will be out in March 2000." 

Rosemary Stevens, another Goodman client, is also a believer. With four romance titles to her credit, she's expanding her range to include mysteries. Berkeley Prime Crime will begin publishing her Beau Brummell mysteries early next year. Stevens met Goodman at a previous VRW conference, and she cheerfully drags writing friends to them every chance she gets. 

In fact, many of the winners of the VRW's HOLT (Honoring Outstanding Literary Talent) Medallion Contest for published writers got their start at romance conferences, including prior VRW events. And this, said both editors and agents, is what makes the demanding interview schedules worthwhile. 

LionHearted editor and double HOLT Award-winning writer Katherine Greyle sees conferences as a win-win proposition. Writers hone their skills in workshops, in conversations and even in the interviews that don't work out. 

For the editors, Greyle said, "There's the lure of finding that one pearl -- finding Nora Roberts when she's just a beginner and helping to guide her, teach her or just seeing her bloom. And the editor's career blossoms right along with the writer." 

The next Nora Roberts, here, in Williamsburg, among the nervy warriors trying to wrapped their crossed fingers around their pens? What are the odds -- a billion to one? 

Once again, Krahn's keynote address echoed in the mind. "Unlikely things happen all the time," she said. "… There are billions of unlikely things in the universe, and I can tell you about exceptions to all your rules, sometimes by name." 

Jean Marie Ward