A writer looks at the Maui Writers Conference

DISPELLING THE MYTHS OF THE MAUI WRITERS' CONFERENCE—
ELAINE MASTERS, Honolulu

Although I live a dolphin swim away, I’d never been to the Maui Writers' Conference. I’d heard too many negative things. Then, at an SCBWI schmooz, I met Shelly Mecum, author of GOD’S PHOTO ALBUM. "You’ve got to go!" she exclaimed. She impelled me with the same enthusiasm she’d used to publish her book. Two weeks later, I flew to Maui, and I found Shelly was right.

Myth: IT'S TOO BIG: YOU'LL BE LOST IN THE CROWD.
In his welcome speech, founder John Tullius encouraged us to be a family, an ohana. "When you’re standing in line or relaxing over a cup of coffee, speak to the people around you. Be kind to each other." I did, and found that attendees were interesting and helpful. Ranging from wanna-bes to the much-published, everyone--everyone!-- showed aloha.

Myth: THOSE EDITORS AND AGENTS ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN BEST-SELLERS.
Well, yes, actually that’s a half-truth. The other half is that they want YOU to be a best-selling author. In private consultations and informal conversations, the editors and agents took my limited vision and explored how my proposed book could have
wider appeal, a stronger premise, more sales. Me, a best-selling author? I think I could handle that.

Myth: THEY DON'T OFFER MUCH ABOUT WRITING FOR CHILDREN.
That was true in the past, but it’s changing. This year, author Paula Danziger (SNAIL MAIL NO MORE, AMBER BROWN books), editor Art Levine (Scholastic), and children's book agent Andrea Brown spoke. Listening to them, my writing paradigm deepened, broadened, and fired off sky rockets. Brown told us that, besides the science and math books that are always needed, she can’t get enough good beginning readers, the Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 books put out by Scholastic, Random House, Simon & Schuster, Harper Trophy, and others. She said the publishers are so desperate for new beginning readers that editors are writing books to fill the gap. I’ve been writing grade-level items for several years and feel that’s a great new market for me.

I had an especially helpful experience with Richard Cohn. In exploring ways to make my adult book idea work for his company (Beyond Words), I mentioned a couple of children’s manuscripts I had at home, and he asked me to send them along, too!

Sometimes nothing specifically for children’s writers was offered in a time slot, but other lectures did apply. Stephen Coonts taught me to plot fast-paced adventure thrillers. Dorothy Allison reminded me to write large, to dare to dig deep in my emotions and reward the reader with a catharsis. And Lalita Tademy told what it was like to continue to write when her world belittled her, and then to end up on the NEW YORK TIMES best-seller list. She was refreshingly bewildered by her success. Surely these giants would inspire any author.

This year, the American Film Institute partnered with the Maui conference and offered professional-level classes in screen writing. Besides expanding my career vision—a movie from my book? Why not?—thinking in movie terms as I write will help with pacing and realism.

Myth: IT'S EXPENSIVE.
Sorry, I can’t dispel that myth. It is expensive. Besides registration, there are hotel, rental car, and meals. Private 10-minute consultations cost $40 each. John Tullius told us the authors/agents/editors were donating their services, and all the fees went toward the costs of the conference, also funded by sponsors.

Myth: YOU'LL BE SORRY YOU WENT.
No way. Moderator Earth Mother Sam Horn, author of pop psychology books, exuded peace and authority. She smiles in my memory while I send book proposals to editors and agents who requested them. Even if none of them becomes a published book, I’ve made contacts for the future.

In those expensive consultations, agents and editors led me to a refocusing of my adult book proposal with saleability in mind. Then, as we talked about my life experiences, they suggested two additional topics. I learned what the publishers
really wanted and which agent personalities meshed with mine. The fine hand of John Tullius peeked through when one agent, unimpressed with my book idea, said, "I’m supposed to be encouraging, but I just don’t see this for my agency. Umm. What else do you have?" Even the rejections felt good at Maui.

I learned a valuable life lesson, too. I’m a hermit by nature. Since I have difficulty speaking my ideas, I put them on paper. But a few weeks ago, I listened to a tape that said, "So you’re an introvert. You say you’re a private person, not one to strike up conversations with strangers? I have a word for you. Get over it!" This conference was a chance for me to get over it. And you know what I discovered? The world is full of fascinating people. I sincerely hope to go to Maui next Labor Day and meet more of them.

[© 2001 by Elaine Masters. E-published in TRADEWINDS, the newsletter for SCBWI-Hawaii.
Masters is the author of thirteen books, most of them for children, with many more manuscripts in her files eager for the light of day. She is a former Regional Advisor for SCBWI-Hawai‘i.]