Divermarv

(Let’s keep this PG)

PitchFest. What is everything a “fest” now? Well, yeah. At least at ThrillerFest it is. And I’m here for it. Thursday May 7th, for three hours in the afternoon, I was there for it at least. This is my first writer’s conference, and therefore my first time at the compendium of fests. PitchFest is simply that. But more. It’s well-organized opportunity for writers of all levels of experience to present themselves to Agents and Editors. For a grand total of three minutes a pop. It’s speed-dating but even scarier. I (again, of course) had no idea what to expect. But I prepped to the best of my ability. I will say that the coordinators of ThrillerFest were absolutely on point with assistance. Everyone was saying to us… breathe. I tried. Mostly succeeded.

We lined up in the no need to line up early line, and at the appointed time we were led into a large room crammed with chairs. Filling the rows from back to front. And waited. But with entertainment. More encouragement. Pointers on what to expect, and how to best present yourself and your work. And now at the next appointed time the rows (starting at the back of course) were led out into the hallway where we were greeted by the conference staff and volunteers arranged in a gauntlet, all clapping and cheering. Gotta say my jaded heart was move quite close to tears.

After this we were to go to the rooms where the pitchees were seated and you got in line to make your pitch. Three minutes. No pressure. Yes, some pressure. Good pressure though. If there is such a thing. My first pitch was to the person I met for my QueryFest the previous day. They were patient and kind. They allowed me to fumble my way towards something. Maybe not ecstasy, but ummm, conclusion? They finally said something along the lines of “I want to read it.” I’m not sure as I was having an out-of-body experience… driven by elation. Someone wanted to read my book? After my incoherent rambling? Well, well, well. Maybe there is a universe where this can happen. And maybe I just exist in said universe.

Long story short (too late, I know) I was able to meet with six persons, and five of them wanted some length of my manuscript. Two wanted full manuscripts, one a partial, and a couple of thirty and fifty pages. For someone who is figuring this out as they go, it’s not too bad. Now I know. Even the promising person whom I met for QueryFest may still read my full manuscripts and print it out so they can enjoy crumpling each page and tossing in the circular file, but still. Each of these is one tiny step closer to a potential publishing event? And I do want one of those. I mean before the one publishing event we all get (the obits, ya’ know).

I will, of course, keep you all posted on how this goes.

BTW, my author website is marvinlchoffman.com. It is a static site for now, but in 2027 I intend to fold divermarv.com and my author site into one dynamic site. I might even code it myself. Wouldn’t that be a hoot!

Love y’all, and peace in these troubled times.

Marv