On the evening of February 8th, 826 Valencia buzzed with estrogen and excitement, when we hosted “An Evening of Brainy Babes.” The seminar featured a panel of five exceptional women who have worked in the literary industry and spoke of obstacles and successes to an audience of equally brainy and babe-ilicious listeners.
Yosh Han, a writer, perfume designer, and brainy babe herself, moderated the discussion, which covered a variety of topics ranging from the writing process to publication. The panelists spoke from diverse experiences, and each had something unique to share.
April Sinclair, author of Coffee Will Make You Black and two other novels, shared the tale of herself as a young writer and discussed the ups and downs of “making it.” (She also kept us laughing the whole time.)
Jane Ganahl, veteran reporter and columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, shared her journalistic wisdom with us and provided an editor’s perspective on developing and marketing your work, relating her experience of editing her new book, Single Woman of a Certain Age.
Lane Kennedy, a former-fashion-model-turned-writer, told the story of how she began to write and shared advice and experience about self-publishing; she has published and publicized her own novel, Troubles of Being a Girl. She also created an accompanying website, which she maintains on a daily basis.
Cameron Tuttle, author of The Bad Girl’s Guide to Getting What You Want and its companion product line, and website, discussed creative and useful ways of promoting your books and expanding your story.
Charlotte Sheedy, a prominent literary agent who represents Cameron among others, gave us more of an industry-specific perspective, explaining how she got into the publishing business and how she helps others break into the it. She imparted invaluable counsel on believing in your work and practical advice for dealing with agents, publishers, and the market.
We were also graced by the presence of Ms. Monster, comic-book superheroine and host of the local variety show “B-Minus Presents: Hel on Ice,” who provided delicious cocktails and whose purple-leather jumpsuit was an inspiration to us all.
The babes were generous with their stories. They all emphasized that the key to their success was staying true to themselves in the face of rejection or struggle or a fickle market. Their wisdom fell on eager and attentive ears. After the seminar, Yosh sampled her fragrances and the panelists spoke one-on-one with audience members.
All the babes left sweet-smelling and enlightened. We are so grateful to the wonderful people on our panel and those who attended the seminar!
