Interview with Bridgette Collins
When did you attend your first BWRC?
I attended my first BWRC in Dallas, Texas in July 2006.
What is your most memorable BWRC moment?
My most memorable BWRC moment was the energy Vincent Alexandria displayed during his workshop on “Tricks of the Publishing Trade.” Not only was his energy motivational, but his information was relevant. He provided so much valuable information about marketing and creating visibility for you and your book—information that I’ve found myself routinely referring back to when marketing and promoting my book.
Have you networked with anyone at the conference and has that contact continued?
The conference presented a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with a number of aspiring and published African American authors. However, I was blessed to meet Daphine Robinson, another aspiring author at that time. We have built a wonderful friendship since meeting at the conference. Although Richard Carter participated in the conference, I met him formally through a friend a few months after the conference. He, too, has been a valuable source for information.
Did you do any writing while attending the conference?
After Anita Bunkley’s workshop on “Crafting a Winning Synopsis,” I remember rushing home to do some more work on the synopsis for my book.
Has the BWRC helped you to accomplish any writing goals?
The extras BWRC offered like the editor pitching and agent critique sessions afforded participants the chance to receive professional feedback about their manuscript format and overall presentation. My book is unique in that it is a novel that uses fictional characters and factual health and fitness information to bring forth a message of living healthier. During my one-on-one session with Mondella Jones, a seasoned literary agent, I received invaluable advice and direction on how to connect and structure my main characters. These offerings and so many others had a tremendous impact on the completion of my first novel, “Imagine Living Healthier: Mind, Body and Soul” which was published January 2007.
If you plan to attend the 2008 BWRC, what brings you back?
I plan to attend the 2008 BWRC. I’m looking forward to attending workshops that will further enhance my writing skills and the publishing of future books.
What would you say about BWRC to influence someone who’s thinking about attending?
The workshops were invaluable. Every time I meet an author, I share information (i.e., array of conference topics, BWRC website address, etc.) about the BWRC and encourage him/her to make plans to attend. As an aspiring author or new author, you know there’s a lot about the writing and publishing process you don’t know, but that lack of knowledge is magnified when you attend an event like BWRC.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m looking forward to attending the 2008 Black Writer’s Reunion & Conference in Tampa, FL, and sharing my experience as a self-published author with aspiring authors. Publishing my book has complemented my role as a fitness coach and consultant to where I’ve received invitations to provide daily health and fitness tips via radio stations as well as to write health and fitness articles for magazines. I add BWRC to my list of credits for helping me position myself in such a way to be afforded these opportunities. I thank God for stumbling upon BWRC during an Internet search in early 2006. The July 2006 conference was truly a blessing for me.
Bridgette L. Collins
website: www.bridgettecollins.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/bridgettelcollins.com
Register between now and December 17, 2007 for the biggest savings on the 2008 Black Writers Reunion & Conference. For more info, visit www.blackwriters.org.