Writers' League of Texas
Meet the Members: Kerry L Stevens
"The WLT is like a chest filled with treasures of classes. I've learned much about the craft and business of writing."
— Kerry L Stevens
A member of the Writers' League since April 2016, Kerry lives in Leander.
Scribe: In what genre(s) do you write?
Kerry L Stevens: My debut book is a memoir about my maverick mother, and our unique relationship. It's called Forever Herself: A Son's Memoir of a Remarkable Woman.
Scribe: What author would you most like to have a drink with, and what's the first question you would ask them?
KS: I would relish spending time with Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of his earlier books, Strength to Love, changed my life. My first remarks would be to offer him my sincerest gratitude for the work he did and the inspiration he's provided to so many people. Then we'd discuss how we could collaborate to continue to change the world.
Scribe: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what book would you want to have with you to keep you sane?
KS: I don't believe I'd need a book to keep me sane. I enjoy my time alone and exploring the world. I'm certain a deserted island would also hold many secrets waiting to be revealed. I seldom read the same book twice. So repeatedly reading the same book may add to my insanity, rather than detract from it. I'd desire to have a detailed reference book about the flora, fauna, geography, astronomy, and other scientific facts for islands in the region which I could use to survive and improve my life.
Scribe: What have you learned from your association with the Writers' League?
KS: The WLT is like a chest filled with treasures of classes. I've learned much about the craft and business of writing. The knowledge gained shaped the memoir I wrote and provided the energy to see it completed, then help prepare me to publish and promote it.
Scribe: Where do you see your writing taking you (or you taking it) in the future?
KS: The next phase is promoting my memoir, Forever Herself, released in October. It was written to honor my mother, a prolific writer who died without achieving her dream of sharing her words in a published book. It's a fusion of her poetry and prose with my memories of our relationship. My next project may be publishing an entire book of her poetry or one of her Middle Grade novels. If I can find the right illustrator, I'd also love to publish one of her children's books.
Scribe: Here at the Writers' League, we love sharing book recommendations. What's one Texas-related book that has come out within the past year that you couldn't put down?
KS: I've only recently read one Texas-related book. It's called Soul Love: How a Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again. It's a raw memoir of despair and hope written by a friend, Teresa Q. Bitner.
Scribe: Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with the world? An opportunity for blatant self-promotion!
KS: Shaped by childhood adversity in an impoverished, fatherless home during the Great Depression, my mother grew into a strong woman who embraced life on her terms. But when she dared to be herself in our rural community, she endured ostracism and loneliness, finding solace in her faith. You may learn more about Forever Herself: A Son's Memoir of a Remarkable Woman at my website www.KerryLStevens.com. Because my mother is a contributing author, her dream is now fulfilled.
Thank you, Kerry!
If you're a Writers' League member and you'd be interested in being interviewed for our Meet the Members feature, email us at member@writersleague.org for more information. It's a great way for other members to get to know you and for you to share a bit about what you're working on!
Posted in Meet the Members
Tagged Kerry L Stevens, Meet the Members, Memoir, Writers' League of Texas
Meet the Members: Lori Duran
"I have learned there is a wealth of information here in Austin about the craft of writing and there is great support available at the Writers' League of Texas."
— Lori Duran
A member of the Writers' League since 2017, Lori lives in Austin.
Lori Duran: Nonfiction history.
LD: Isadora Tattlin, and I would ask, "What are your most prominent memories of Cuba during the 1990's and the time you lived there?"
LD: I would bring Black Night, White Snow: Russia's Revolutions 1905-1917 by Harrison Salisbury.
LD: I have learned there is a wealth of information here in Austin about the craft of writing and there is great support available at the Writers' League of Texas.
LD: I would like to continue writing and I am interested in writing about a local politician and his family.
LD: I could not put down Indelible Austin: More Selected Stories by Michael Barnes.
LD: My book titled "Austin's Travis Heights Neighborhood" was released on October 8. The book includes 185 photos that highlight the history of the early south side of Austin. I also write history pieces for Society Diaries magazine. I am also serving on the Board of Directors and work as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Austin History Center and the Oral History Committee. History has been a life long passion for me and it is all around us, everywhere.
Thank you, Lori!
Tagged lori duran, Meet the Members, Writers' League of Texas
Meet the Conference Faculty: James Melia
"I don't differentiate between 'debut' or not when I'm considering a work."
-James Melia
Every year, the Writers' League of Texas brings a faculty of close to thirty agents, editors, and other industry professionals to Austin for its Agents & Editors Conference. As we look ahead to the 25th Annual A&E Conference, taking place June 29–July 1, 2018, we're happy to share Q&As with some of our faculty here.
An Interview with James Melia
James Melia previously worked at Doubleday before joining Flatiron Books, where he edits and acquires upmarket commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, and pop culture. Notable books he has edited include The People We Hate at the Wedding by Grant Ginder (an Entertainment Weekly Summer Must-Read), James Rebanks's The Shepherd's Life (which was named one of the top ten books of the year by Michiko Kakutani), and Marc Maron's Waiting for the Punch. In 2018, James will publish Ron Stallworth's memoir Black Klansman, the basis for the forthcoming film produced by Jordan Peele and directed by Spike Lee.
Scribe: How would you describe your personal approach to working with an author?
James Melia: Each author (and book) is different. I will say that editing a book is an incredibly personal experience between author and editor​. It's what I love most about my job. Before we move on to marketing and publicizing the book, it's just this special thing you and the writer are working on — bouncing off ideas, drafting new chapters, trying a new perspective or tone. Whatever the work might need. My job as an editor is to be the author's biggest fan, but that also comes with wanting the work to be the best it can possibly be.
Scribe: What do you look for in a debut author?
JM: ​I don't differentiate between "debut" or not when I'm considering a work in terms of what I'm looking for content-wise. I want whatever I'm reading to totally grab me​ and get my heart racing. There is no better feeling than opening a manuscript and knowing by the end of the first page that you have something special in your hands, something you just want to push into the hands of others and say, "Here. Take this. Read it now!" That's what I'm always looking for.
Scribe: If you could give writers one piece of advice, what would it be?
JM: ​If you're not enjoying the writing of it, people probably aren't going to enjoy reading of it. Follow your instinct and passion.
Scribe: Has there been a project you took on because there was something special or unique about it, even though it wasn't like projects you usually take on?
JM: ​I'm still pretty young in my career, so I'm pretty game for new challenges. But, I did discover a novel through Instagram once.​
​It was self-published, and I just clicked the link on this stranger's bio and started reading the book. It immediately drew me in — sort of a millennial Brett Easton Ellis. I'm lucky enough to work for two great publishers that let me buy it, and just this past week the New York Times Book Review ended their review of it with the demand of, "You must read this now!" I think it's important to think outside the box and test the limits just a bit, now more than ever. The book is called Into? by North Morgan. Follow the Times' advice and read it now!
Thanks, James!
Click here and here to read our 2018 A&E Conference agent & editor bios.
Click here for more information on the 2018 Agents & Editors Conference, a weekend long event in Austin, TX (June 29-July 1) that focuses on the craft of writing, the business of publishing, and building a literary community.
Posted in Agents & Editors Conference
Tagged Agents & Editors Conference, James Melia, Writers' League of Texas
Meet the Conference Faculty: Agent Jennifer Chen Tran
"Part of doing the work means being a good literary citizen, so support your fellow writers and bookstores."
-Jennifer Chen Tran
An Interview with Jennifer Chen Tran
Jennifer Chen Tran is an agent at Bradford Literary. She represents both fiction and non-fiction. Originally from New York, Jennifer is a lifelong reader and experienced member of the publishing industry. Prior to joining Bradford Literary, she was an Associate Agent at Fuse Literary and served as Counsel at The New Press. She obtained her Juris Doctor from Northeastern School of Law in Boston, MA, and a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature from Washington University in St. Louis. Jennifer understands the importance of negotiation in securing rights on behalf of her authors. She counsels her clients on how to expand their platforms, improve on craft, and works collaboratively with her clients throughout the editorial and publication process. Her ultimate goal is to work in concert with authors to shape books that will have a positive social impact on the world–books that also inform and entertain. She is looking to sign authors from diverse or marginalized backgrounds.
Jennifer Chen Tran: I'm a very hands-on and editorial agent. I see myself as an author cheerleader and savvy negotiator, and I truly believe in securing the best book deal for my author but also think broadly about how else we can take advantage of subsidiary rights beyond the book. I brainstorm with my clients on creative out-of-the-box approaches to promotion and marketing. I really am a friend and business partner and pride myself on being very responsive to my clients. My role is to add value to all of my interactions with my author-clients, who I feel so gratified to work with.
JCT: Many things, but paramount is voice and tension on the page. Characters that feel real, a story that makes me care and think more deeply about the world at large. Professionalism and realistic expectations about the publishing journey, also doesn't hurt.
JCT: Do the work. Work on your craft, improve your writing. If you write non-fiction, keep placing essays and shorter pieces in journals, magazines, and other literary publications. If you write fiction, keep refining your story, your characters, the setting, and get feedback from others. Part of doing the work means being a good literary citizen, so support your fellow writers and bookstores. (I think that is more than one piece of advice! I like giving advice).
JCT: Yes. I represent Cori Salchert, a former perinatal bereavement nurse who now takes care of hospice babies and kiddos with life-limiting medical conditions. She's been covered in national media outlets, including a recent appearance on Today with Kathie Lee and Hoda. I think it's the most unique project I've worked on because it takes on so many ethical and spiritual questions in a scenario that you don't often see. Plus, it made me cry more times than I can count.
Scribe: Tell us about a recent book that you worked with–you know, brag on one of your writers!
JCT: I'm super excited about Spark! a three-book middle grade series that was originally based on a viral Tumblr blog called "Little Girls are Better Superheroes Than You," where little girls sent in pictures of themselves in homemade costumes and comics artists created superheroic characters based on these pictures. It features Lucia Marquez-Miller, who loves tinkering with her Legos and can take things apart with just the power of her mind. She's a very positive role model for little girls everywhere but she's also a normal girl who has homework and wants to please her parents. Lucia fights crime with a motley crew of characters in modern-day San Francisco. It's a fun story, full of adventure, and I think a lot of middle grade kids will love it. Lion Forge comics is the publisher and the first book in the series will be released next year.
Click here to read our 2018 A&E Conference agent bios.
Tagged Bradford Literary, Jennifer Chen Tran, Literary Agents, Writers' League of Texas, writing conference
Meet the Conference Faculty: Agent Eric Myers
"Even if all you want to do is sit and write, these days you have to be prepared to engage with the public at large, and to take charge of your own book promotion."
-Eric Myers
An Interview with Eric Myers
Eric Myers entered publishing as an author, with three books published by St. Martin's Press. He has been an agent since 2002, having worked at The Spieler Agency and Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret before establishing Myers Literary Management. His clients include Chris Grabenstein (Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library), Sam Staggs (All About "All About Eve," Closeup On "Sunset Boulevard"), Seth Rudetsky (My Awesome/Awful Popularity Plan), Miriam Davis (The Axeman of New Orleans), and Patrice Banks (The Girls' Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide), among many others. He specializes in YA, Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Thrillers, and most non-fiction, including memoir that comes with a strong platform.
Eric Myers: As an author myself, I try to be supportive as well as sensitive to an author's needs. I am constantly attempting to put myself in my client's place. But a little tough love is sometimes required as well, and it's important to know when and when not to use it.
EM: I look for a manuscript that is already at least 95 percent perfect; one which shows me that a writer really knows what he or she is doing and is ready for Prime Time. It helps if the author is social-media savvy, has a feeling for self-promotion, and is willing and able to go out there and do everything possible to get copies of their book sold.
EM: Writing is no longer a solitary profession. Even if all you want to do is sit and write, these days you have to be prepared to engage with the public at large, and to take charge of your own book promotion.
EM: One of my most unusual projects is a forthcoming memoir called Girl Electric by Alisa Jones, who was diagnosed with adult-onset epilepsy at 40. I'll bet you don't think an epilepsy memoir can actually be laugh-out-loud funny. Think again! You can find out this November, when it is published by Imagine/Charlesbridge.
EM: My client Lydia Kang, a physician based in Omaha, has already written several great YA and adult novels. She joined forces with her journalist friend Nate Pedersen to write Quackery, which was published last year by Workman. It's an amazing compendium of all the horrendous quack cures that have been tried out on patients over the centuries. Darkly funny, it is peppered with great visuals, including outrageous old advertisements for every kind of snake-oil scam you can imagine. It became one of Workman's biggest hits of the year.
Tagged Eric Myers, literary agent, Writers' League of Texas, writing conference
Meet the Conference Faculty: Agent Terra Chalberg
"Writing a fantastic book is important, but so is being able to talk about it with clarity, finding and connecting with its readers, and working well with others while upholding a vision for your career."
-Terra Chalberg
An Interview with Terra Chalberg
Terra Chalberg began her publishing career in 2002 at Scribner after graduating from UCLA and working in film development. As an agent, she represents a range of fiction and nonfiction writers, including Victoria Fedden, author of This Is Not My Beautiful Life; Margaux Fragoso, author of the New York Times and international bestseller Tiger, Tiger; Elizabeth Isadora Gold, author of The Mommy Group; Lori Ostlund, author of Barnes & Noble Discover selection, finalist for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize After the Parade; Andrew Porter, Flannery O'Connor Award-winner and author of the Indie Next List pick In Between Days; Melissa Radke, author of Eat Cake. Be Brave.; Alex Taylor, author of Kentucky Literary Award-finalist The Marble Orchard; and Glenn Taylor, NBCC Award Finalist in Fiction and author of A Hanging at Cinder Bottom.
Terra Chalberg: I tailor the job to the author and what she needs at any given part of the process, which can change book to book as well. There are periods when my authors and I are in constant, close communication (e.g. project development and sale), and periods when I take a backseat but am hands-on/involved as needed. Because part of the job is problem solving and liaising, I can best serve the client when author, editor, and, eventually, publicist all keep me in the loop. The more we work as a team, the better the results.
TC: Reserves of enthusiasm and optimism; the ability to revise based on feedback but with creative license and authority. I appreciate someone who is willing to put all he's got into promoting himself and his brand, but I also understand it doesn't always come naturally, so effort counts for a lot in my book.
TC: Putting aside the craft, a writing career is like any other in that there are components of the career that don't involve the actual work but are still part of the job, like cultivating relationships with readers and other writers, and planning for long-term success. Writing a fantastic book is important, but so is being able to talk about it with clarity, finding and connecting with its readers, and working well with others while upholding a vision for your career.
TC: Yes. One of my first clients, Margaux Fragoso, who has since passed away, wrote a memoir called Tiger, Tiger. Her nuanced approach to the material and her beautiful command of language humanized a pedophile in a way our society refuses to do. It's controversial, haunting, and a crucial contribution to the world. I hadn't been looking out for a writer whose topic was her experience with a sexual predator, but I recognized its unique qualities and potential to educate readers.
TC: Melissa Radke—born and bred in East Texas—is a phenomenal writer, speaker, and entertainer whose book of hilarious, heartfelt personal stories called Eat Cake. Be Brave. is coming in July from Grand Central Publishing. The book's title is inspired by one of the many Facebook videos that has given Melissa her huge social media following; she made the video on the eve of her forty-first birthday to remind herself and everyone else that we are all whole, good, and unique, and that we need to love ourselves as we are, even when (and especially when) the world is not being kind.
Thanks, Terra!
Tagged Agents & Editors Conference, Chalberg & Sussman, literary agent, Terra Chalberg, Writers' League of Texas
Meet the Conference Faculty: Agent Susan Velazquez
"A great idea is nothing without great execution. Great writing isn't much without a great idea driving it forward."
-Susan Velazquez
An Interview with Susan Velazquez
Susan Velazquez is the assistant to Eddie Schneider and Joshua Bilmes and manages audio rights at JABberwocky Literary. She was born and raised outside of Dallas and studied Creative Writing at SUNY Oswego. Susan generally gravitates towards any story that details a complicated family dynamic, illustrates a transformative coming-of-age experience, or features multicultural characters or unique voices. In non-fiction, she is interested in memoirs, pop culture, and history. In science fiction and fantasy, she is looking for richly built worlds to become immersed in and stories that explore what humanity is like–or could be like.
Susan Velazquez: I would describe my approach as "part-Jedi trainer, part-cheerleader." Part of my job is to guide authors through the publishing business and help them understand all the possible avenues for their creativity, which can include books, film/TV, merchandise and licensing, etc. The other part, which is my favorite, is to help authors shape their ideas into the best possible version. I am happy to provide editorial feedback, but I never try to steer the story one way or the other. Our authors have amazing stories to tell and I want to do everything I can to help share them with the world.
SV: Excellent writing skills and boundless creativity. If a writer has both of these, the world is theirs. A great idea is nothing without great execution. Great writing isn't much without a great idea driving it forward.
SV: Show your character's personality on the page! One of the quickest ways I fall in love with a story is if I fall in love with the characters. There's so many ways to express a character's personality: in their dialogue, their inner monologue, or their driving motivations. Characters should feel as human as possible because it makes it easier to develop an emotional connection to them and thus, the rest of the story.
TC: I'm currently working with one of our newest clients, Joy Lanzendorfer, on a historical family saga set in California that spans the Gold Rush, the Great Depression in Hollywood, and the beginning of World War II. Joy has created these beautifully complicated women who are trying to chase a version of the American Dream, no matter the cost. They are not always likable, but it's mesmerizing to watch them go after what they want. She's a wonderful, talented writer and I'm so excited to help bring this book (and her other future books!) to life.
Tagged Agents & Editors Conference, JABberwocky Literary, literary agent, Susan Valezquez, Writers' League of Texas