June 3, 2023 proved to be a rainy Saturday for most in central NH. But, for the many who attended the NHWP 2023 603 Writers’ Conference, there was an abundance of the sunshine one feels when connecting with kindred spirits and finding the fulfillment of community.
This year’s conference shined a light on the Memoir genre. Keynote speaker, NH’s own Mark Dagostino kicked the event off with a presentation packed with personal stories, inspiration and lessons learned as an author who helps others tell their stories. Subjects of his books include Chip and Joanna Gaines who went from rags to riches remodeling houses and their successful Magnolia brand, to the story of a morbidly obese man who dropped pounds and regained health while walking his dog. Perhaps the greatest lesson from the presentation is that with perseverance one can truly be inspired and earn a living through memoir writing, as well as other genres.
The signature 603 event, the “Pitch Party,” saw five nervous finalists competing for the best book pitch written to secure an agent or publisher. Professional actor, Colin Malette read each of the pitches out loud for the panel of judges to critique and ask the authors follow up questions. The five finalists were Dwen Chester, Sarah Hoffschwelle, Sandra Mucci, S.M. Stevens and Judith Howe This year’s first place winner, Dwen Chester, flew all the way from her home in Louisville, Kentucky to attend the conference and participate in the competition. Second and Third place winners were Sarah Hoffschwelle and Sandra Mucci respectively.
Another conference attendee also had a personally exciting experience at the event. She unboxed her author copy of her new book, Live Free and Hike: Finding Grace on 48 Summits at the conference. Rather than tear into the box upon its long-awaited arrival at her home, Linda opted to share the experience with her two critique partners. “I met Linda Fisher and Valerie Carter, my critique partners, almost five years ago at a NHWP “speed dating” critique partner workshop,” Magoon said. “They were instrumental in providing thoughtful, detailed feedback throughout the writing process and it was only fitting that I unboxed the book with them.
The two panel events at the conference were impressive with a rich variety of talented panelists including published authors, book publishers, literary agents, and entertainment attorneys. Former NHPR host of the popular NHPR program “The Exchange,” Laura Knoy expertly served as the panel’s moderator. The morning panel discussion was “The Literary Experience: From Pitch to Film” and NHWP’s famed Pitch Party, closed the day. You can see a video of the big reveal here.
A new feature at this year’s conference was “Limelight” — a NHWP members’ book kiosk where members’ books were displayed and purchased by order. Numerous NHWP authors participated in this member’s only opportunity.
Many conference attendees wondered out loud if the gorgeous petunia centerpieces, made possible by Jacques Flowers in Goffstown, were going home with one lucky table guest. The custom has been and continued this year that the person whose chair has a hidden tag underneath the seat wins the privilege of taking the centerpiece home. You can tell from the photo that this is a custom that is much enjoyed.
And then, there was the food! Nearly all of the conference evaluations included a firm thumbs up for the delicious breakfast, lunch and end of day snacks provided by the Southern New Hampshire University catering team.
We owe a big round of applause and thanks to Southern New Hampshire University and our other conference sponsors, NHPBS, WKXL Talk Radio, Concord TV, Ingram Spark, Dover Poker Room and Casino, Autocrit, and DPI Graphics, for making the 2023 603 Writers’ Conference a tremendous success.
We look forward to sharing our big surprise for 2024’s 603 Conference. It will be iconic!
