Backspace Conference 2008
August 7-8 ● Radisson Martinque Hotel, New York, NY

Read my conference report here.


Jon Clinch, Backspace Member of the Year, with the youngest attendee, 15-year-old Ashley Golding.
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John Searles, "Michael J. Fox only hotter," kept writers on the edge of their seats with his stories and advice.

Mark Travani spoke with conviction about changes and challenges in publishing.
Man about town, Marc Graham, rumored to be commando beneath the kilt.

Joanne Levy, Ty Drago in Jackie's hot black hat, and Eileen Cruz Coleman.
Angel Young, Gail Konop Baker, Jackie Kessler, and Heather Brewer.

Lori Weinrott (r) joined us for drinks at the Algonquin on Wednesday night, along with Catherine Di Cairano (center) and Stefanie Cohen.
Lisa McMann and Rick Spilman at the Algonquin.

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Jenny Gardiner, Joanne Levy, Amy King (aka, A.S. King, aka stella) and Marlys (MJ) Pearson.
Gail Konop Baker, Susan Henderson, Carolyn Burns Bass, Amy (stella) King.

Jackie Kessler and Heather Brewer (wearing the hot black hat).
Georgie and Carolyn Burns Bass with Jael McHenry in the background..

In his Backspace Member of the Year acceptance speech, Jon Clinch told how he was inspired to write his bestselling book FINN after returning from the first Backpace Conference in 2005.
Laurel Corona and William (Bill) Powers.
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Who wants to guess what these panelists are thinking?
Bella Stander and Galleycat's Ron Hogan advised attendees in their impromptu publicity pitch session.

Backspace co-founder Chris Graham (behind the bar) speaking with another Backspacer.
Jenny Gardiner, Jessica Brilliant Keener, Danielle Younge-Ullman.

John Robison is enthusiastic about helping writers navigate the journey to publishing.
Lisa McMann's agent Michael Bourret looks over her book WAKE.

Jeff Kleinman's "Buy This Book" workshop is always a hit.
Stephany Evans (center) cracked up attendees and panelists alike with her readings from query letters gone bad.

Danielle Younge-Ullman signing books at her FALLING UNDER launch.
Backspace co-founder Karen Dionne and author of the upcoming enviro-thriller FREEZING POINT announced the Backspace member of the year.

Elisabeth Bass, Jackie Kessler in her hot black hat, and Heather Brewer at Danielle Younge-Ullman's FALLING UNDER book launch on Friday night.
Michelle Gable Bilski enjoys the wine and company at Danielle Younge-Ullman's FALLING UNDER book launch.
Read my conference report here.