As current president, Rick Millikan welcomed attendees complementing them for their decision to be at this Symposium. Noting that at this time of uncertain writing markets, the BCATW is able to help us hone our competitive skills by offering two perfect speakers…

Members and guests pick up tips from Julie Ferguson

Irene Butler

Julie Ferguson

Introduced by Irene Butler, popular professional speaker and successful author Julie Ferguson www.beaconlit.com/workshops.htm outlined some practical details during “PITCHING IN A COLD CLIMATE.” Julie provoked thinking and raised questions as she cleverly led listeners from past frustrations of the Remington typewriter and onward into 21st Century frustrations and demands for travel writing success. She points out that the need for query letters has not changed in over 40 years, BUT their content has definitely changed dramatically and goes on to summarize how writers can stand out from the crowd in a highly competitive and changing writing climate. Highlights included tips on how to brand and market ourselves and the need for the integration and use of technology to add value to pitches. A handout provided useful follow-up readings and references.

Break time found everyone munching crudités & dip; spinach quiches; chicken wraps & fresh fruit…with some mingling…

Introduced by Chris Millikan, photojournalist and author par excellence Michael de Freitas www.iwritetravel.com/ kicked off his presentation by reinforcing the realities of living in visual times; the days of just writing are over. Imagery sustains interest; therefore, video clips and stills add huge value to story content. Michael’s practical reminders/tips included: get off automatic settings on the camera and take control over the creative process when shooting images; best times to shoot; reducing shutter speed for effects; rescuing images with Photoshop…and use ‘cloud’ setting if you need to shoot jpegs at less than prime time. He pointed out that there needs to be a purpose for taking each picture i.e. Have destinations/use in mind....as well as specific magazines. In providing story/image packages to editors, give variety and choice, remember to leave space for text, stack the story with images and shoot the story lead.

Michael kindly made his power point presentation available for BCATW members. Its components remain the property of Michael DeFreitas legally protected by North American & International copyright ©2009 Michael DeFreitas. Content in whole or in part may not be copied or used in any manner without the explicit authorization of the copyright holder, Michael DeFreitas.

Following Door Prize Draws, President Rick Millikan thanked our Presenters and acknowledged Board Members and Volunteer Committee chaired by Sally Bennett for their contributions to this year’s Symposium.

Door Prize Donors & Winners