He met his agent at this year’s DFW Writers’ Conference.

Congratulations, Kirk!

Full stomachs only enhanced the news from Workshop members. Harry Robbins announced the sale of his first novel, a fantasy titled The Bard Prince, to Books in Motion. Jenny Martin received three requests from literary agents for the full manuscript of her Young Adult novel Holy, Texas. Kyle White sold a short story to AlienSkin magazine. Books in Motion bought George Goldth­waite’s second Western, Return of Sam Rache. Tricia Allen will speak at the Polk-Wisdom Public Library in Dallas on December 19 at 2:30 p.m. Her topic is using ‘new history’ in fiction.

Finally, everyone was reminded that the early-bird registration fee of $185 for the 2010 DFW Writers’ Conference ends on January  31, 2010. Thereafter, the price increases to $235. Agent appointments are still available, but are filling fast.

For example, authors interested in pitching their books to Joshua Bilmes, Lucienne Diver, or Gina Panettieri had better register now. The slots for all three agents are over a quarter of the way full and going fast. Appointments with many of the other agents  are also filling quickly. This is definitely a case where if you snooze, you could lose, so register early to secure your place in line.  

Members were also told that the tenth, and final, agent had been named. Mary Kole, who represents children’s picture books as well as Middle Grade and Young Adult authors, has been added to the roster. The agents attending the 2010 DFW Writers’ Conference are:

Anne Hawkins | John Hawkins & Associates, Inc.

Gina Panettieri | Talcott Notch Literary Services

Joshua Bilmes | JABberwocky Literary Agency

Laurie McLean | Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents

Lucienne Diver | The Knight Agency

Melissa Shultz | Jim Donovan Literary

Paul S. Levine | Paul S. Levine Literary Agency

Victoria Horn | Liza Dawson Associates

Mary Kole | Andrea Brown Literary Agency

In other news, A. Lee Martinez signed the contract for the German rights to his upcoming novel, Divine Misfortune. (Those Germans sure do love his work.) Russell C. Connor has a book signing for his horror novels on October 3 at the Cat and the Candle Bookstore in Lake Whitney from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during Pioneer Days.

Eight literary agents have also agreed to attend the event, including Anne Hawkins and Gina Panettieri who missed this year’s conference due to illness. Joining them are Joshua Bilmes, Laurie McLean, Lucienne Diver, Melissa Shultz, Paul S. Levine, and Victoria Horn. More agents may be added later, but the number of pitch sessions will be limited, so early registration is recommended. 

The 2010 conference is looking to bring you more value for your registration dollars. We already offer free parking ($7 — $10 at other conferences), include the keynote luncheon (a $35 extra cost elsewhere), and the agent appointments (as high as $50 at other conferences).  As an added benefit in 2010, on-line classes, such as “How to Get the Most from Your Agent Appointment” will be offered — you guessed it, for free (a $50 to $100 extra fee elsewhere).  Join us for the best conference value in the Southwest.   

The conference will be held April 10–11, 2010 at the Grapevine Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. Early registration starts soon. See the information box in the right hand column on this site, or get more details at www.DFWWritersConference.org.