Seasoned writing conference attendees share insight on etiquette, relationship building, a few faux pas, and that thing on everyone’s mind — the pitch.

Some afflictions would be better not to exist. In the case of interplanetary parasites, many people show signs of futuristic visions. This “so-called” affliction is cause for concern to all governments of planet Earth. Those who are infected with a parasite don’t have many options. The only viable course of action to eliminate them is ...

With or without youNow I am faced Abundant emptinessLoss of my faith How can I continueLive as it’s normal Your presence awayMy spirit before you The first of manyYou’ll always remain The memories, flashbacksDrive me insane How does one comeTo terms with a loss A child was hereThen next she was gone My life will ...

I smiled at the stranger in the mirror. A skinny girl with too-pale skin and inky black hair stared back at me. My grin spread wider, testing out my newly painted rose-colored lips. The girl in the mirror looked great, normal. She was a little awkward, a little shy, a little pretty. Nothing about her ...

I spent weeks writing this short story. Editing and revising it, until it was crisp and polished. My instructor loved it. My peers loved it…hell, even my family loved it. I dig up the courage and I submit it to a magazine that publishes similar stories. Then, I wait with bated breath for three days. ...