Monica Bhide Almost eleven years ago, I decided to quit my six-figure consulting job and start a new life: I wanted to be a writer. I had no qualifications, no degrees, no contacts. I could tell a pitch letter from a paper filled with gibberish. In fact, I had pretty much NO idea what to do or how to do it.
Then, there was a miracle of sorts. An essay I had written for eGullet (a site where food lovers gathered), was picked up for a scholarship.
It was 2004 and my essay earned me a “Susan B. Langhorne Novice Writer Scholarship” offered by the legendary Symposium for Professional Food Writers at the Greenbrier.
Scholarship in hand, I went to the seminar. I met food editors, writers, authors – all who not only became my friends but also my mentors and guides. That one scholarship gave me the direction, the boost and the help I needed to move forward.
I attended a few conference there after that and each time, I walked away with knowledge, contacts and contracts!
Today, I am so honored to announce that the conference is back and that I am on their board of advisors along with so many luminaries. I am not sure I am deserving of this huge honor but I do know one thing- I am very, very grateful for it
The newly updated conference is now open for registration. You can register now to get their early bird discount.
Here is some more information:
What a great honor, Monica. Are you going to the conference this year? It would be worth it’s weight in gold if all those advisors including you were attending!
Thanks, Aviva! I wish I could go but I am teaching at the time.
Aviva, Do check out the 2016 Symposium faculty speakers at http://www.spfw.org/WHO…An amazing list including Rick Bayless, Molly O’Neil, Molly Wizenberg, Holly Hughes, Joe Yonan, Russ Parsons…and the list continues! Spending 4 days honing your food writing skills with these pros as well as the talented attendees is an investment in your writing career….