"Panting" doesn't really describe the reaction to a new offering this year called The Pitch. Twenty lucky people were going to get three minutes to pitch their story ideas to a local publisher to get feedback or (hold your breath) a nibble. I was ninth in line. It all sounded like a fabulous game show and I wanted in because I know I can make an impressive presentation. Pity I didn't have a finished or near-finished book in hand like most of my fellow line-waiters. What am I doing here? I started to get nervous but not about the pitch. Better showman than writer am I. No, I was afraid the 21st person in line -who had a manuscript and experience pitching it to several agents and publishers already- would thump me one out in the hallway afterwards for killing off their chance with my fancy.
Vara Panina. A gypsy singer celebrated by Imperial Russian society. A voice so captivating that world renown jeweler Carl Faberge immortalized her in statuette ... celebrated by but not accepted into Society ... alienated by her own community ... unrequited love ... died young. Alas, a tragedy not a fairytale.
.....................but while I still have some time left, let me go autobiographical. Forget everything you've read by Bill Bryson ... get a picture of expat life a few pixels at a time a la Erma Bombeck...
The truth is I have never considered Vara as anything other than a screenplay and said almost as much. "Vara I can see as a lushly produced movie running behind my eyeballs, but with Postcards From OZ you can taste the Vegemite!" High drama in place of finished manuscript with loads of industry cred. The publisher, Terri-ann White, at this point usually asks the writer a few questions like: "What is this story similar to?" (The Great Gatsby), "Who is your target audience?" (Umm, errrr, ummm) Instead, Terri-ann turned to the audience and asked, "Who would consider buying this book?" About a quarter of the room raised their hands. This was unexpected. She recommends thorough research of the subject and injecting interest and life into the dry facts found.
As for Postcards From OZ? "Keep it on the blog and see where it goes." Ouch.
Also new this year was shifting some of the free presentations (to make space for all the extra paid sessions -- scowl) to lush groves on the beautiful college campus this was held on. In this regard, Perth's weather is ideal. More than a few bridal couples getting photos taken amongst the greenery, scenic archways and ethereal stained class had to share space with several hundred festival goers and the half dozen peacock pairs that roam the campus. 
Let me share a snippet of the publicly displayed art that is part of PIAF. South Korean artist Choi Jeong Hwa, whose usual medium is mass-produced plastic items, has a couple of interesting installations about town. The colorful pyramids standing sentinel at the Supreme Court are made of fish & chip baskets. The large red lotus flower found on this campus has an oscillating fan inside giving it a happy octopus demeanor.
I'll close here with an exhortation to start saving your pennies. My new book, "VARA", is on track to be published in 2028. MSRP is $45. Autographs are free.
