Roger Smith Food Writers' Conference, Feb 12-14 in NYC

The food writing craft is in transition and if observers and technologists are to be believed, many more changes are soon to come. It's time for food writers to examine these trends and discuss the future of food writing. This is the purpose of the "Roger Smith Food Writers' Conference," scheduled for February 12-14, 2010, at the Roger Smith Hotel in New York City. This conference is not sponsored or underwritten by anyone or any group (other than the hotel which is giving us free space).

The program is still in formation. The beta-version of the website for the conference is now online:

http://rsfoodwriters.posterous.com/

We'll be adding more to the website soon.

Questions and comments are welcome.

Andy Smith
www.andrewfsmith.com

Hi,

I registered for the conference at $195. I decided to register early, because cancellation is allowed until January 30th. I didn't want to decide later only to learn there is a lengthy waiting list with no hope.

Regards,

Hi,

I signed up for their pre-conference program:

1-6 PM Introduction to Food Writing
This fast-paced five hour workshop covers just the basics– query letters, writing articles for newspapers and magazines, food book and cookbook proposals, ebooks, recipe writing, restaurant reviewing, blogging, etc. It is intended as a brief introduction for those interested in entering the field. The workshop will be organized by Andrew F. Smith and will include professionals who write, edit or publish in food magazines, newspapers, cookbooks, food books, websites and blogs.
Andrew F. Smith
Teaches food writing & food studies at the New School University in Manhattan; author/editor of seventeen books and more than 300 articles

Post-conference I am taking a class on

The Art and Craft of Recipe Writing
Join us for an in-depth workshop that will cover the basics for novices and be a good refresher course for those with more experience. Topics will include recipe writing and editing fundamentals; the importance of recipe testing and proper note taking; style sheets; developing a personal voice; headnotes; "editorial testing" techniques; copyright, plagiarism and ethics; and more, plus plenty of Q&A.
Barbara Gibbs Ostmann
Co-author, The Recipe Writer's Handbook (Wiley)

Though I have edited recipes for a book, it was more seat-of-the-pants experience. It will be interesting to learn more on this.

Is anyone else planning to attend?

Regards,

HI,

For any fence sitters, this program is about sold out.

Regards,

A certain amount of irony in the idea of having a food writers' conference in a city that seems determined to ruin eating for pleasure. (Thinking here of the new salt limits.)