Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Notebooks, pens, pencils, enthusiasm, an open mind and your creativity.
Q: Are any meals included in the conference fee?
A: We will have snacks and beverages at BIGARTS, but your daily meals are not included. There are many restaurants on Sanibel, offering a wide variety of food and prices. We are currently in contact with a few restaurants near BIGARTS, trying to organize some group dinners. Each diner is responsible for his/her own bill, but we are trying to arrange for musical entertainment and some sort of group discount.
Q: Will I be able to buy copies of the authors' books at the conference?
A: Yes. Follet, FGCU's campus book store, will be selling books by all the authors at BIGARTS.
Q: Will I be able to get my books signed?
A: As long as you're patient and don't scare the authors, yes.
Q: Do I have to pre-register for the workshops or can I just attend any or all of the workshops as I please?
A: All workshops are open admission. You can attend the same three workshops for three days or go to three different ones each day, or any combination you prefer.
Q: Are the daily panels and nightly readings included in my registration fee?
A: Yes. If you're registered for the conference, everything is included except the optional manuscript conference with one of the presenters.
Q: I opted for the manuscript conference with one of the presenters. When do I meet with him/her?
A: When you check in at orientation on day one, you will be encouraged to introduce yourself to the presenter who read your manuscript, and to schedule a mutually convenient meeting time and location. All the authors will stand and identify themselves during orientation so you'll know who to approach.
Q: I've opted to get my manuscript read by one of the presenters. You've specified that I can submit a maximum 10 pages for my manuscript conference. My story is longer than 10 pages. In fact, it's a novel. Can I submit my whole story/novel?
A: Due to time constraints and the large number of people who want individual feedback, the authors have agreed to read no more than 10 pages for each manuscript conference, and we are honoring their wishes.
Q: Will commemorative merchandise be available at the conference?
A: Maybe. We're working on a few things and checking costs to see if we can at minimum break even. Top contender for 2007 is a Studs of Sanibel Beefcake Calendar featuring all past & present male writers posing seductively. This is not a joke.
Q: How do I get to Sanibel from the airport?
A: There are plenty of taxis and car rental agencies at the Fort Myers airport. If you're interested in the latter, we suggest you check out http://www.orbitz.com/ or http://www.priceline.com/ for good deals. You can also go to http://www.mapquest.com/ for directions.
Q: Do the conference organizers provide transportation to and from hotels and BIGARTS?
A: We have one van to taxi people to and from BIGARTS, but service will be limited and on a pretty tight schedule. It is about two miles from The West Wind Inn to BIGARTS. Many people opt to walk, rollerblade, or bike ride.
Q: Do I have to stay at The West Wind Inn?
A: We've made arrangements with them for a discount rate, but you are free to stay wherever you like.
Q: Can I submit suggestions for future conferences (you know, classes I'd like to see offered, or authors you might want to invite)?
A: You betcha! In fact, we encourage it.
Q: Are the evening events free and open to the public?
A: Yes. All evening events--beginning after 6 pm--are open to the public. There is no charge to attend, but we won't mind if you want to give a donation at the door. Not required...just if the spirit moves you.
Q: That's great! But do I need advance tickets to attend these evening events, or can I just come that night?
A: There are no advance tickets available. It's first come, first serve, general admission. We suggest you arrive early and get in line, as these events fill quickly. Also, be advised that Schein Hall has 400 seats, 200 of which are already reserved for the people who registered for the entire conference. Once all the paid registrants have taken their seats, we'll open the doors to the general public.
Q: I can't get there early. Does this mean I'll get shut out of the event?
A: There's no way to tell which events will fill up, so there is a chance you'll get shut out. That being said, all events will be broadcast via speakers into the Big Arts courtyard. So even if you don't get a seat in the venue you will be able to hear the readings and presentations. And book signings follow each event, so you'll still be able to meet the authors and get your books signed.
Q: Will books be available on-site?
A: Yes. Follett Books will be selling titles by all of our featured authors.
Q: I have other questions that aren't addressed here. Who can I contact?
A: Call or e-mail Tom DeMarchi at 239-590-7421 or tdemarch@fgcu.edu
