Why Attend a Writing Conference?
Writing is a lonely business . . . to a point. Most writers eventually find themselves looking into attending a writing conference.
Why should you attend a writing conference?
First, to learn. I can't think of a single writer who isn't also a lifelong learner. As we've discussed before, writing is a craft and a great way to learn is from experienced writers who teach workshops at conferences. The topics are as varied as Writing 101 (in my opinion, Dusty Richards is THE expert on giving the Writing 101 talk - if you ever have a chance to listen to him, DO IT!), to Scaling the Walls of Publishing.
Second, to network. You will meet other like-minded individuals who will trade business cards with you, glad to make a new friend in the business, and - and this is important, so pay attention - you will meet those people who can make IT happen for you. Agents and editors attend conferences. I got a pitch session once with an agent simply because I stood outside the hotel in the smoking area. I don't smoke, but I knew she did. That casual meeting allowed me to pitch my idea, and let me know that she and I didn't hit it off well enough to go any farther. I've been to conferences where a fellow writer said, hey, let me introduce you to so-and-so - she's an editor with such-and-such. And I ended up submitting a story to that editor's publication.
Third, to recharge. This is especially important if you've been pounding away at the keyboard, immersing yourself in work, and ignoring your own needs. I love my family dearly, but going to a conference - especially one that requires a motel stay - is a great getaway. Either go with a friend or splurge on a room of your own. It's up to you. If you're trying to save money, start contacting writing friends. I was very fortunate two years ago - and this goes to show you just how much writers look out for each other - to have already found BIW, where a co-BIW'er posted a notice about an upcoming writers conference. I posted to the group that I'd love to go, but $ was just too tight. My fellow member in the group, who had never met me, wrote and offered to let me share a room with her and two other women. If I didn't mind sharing a bed with a stranger, I could afford to go. I went. I have to admit, I did have a nagging fear that Kelly was an ax-murderer, but I sucked it up and went. As it turned out, she knew several of the board members and introduced me around. She made sure I met people, had a front row seat at the talks, and partied a bit. Thanks to her, I got to sit shoulder to shoulder with an editor who had worked with Dan Brown! Chatted with him! That never would have happened if a kind online writing group member hadn't taken pity on me and helped me attend that all-important first conference.
If you need help finding a conference in your area, Shaw Guides is a good source. Talk to other writers. Check with a local college. But start planning now to attend a writing conference. You'll be amazed at how much you'll learn and how much more productive you will be when you get back home!
I just returned from the Ozark Creative Writers conference, which is wonderful. I had a great time, and have already submitted something I wrote. And I have a lead on an agent that I'm going to follow up on. I'll tell you more about that conference later in the week - I took lots of notes and am putting them in shape so I can fill you in!
Elle
Why should you attend a writing conference?
First, to learn. I can't think of a single writer who isn't also a lifelong learner. As we've discussed before, writing is a craft and a great way to learn is from experienced writers who teach workshops at conferences. The topics are as varied as Writing 101 (in my opinion, Dusty Richards is THE expert on giving the Writing 101 talk - if you ever have a chance to listen to him, DO IT!), to Scaling the Walls of Publishing.
Second, to network. You will meet other like-minded individuals who will trade business cards with you, glad to make a new friend in the business, and - and this is important, so pay attention - you will meet those people who can make IT happen for you. Agents and editors attend conferences. I got a pitch session once with an agent simply because I stood outside the hotel in the smoking area. I don't smoke, but I knew she did. That casual meeting allowed me to pitch my idea, and let me know that she and I didn't hit it off well enough to go any farther. I've been to conferences where a fellow writer said, hey, let me introduce you to so-and-so - she's an editor with such-and-such. And I ended up submitting a story to that editor's publication.
Third, to recharge. This is especially important if you've been pounding away at the keyboard, immersing yourself in work, and ignoring your own needs. I love my family dearly, but going to a conference - especially one that requires a motel stay - is a great getaway. Either go with a friend or splurge on a room of your own. It's up to you. If you're trying to save money, start contacting writing friends. I was very fortunate two years ago - and this goes to show you just how much writers look out for each other - to have already found BIW, where a co-BIW'er posted a notice about an upcoming writers conference. I posted to the group that I'd love to go, but $ was just too tight. My fellow member in the group, who had never met me, wrote and offered to let me share a room with her and two other women. If I didn't mind sharing a bed with a stranger, I could afford to go. I went. I have to admit, I did have a nagging fear that Kelly was an ax-murderer, but I sucked it up and went. As it turned out, she knew several of the board members and introduced me around. She made sure I met people, had a front row seat at the talks, and partied a bit. Thanks to her, I got to sit shoulder to shoulder with an editor who had worked with Dan Brown! Chatted with him! That never would have happened if a kind online writing group member hadn't taken pity on me and helped me attend that all-important first conference.
If you need help finding a conference in your area, Shaw Guides is a good source. Talk to other writers. Check with a local college. But start planning now to attend a writing conference. You'll be amazed at how much you'll learn and how much more productive you will be when you get back home!
I just returned from the Ozark Creative Writers conference, which is wonderful. I had a great time, and have already submitted something I wrote. And I have a lead on an agent that I'm going to follow up on. I'll tell you more about that conference later in the week - I took lots of notes and am putting them in shape so I can fill you in!
Elle
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