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No...it is not what you think.
I'm off...to St. Davids Writer's Conference. I'm excited and a little scared. There, I said it.
I've never been to this kind of conference before and let's face it, what I write is not something I would read in church. However, this isn't about my writing. It's about how to make my writing better.
Isn't that what it is about. I will never NOT go to something because it wasn't in my genre. That would be like me never walking in a mall because they don't have a shoe store. A mall with no shoe store...(I had a moment where I felt faint) I think I'm OK now.
Back to my post; so I will always go to where other writer's are. I will make new friends and possibly meet up with old friends. How many of you have been to a conference this year? Did you raise your hand because I didn't see it and I will say it; shame on you. I've been to four conferences already and some of you have been to zero. Shame, shame. Writers; just like doctor's, need to keep their skills up. They need to rejuvenate and get better at what they do. They need to become master's of writing. This is why I attend conferences. I was shocked last week when someone wrote: "I don't go to conferences because I'm to busy writing and don't have time to attend a glad handing, back slapping event." I felt shocked and saddened by this statement.
Obviously this person has had a bad experience and thinks all conferences are like this. I wanted to scream, "This is about networking and making us better writers." but I didn't because he would not hear that. His mind is made up but I would challenge him to find a conferences, geared to his genre,then come back and tell me what he learned because that is what it is about. It's about LEARNING how to be better.
I want to hear from more of you. What do you get out of conferences? but I also want to hear from those of you that don't go to conferences. Why don't you go?
I am eagerly awaiting your comments.
Aside from what we learn from other writers about our craft, I believe every author needs fellowship. Being surrounded by others dealing with the same challenges and loving the same activity keeps me charged up about writing. For me this is the real value of writers conferences.
ReplyDeleteYes, the value of attending such events outweighs a negative experience. Everyone will take away something different from the conference but they limit themselves tremendously when they don't attend conferences.
DeleteEven NON-writers benefit from going to a conference. No matter what part they play in "the business" of writing, there are panels and events that provide alot of information and education.
ReplyDeleteCynthia
DeleteYou are absolutely right. Non writers attend these events to see their favorite authors or they attend to get more knowledge of the business side of publishing, writing and networking. These things are different than networking for a government job because not only are you selling your writing, you are selling what you do.
Although I haven't attended a conference this year, I've been to Romance Writers (RWA) and Pacific Northwest Writers (PNWA) conferences many times in the past. All of them have been worthwhile experiences. In addition to connecting with others writers, I've found the panels of agents and editors have kept me abreast of what they're looking for and what they see for the future of publishing. With rare exceptions, I have gone away from each workshop session with at least one kernel of new knowledge, either about the craft of writing or about resources for promoting my book. My enthusiasm level always rises to new heights after participating in these events! If you can afford the expense, I highly recommend both RWA and PNWA's conferences.
ReplyDeleteSandy,
DeleteAs a writer, getting what people are looking for; straight from their mouth instead of a website is priceless
I love going to writers conferences for all of the reasons above. I always feel renewed and so ready to write when I return. It's fun to decide which place to go to too--a great way to visit different cities around the country.
ReplyDeleteHello B. Swangin! I have never been because this is my first book and I had never heard about them. I just now heard today about one in Seattle soon but not sure I can at this time attend. I hope another will come soon. It seems that if this type support is available, one should at least go to three. I say three because it's like eatig out. There is always a chance a restaurant may have an off day, so you try again. Then you go back once more to be sure what you found is worth repeated visits or not!
ReplyDeleteI love our SCBWI conferences, but I just have too many irons in the fire currently to attend any. One of the members I met through a conference two years ago have become not only fast friends but also each other's most enthusiastic supporters. You meet great people, you learn a lot, and you do become renewed and reinvigorated!
ReplyDelete