By Wanda Luthman
Have you ever attended a Writers Conference?
Every time I see one advertised, I sigh because they cost A LOT of money, plus travel, plus hotel and food. The first one I went to, I knew someone else that was attending and I asked if I could come as their guest just to see what the fuss was all about. She agreed and I was able to attend the first day of the three-day event for a reduced price. (There's your first tip.)
I LOVED it!
I met wonderful authors who told me fantastic stories about their lives and I heard great speakers. I had caught the conference bug. But, how was I going to be able to afford them?
The answer came in the form of an email. There’s a local group of authors who call themselves Authors for Authors and they put on two book events a year (spring and fall), locally and for a reasonable table price. The spring one had dwindling attendance so I guess the group decided to switch it up and offer a conference instead.
I received their email about a local conference last spring and I didn’t immediately jump on it because the speakers were all people I knew and I thought to myself (not out loud mind you), ‘what can these people teach me?’
I know, I know, that sounds very haughty and I certainly didn’t everything I’m not sure myself why I felt that way other than that bible scripture that says something about a prophet not being recognized as a prophet in their own home town.
Anyway, one of the organizers, Valerie Allen, was persistent and kept asking me to come and I could even have a table to sell my books. Eventually I signed up for both the conference and for a sales table.
Man, was I blown away with the speakers!
Those local people did know stuff and knew A LOT more than I did and I learned so much. Plus, I sold books! And I was able to network with other authors which is always fun. I had a great time!
So, this year, when the email came around again, I signed up right away but I didn’t get a table. I realized last time that I couldn’t just enjoy visiting while I was manning a table and this year I wanted my freedom to socialize.
The conference was held on Sunday, April 22nd this year and I can tell you it was an equally wonderful experience, if not even better. I absolutely love talking with other authors. We’re a friendly bunch, you know. And we love to help each other out. I learn so much from other people and that means I don’t have to re-create the wheel. I, also, enjoy sharing what tips and tricks I have learned over my 4 years of being a self-published author.
I want to encourage you to attend at least one conference and see if you don’t get the conference-going bug too! And I highly encourage you to check out local ones. (There's your second tip.) At least you won’t have to pay for a hotel or travel. And you just might be surprised, like I was, with the wealth of experience and knowledge in your own backyard.
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3 comments:
Hi, Wanda,
Yes, there are so many advantages of writer's conferences. For one thing, you'll FEEL more like a writer when you start going to these and hanging out with other writers.
I'd also say, for children's writers, you MUST go to a local SCBWI sponsored event sometime this year. They'e wonderful!
Wanda, writing conferences are a must for writers and if you can attend locally so much better. I went to a local SCBWI workshop on picture books with an editor from Scholastic. It was amazingly informative and every attendee was given the opportunity to send in a PB manuscript to the editor!
Wanda, I've met many editors and other professionals at writers' conferences. In fact, my first book in 1992 came from my interaction with an editor during a conference.You don't always have to pay registration to get into these events. You can also work the conference as a volunteer and go to some of the sessions.
Terry
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