What Can I Expect From a Writers' Conference?
By Andrea Merrell
I just returned from the Asheville Christian Writers Conference, also known as Writers Boot Camp. This annual conference is held each year at The Billy Graham Training Center—The Cove. It was a fabulous conference with over 80 percent newbies, and I had a great time teaching and meeting with conferees.
With conference time getting into full swing, many of you are probably trying to decide which one is the best fit for you. Some of you may be wondering if you even need to attend a conference, especially with the cost, time, and effort involved.
Wherever you are in your decision-making, let’s look at a few things you can expect.
Networking
There is no greater place to connect with like-minded folks than a writers’ conference. They say writers are a peculiar bunch, but this is a venue where you can know for sure people “get” you. You will meet people from all across the country, from newbies to multi-published authors, to agents, editors, and publishers. Exchange business cards. Follow up with them after the conference and establish a relationship.
You never know when God will give you a kingdom connection, and you never know how it might come. He may surprise you with those He chooses to pour into your life and help you move forward. Sometimes our greatest blessing may come from the last possible place (or person) we expected.
Learning the Craft
Most conferences offer a wide variety of classes from social media to how to write a novel. You can learn everything from the basics of writing to marketing. Writing is a lifelong learning process, and this is the best way to sharpen your skills. Think of it as continuing education for writers. Always be open and teachable. Take notes and brainstorm with other conferees. If the classes are recorded, be sure to purchase the MP3s or digital downloads. This way, you have the entire conference to listen to over and over.
Pitching Your Work
Whether you have a completed manuscript or simply an idea for a project, this venue will give you the opportunity to meet with agents, editors, publishers. and established writers. Attending a conference is the only way to have access to these industry professionals who will give you honest and valuable feedback. If they like what you have to offer, they may ask you to send them a proposal or sample chapters.
Contests and Critiques
Many conferences will allow you to send in your work ahead of time to be critiqued. This is another great way to get feedback on your writing. If they offer contests, don’t hesitate to enter. It’s not important whether you win or lose; it will be good experience for you to submit your words.
Corporate Worship
Most Christian conferences offer corporate worship. This is a wonderful time of connecting on a spiritual level with other writers and believers.
Bottom Line
Are conferences and workshops important to your writing career?
Absolutely!
Absolutely!
The best advice I ever received as a newbie was to “join a critique group, attend writers’ conferences, and network, network, network.” I took that advice and have never regretted it for one moment.
What about you? What have you gained from attending conferences? We would love to hear from you.
TWEETABLES
Thanks Andrea...I agree with you. I have only been writing a little over two years and attended one conference so far. I learned three things from that conference. 1. My writing still had a long way to go, but with work and determination to become better, I was well on my way. 2. The contacts I made while there have been invaluable. If you follow up after your appointments, you are one step ahead of many. And lastly, writers are writers. They welcome all at whatever level you are at. The published writers and staff made me feel like a million bucks. The encouragement they offered blessed me more than they ever could have imagined. Last year I did not get to go to a conference, but I purchased the CD's of the classes I would have attended and stayed right on top of my learning game. Conferences are a must. You will never regret going. Thanks again for your post!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Sheryl. This is a tremendous encouragement to others who are trying to decide if a conference is worth the time and effort. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. :)
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