I just returned from a writers’ conference in Denver where writers and readers came to meet. It was called “Colorado Goldâ€. For those of you who attend conferences, you know how important they are, but this is for writers or readers who may be holding back, thinking “I’m not ready for Prime Time yetâ€. Waiting for the “right time†is a big mistake. Now is the right time. Cut out the Starbuck’s, take a bag lunch to work, do anything you can to stash away enough for a conference fitted to your genre or your needs. Go to www.shawguides.com for a list of some of the conferences. If you write romance, check the RWA chapter websites. Their conferences are great, and I’ll be signing Jeanne of Clairmonde, my medieval romance, at some of those. Historical Novel Society gives a great conference, and I met a lot of historical readers at the last one in Chicago. Whatever you read or write, there’s a conference for you. Classes in the craft are numerous, given by experts in the field. Also, now, most conferences have workshops on marketing—internet promo, website building, publicity. There’s something for everyone, and readers get to meet their favorite author and have them autograph your book.
Workshops and book signings, however, are not the only reason to seek out a conference. Networking is just as important—sometimes more so. One of the faculty at the Denver conference said that she had gotten both an agent and a publisher at a conference, a result of making friends with another writer who suggested an agent’s name. It happens with more frequency that what we may believe. Aside from that, you may meet that great critique partner you’ve been wishing for, or meet a group of like-minded people who read your favorite genre and want to start a book club. So survey future conferences, find one you’d like to attend, then pay early to take advantage of the early-bird fee discounts. I promise, you’ll be glad you did.
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- About the Author
- Posts in the Past
Books are my passion. I read them and write them from my Florida home. I began with poetry, won a few contests, then dove headlong into writing books. My latest release is a historical romance, and next year a historical novel will be released. I travel to the places I write about, and hope I bring the settings and characters to life in the same real way they exist in my mind.
Great Advice…I think classes and workshops are always worth the money…what I learn from the other students in the class and the information I gain from other conference goers… has always been worth the price of admission.
I love that you posted this. I recently visited my local chapter of RWA in Houston/Spring, TX, and in just one hour learned more than the many writing books I’ve read over the last year. It is a wonderful organization to be involved with (when I officially join, that is) and I like knowing there’s support nearby for the “newbies”.
I’m also a big believer in conferences. I’ve been to many for various areas of my life and there is so much learning to be done at these.
I can’t wait to read your new book…I’m in a huge medieval phase right now and I’m grabbing everything I can to read.
Hi Christine: You’re so right about the prices being worth it. Also, you can always volunteer to help and sometimes they discount the fee to attend, so keep that in mind. Besides, by volunteering, you get to meet the leaders and shakers–the people who are most active. Good luck with your writing! 😀
Hi Missy: Thanks for the comment, and for signing my Guestbook.I know there are a lot of writers’ chapters in Texas (a state I love, where all the men dance instead of sitting around at the tables–at least that was my impression.) 😆 So there’s not only the RWA chapters but other writers groups. I know, you can’t belong to everything–it gets pricey. So visit around and get a feel for them all, then jump in. Good luck!