Writer's Conferences

If you haven't been to a writer's conference. I highly recommend it. I spent last week at LTUE and learned a ton (not just from the panels, but from watching the other authors...we'll talk more about that next week).

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Here's some positives from going to a conference:

1. You learn the craft (do you remember when you were a kid and your mom wanted you to learn how to embroider or sew a button on a shirt...it's nothing like that). The craft of writing includes: plot, voice, tension, world building; things that will make your book/story better.

2. You get to meet cool people. I have a group of writer friends that I get to see at most conferences, but sometimes you get to meet other writers who are considered the superstars of writing.  Like:

Orson Scott Card

Brandon Sanderson

(I am not confirming or denying any accusations that I am stalking any of these writers)

3. If you're lucky, you can meet and pitch to agents and editors. This year I will be meeting with an agent. It's nice to be able to meet face to face with an agent/editor to discuss your book. This means you can surpass the slush pile. But please do your homework. Doing a pitch can make or break your chance with that agent. 

4. Some conferences allowed one to work with professional writers in workshops. If you have the chance at a conference...DO IT! I've worked with a number of authors and have gleaned new information from each one. (They are so brilliant!)

Those are a few things that you can gain from going to a conference (not to mention eating out for every meal which means...no cooking...yes!) 

If you have been to a conference, what have you learned? (Don't forget the online conferences...WriteOnCon is excellent.)