Robin E. Mason's Blog: Robin's Book Shelf, page 160

BLOGWORDS – 11 September 2017 – NEW WEEK NEW FACE – GUEST POST – ANDREA MERRELL

BLOGWORDS – 11 September 2017 – NEW WEEK NEW FACE – GUEST POST – ANDREA MERRELL

NEW WEEK NEW FACE – GUEST POST – ANDREA MERRELL

What to Expect from a Writers’ Conference

Are you a writer who is serious about your writing journey? If so, let’s talk about writers’ conferences. With so many to choose from, it takes research, planning, and prayer to find the right fit for you. Many of you may be wondering if you need to attend a conference, especially with the cost, time, and effort involved.

Wherever you are in your decision making, here are 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, and publishers. Attending a conference is the only way to have access to these industry professionals who will give you invaluable feedback. If they like what you have to offer, they may even 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.

Are conferences important to your writing career? 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.

Whatever you do, be ready. When you ask God to bless you and open doors of opportunity, He will. The best way to begin each day is to pray for divine appointments, divine connections, and divine favor.

Robin E. Mason's Blog: Robin's Book Shelf, page 160

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