This is on my mind right now because I'm on my way to a writers conference in Boston, and I can't wait for the weekend!
There's something invigorating and motivating about attending a well-run writing conference. Because I live on the east coast, I tend to gravitate toward conferences in the northeast. My three favorite conferences that I've attended are the New Jersey Romance Writers' "Put Your Heart into a Book Conference", the RWA National Conference (when it's on the east coast, because I don't fly!), and New England Chapter of Romance Writers of America's "Let Your Imagination Take Flight Conference."
Why are conferences valuable to me?
1. It's creatively stimulating to be surrounded by other writers
2. There are always workshops to attend that aid me in stepping up my game as a writer
3. I make new friends who share my interests at every single conference
4. I get a chance to see what everyone else is writing (which results in more books on my TBR - to be read - list)
5. I go home energized and ready to tackle those moments of writer's block
6. There are lots of opportunities to just sit around and talk writing with others. (I'm sure probably for others this sounds incredibly boring, but riters love it if they find others who will talk about writing with them! )
7. I often choose the opportunity to pitch to an editor or agent. (Talk about the adrenaline pumping! You have five minutes to convince them of why they need to represent your baby...um, I mean, book.)
8. I get to meet lots of very successful writers who inspire me to never give up.
9. I get some really fun swag - and there are some pretty creative marketing ideas out there
10. Everyone is excited to be there. It's a like a big party with hundreds of friends
11. Writers are genuinely nice people who care about each other and are supportive
12. Networking! Networking! Networking
If you're already writing and haven't attended any conferences, do it! If you're just exploring the idea of writing a book, attend one! It might seem intimidating the first time because you see all of these people who are published or hoping to be and you think you're not equal to them. Not true! They're all happy to share their journey with you so that maybe you'll avoid some of the frustrations or pitfalls that almost every writer experiences.
So, with that being said, wish me luck this weekend. I'm hoping an editor will want to take a look at my book. I mean, after all, the NY Times Bestseller List is just waiting for me!