I recently attended a Writer’s Conference locally. It was a one day event, not a participation conference but more of a lecture and presentation event. Also, of course, an event at which the presenters could sell their books. I attended three separate presentations, each given by an expert in their field: one a writer, one a publisher and the third an agent. I passed on other presentations: one from a poet and others dealing with the writing process in general.
What I learned from this conference was far short of what I’ve learned in the past 18 months following the Wombats and from writing on Gather in general. While it wasn’t a waste of money, well… maybe it was a waste of money but I wouldn’t have known that without attending. So, in the long run it wasn’t a waste because I did learn one important thing, to be much more watchful of what is offered at the next conference.
I plan to attend an event again one day, one that emphasizes a hands-on approach rather than a lecturing and listen approach. I learn better by doing than by listening to how others do, at least in an area of creativity.
I know a lot of you learned Wombats have attended conferences and seminars. Can you share some of the differences between conferences, seminars and any other gatherings of a writerly type? Which type do you prefer? Why?
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Adina Pelle Book Release
Conferences - I get something from all of them. Before publication, the networking alone was worth the cost of going, not including the industry and craft knowledge. Now - getting my work in front of readers is always a positive. Plus I get to be Writer Judi instead of Mom Judi or Wife Judi or PayTheBills Judi, or Cleaner Judi or Chauffeur Judi... you get the idea.
It was good for industry news, and the one "craft" workshop I attended (presentation rather than hands on) was somewhat beneficial, if only because I had a lightbulb moment about a heroine.
But truth is, I learn far more hanging out with Wombats, having them as beta readers and critiquers, sharing industry and craft info. I'm looking at upcoming romance conventions and conferences and debating if I really want to pay $500 for a conference, plus hotel, food, etc., especially when the hotels are $200+ per night. Really, there's almost no workshop at either of them that sound appealing or useful for me. That's not being arrogant. That's saying that the same info can be had for free on dozens of author/agent/editor websites, as well as here. The big draw at those is, again, networking, and since I'm bad at it, I'd spend most of the time being utterly miserable.
I don't think I'd ever do a "hands on" conference, either. I don't do well with on-demand exercises. Wombat contests yes, because I have time to think about it, I enjoy trying something outside my genre, and I trust the folks reading it to be knowledgable, skilled, and trustworthy. It would drive me bonkers to go to a hands-on workshop with a bunch of newbie teens writing about elves taking over the planet Xerk. I'm finding that's the case with my local Nano group. They're planning write-ins and get togethers and I don't think a single one is over 23 years old, and many are younger, and they're all writing sci-fi/magic/interplanetay stuff. They say things like "I'll be there if Mom lets me have the car", or "I'll be there if I can get my homework done."
In what universe? Puh-lease!
Networking? *breaks into hives If I had someone to introduce me to people, I'd probably do okay, but I'm not good at introducing myself to strangers and "mingling".
I've never been to a true workshop, where you spend a week actually working on a manuscript. Though I think that would be awesome.
I've belonged to two writer's groups--totally different from each other in every way. In one we critiqued and wrote on the spot using prompts. In the other, we heard from other writers on a wide variety of topics and spent a lot of time on the business of the group. (Which was something I thought detracted from the purpose of the group.) For both, I presented a lot of programs, teaching on craft. I loved that part of the experience.
One of the most satisfying parts of going to a conference or belonging to a group is the sense of community. I'm reminded why I write. I see other enthusiastic writers and it fires my enthusiasm. I see good writers and I get charged. I see bad writers and am moved to offer counsel or encouragement of my own. When I'm with others who love what I love, I can't help but get excited. And if I haven't been around other writers for a while, being with them again always wipes away a film of dullness that hangs over my writing life, a dullness that I don't recognize until it's wiped clean.
I love the mechanics and rules of writing, the process of writing, and the end product of writing. So I'd go to most any writing conference or retreat if I could afford it and I thought I could learn something new. I'd go to a Wombat writing retreat in a heartbeat.
Click linky above...
My first conference will probably be RWA National next July, but only because it's so darn close. Nashville is just a couple hours away, and I doubt it will ever come closer to my neck of the woods.
Plus, I expect Wombat sightings. And I can cheer for Pat in the Golden Heart and Judi for the Rita, and anyone else? Even though I'm not terribly social, I can cheery obnoxiously loud when the need arises.
(couldn't resist the pun)
Cool virtual party. I love all those possibilities for sharing.
An airport run for me. See y'all later.
FINALLY managed to get into Adina's launch party (it wouldn't let me talk!!) Congrats Adina, and Happy Birthday Ken (in spite of the fact that I now have hives caused by flashbacks of endless meetings using similar technology!)
Beth, I love your enthusiasm for writing. I never think about the technical aspects (as evidenced by the brutal editing I'm doing right now!). I just like words. For some reason, even the idea of a writing class doesn't appeal to me. Too many rules, not enough fun. Too much planing down of shiny, odd quirks into a smooth sameness. I don't know. I can't explain it.
John, I've already bee on Nano for a week, chatting in forums. The romance forum is terrifying. A number of them have never even READ romance. They picked up a couple of Harelquins in the last week and intend to write their best seller in 30 days in November. Sigh.
Only 598 words cut today. I don't think this will be ready for GH. The first 50 pages will, but not the rest, and you have to submit the whole thing. Hubs has taken to placing random food items in front of me, knowing that while I'm in a writer's trance, nothing really registers with me. I just looked down to discover I'd eaten an entire cup of peas. I HATE PEAS!!! I consider this a dirty, lowdown, rotten trick. If I weren't so exhausted I'd go find him and tell him. But I think my butt is Gorilla-glued to this chair.
just sayin'.
I eat my peas with honey, I've done it all my life.
It makes the peas taste funny, but it keeps them on the knife!
Yeah, I've lost it. I blame editing. It depleted every functioning brain cell, leaving only pea ditties (HAH!) and the lyrics to Gilligan's Island.
The conference was good in that I was surrounded by people who take writing seriously. They want to succeed. I needed to be around those sort of people. Hear their input, what's worked, ideas, and enthusiasm. The networking? Also important. I made a lot of good connections. I hope to attend more. And career wise, I'll probably go to National. If there is a party in Columbus, I'll drive up for that, but this year, RT isn't a priority. I hope it will be a priority next year, lol! Won't be for the lack of trying. :-)
Adina's Book Release Party
Pat, isn't the Golden Heart deadline in early December? I still bet you can make it!
Entry forms and fees for GH are due November 16, the actual MS by December 2nd. It's easier if I just send everything at once, and November is reserved for Nano. So I have to get this done sooner rather than later. I need at least a week or two break between GH and Nano or hubs will disown me. My first autumn not having to work and he's antsy to go someplace and do something. I've already turned down long drives, symphony tickets and a weekend getaway. We'll see what this looks like by Saturday. I just need to get it done, dangit!
Pat has a self-imposed deadline. Whichever one she goes with, she WILL enter the GH. Watch her final. *rubs hands with glee.
If by some miracle, I get my WIP done, I might enter. But the clock is ticking. Stoopid clock.
Beth, as fast as you read, it shouldn't be a problem. But I had a couple entries last year that I'm pretty sure left scars. I also had an entry that ultimately finalled, and it was pure joy!
Congratulations, Adina! Best of luck on your book. (Lifting a glass of champagne) Here's wishing you a million sales.
Easter Island is west of South America, yes? For some reason, east made it in my manuscript and I'm wondering if someone transposed something somewhere. But it's WEST, yes?
Amazing what can get through however many readers. Beth, can you check and see if you have a version of COAL with east of South America in it? (I did a word search for South America). When you have time. Just to ease my curiosity. No hurry.
Pat, stay with the cousins in Nashville. You'll love the conference. And you don't want one of us to have to pick up your Golden Heart, do you? It might get tarnished. Or lost. Or conveniently forgotten.
Off to see Lisa's site.
I think that's something I have to do...soon...
Golden Heart Pointers For A Successful Entry
Judi Fennell has been hearing several of us whine and whimper about entering the RWA's Golden Heart this year. We've probably pulled her ear all out of shape, poor thing. Why do we ask Judi? Because she's been a category and contest coordinator, and a judge for the GH and RITAs. Not to mention a veteran in entering contests and now a successful author.
As I listened to her advice, I had this bright idea—well, I thought it was a bright idea :-). Why not have Judi write an article on her observations? So I asked. There was only a small groan, followed with mysterious mumblings in another language I didn’t recognize, from the other end of the phone. Judi is working on Mer galleys for her third book, Catch Of A Lifetime, due out February 2010, and finishing up the first book in her new trilogy on Genies. So, deadlines are definitely in play here. But being the trooper she is, she agreed to write the article.
I hardly had to beg.
Well, a little bit.
Judi, thank you for doing this for me.
You're welcome, Sia
Was that a groan I heard?
No, no, just something in my throat. Ahem. (*hands Judi a glass of wine)
I would sure appreciate comments.
No prob. :-)
They were here a couple nights ago, before they headed off to Atlanta. Traffic around the stadium prior to the concert was so bad that hundreds of concert-goers never made it. Four hours sitting in one place on the highway, going nowhere. Not my idea of a grand night out.
And answer to Wanda's question: I attend regular SinC meetings (Sisters in Crime) and get a lot out of each one just by talking and listening to my fellow writers. I love conventions (now that I've attended a couple) because of the panels, hanging out with and meeting writers and readers... all of it.
Had an experienced horseman out to look at preggo mare. We're talking a horse whisperer--no lie--and been doing it for 40 years. Not to mention raising a cazillion foals over the years. He stroked, talked, whistled, squeezed, pushed, pulled out a stethoscope and listened. Stood back, pushed back his hat, looked up at the sky, readjusted his hat, pursed his lips and squinted, ran his hand over her stomach again and lifted her tail. Nodded. Then looked at my sister and I. "She's 9 months pregnant. Blood test can pretty much pinpoint within the week she'll deliver. I'd say, end of November. She's a little heavier than I like to see. Exercise her, ride her, but don't overdo."
I'll admit it, I crowed! Hah, I told you so, sis! Of course, Gary then wanted to know what made me say that. Hey, preggo is preggo, whether a dog or horse. She's not bagging up enough to drop this month, there's no milk yet and not enough wax on the nipples (dogs don't get that but horses sure do). *blowing on my fingers and rubbing my chest. lmao!
Okay, blog gods were nice to me tonight. I just threw them one of Judi's older tiaras and they were happy with the sacrifice--no blood needed tonight. Whew!
I'm actually done early, got them announced to all my networks, and now? I'm going to bed. Must be up at 6 am.
You're welcome to a slice of triple chocolate cake I made. Jake loves me!
Pat, when you you surface, there is a couple slices of Key Lime Pie....
Say what? OMG, what next. Sheesh.
Exhausted, again. *night-night
I just skimmed. Adina I'm sorry I missed your party. Congratulations to you and Ken.
Lisa, I get over to the website tomorrow. Congrats!
Writing romance is easy? Em, yeah, let me know how that theory works out. Pfft!
Jill, I how you feel better soon.
W00T! to Judi on Galleys!
I am definitely coming down with something. blech. The last two days I've gotten everything I need to done. At a glacial pace. Do you suppose if I just keep moving this will move on? I can hope.
Goodnight Neverland