By Christina Katz
Just about every writer is acquainted with other writers. Chances are good that you hang out with fellow members of the writing clan, even if only virtually, every chance you get. And if you don’t, then sister, get thee to a writer’s conference and start connecting with your fellow writers!
Full participation in a conference will accelerate your career by helping you:
- Learn about the latest industry trends and what the trends mean to your career
- Rub elbows with published authors, agents, and editors for networking
- Digest timely, relevant techniques taught by highly qualified instructors
- Make new writer friends everywhere you go
Create a game plan in advance, so you don’t spend all of your time there trying to decide what to do next. Like every opportunity you invest in, you will get out of a conference what you invest. So, if the best you can manage is to get yourself there and just show up, that’s good enough. But even better if you can sign up early (and get a registration discount), join the association (and receive member benefits), and study up on who is attending and what interests them (so you’ll be able to participate in conversations with ease).
If you show up with a large bag or backpack, a notebook, plenty of pens and don’t forget your business cards, you’ll be in a great position to get the most out of a writer’s conference, and you’ll leave feeling like your tribe of writers just got a whole lot larger.
In fact, if you plan to attend a conference, why not give your existing tribe of writers a holler, meet up and get some quality face-to-face time to share the wealth of knowledge. But don’t be afraid to stick your hand out, introduce yourself and make some brand new friends because you will have plenty of opportunities.
Most importantly, have fun! Writer’s conferences are a chance to relax and hang out with old and new friends. Be sure to schedule down time in your busy schedule.
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Christina Katz, author of Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids, is working on her second book for Writer’s Digest Books, Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform. She has also written over two hundred articles for magazines, newspapers, and online publications and has appeared on “Good Morning America.” Christina is a popular writing instructor who has taught hundreds of writers over the past seven years. She blogs daily at The Writer Mama Riffs and is publisher and editor of two zines, Writers on the Rise and The Writer Mama. More at http://www.thewritermama.com/.
