A writer’s conference gives you the opportunity to learn about specific writing skills as well as network with your peers, mentors, heroes and industry experts. Both of these are valuable to the novice, but also experienced writers. We are constantly learning and honing our skill.

writer’s conference tips – So, initially how do you choose a conference?

Consider the following:

* does the content fit your needs at this stage of your writing?
* do the benefits outweigh any costs that might be paid?
* what do you hope to gain from your attendance / participation?
* is there more than bragging rights – are you going just to say you’ve been to a conference or rub elbows with so-and-so?
* are there offers a range of opportunities?

When deciding if a conference is worth the time and effort look at, not only the cost of going, but the benefits gleaned from the experience. Writing is a lonely activity, for the most part, and a chance to make a connection with others who share your passion is a great opportunity, but also a big investment. By investment we are not only referring to the fees accompanying conference registration, but also the time it takes to attend a conference. Both must be considered thoroughly – would your money be spent wiser elsewhere, or would it be time better spent, say, writing?

The content offered by a conference will either meet your needs, or it won’t, depending upon the stage of your writing and the expectations you have for your writing future. “Never stop learning” should be a component of every writer’s life and it drives your decision when you select the workshops you might attend and the value they have to you.

Consider if they are introductory, mid-level, or advanced – or are they general enough / specific enough to offer you something to ‘take home.’ The whole purpose in attending a conference should be to further your writing journey. If you are going, just to say you’ve been, or perhaps a chance to slip your unsolicited manuscript into the hands of an unsuspecting editor, think again and reconsider your actions and your reasons for attending.

A writer only has to peruse the listing of the many conferences hosted throughout the year and the country to realize that costs vary, some may be out of reach for the emerging writer, or someone on a tight budget. Consider again, the benefits in relation to the cost. Check out the conference programs and who is hosting the function.

Choose a conference that aligns with what you want to learn about and the type of writing you do, rather than one which is on a specific genre, or topic. Find one that offers a range of events, displays, and workshop choices.

Most conferences include a trade area with vendors selling their products and services. Don’t look at this as just an opportunity to spend your money. Consider the value in the research and network aspects of it – meet new people, explore ideas, invest in your experience – it might open up doors to the future of your own writing career.

Benefits of a conference:

You will be among people who totally understand what you do, what you go through, and how hard it all is, as well as how incredibly fulfilling and exciting crafting a story really is.

Be open to making new friends to connect with on social media. We all know other writers talk, share, learn, teach and encourage each other.

Through the sessions and presentations you will learn something new about yourself, your writing, and maybe the world of publishing.

I will be attending When Words Collide this weekend and have made a schedule of presentations I’m signed up for, and a list of friends and acquaintances who are attending and I want to connect with. I will also be reading from a collaborative novel, Laurel Lake Lodge, which was begun last year at the same conference.

It will be long days, lots of note taking and brain overload, but also a super way to immerse myself in the writing world.

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