Next week is one of my favorite weeks of the year because I’m heading to the annual writers’ conference I’ve attended the past three years. After I began writing again and decided to pursue getting published, I knew I still had much to learn. I knew nothing about the writing and publishing industry. What I did know is that I had a completed manuscript and no clue how to begin the editing process and a desire to learn all that I could about the business of writing and what comes next.
My first experience attending a writing conference was wonderful, and I knew I wanted to return each year. The people I met were so kind and encouraging. There was no competition vibe at all; everyone I met seemed genuinely interested in their fellow writers’ success. There are so many benefits of attending a writers’ conference, but here are my personal top five.
Learn
The publishing industry is big, and it evolves with our world and the technology that runs it. There is a lot to know and keep up with. Taking a session or two about the business of writing, publishing options, or the latest trends in the industry will go a long way in helping authors navigate this ever-changing world. Also, for newbies in particular, taking classes on the basics will equip them in knowing terms, genres, available tools, and the ins and outs of the industry, giving them a better foundation for success.
Hone
I know I could have combined learn and hone, but I see them as two different – but related – aspects. Honing your craft is crucial to taking your writing to the next level. Writers’ conferences are the perfect opportunity to advance your writing skills because they offer a myriad of sessions to improve your craft. Learning how to edit well, strengthen your voice, create dynamic dialogue, or ramp up tension will make you a better writer and help you create a manuscript you’ll be proud to pitch.
Connect
Many conferees will cite networking as their number-one benefit of going to a writing conference. I like to look beyond networking and see it as connecting with other writers. Writing can be a lonely gig, just you and your brain tapping away on your keyboard, but I’ve learned there is community to be had. I’ve met some amazing fellow writers at my annual conference, and we’ve kept up over social media. One extroverted writer with a gift for connecting others even started a group that hundreds of us have joined. Many of us meet online regularly to visit for a bit before diving into our various projects for a virtual write-in. The camaraderie and accountability I have with these writer friends is priceless to me. These are the same people I am eagerly looking forward to hanging out with next week. It really makes a huge difference in what could be an otherwise solitary journey.
Fill your tank
As I mentioned, being a writer can be a lonely endeavor. Surrounding yourself with fellow authors at a conference can give you the encouragement and boost to continue forward motion. Writers are all a bit quirky. We make up stories in our head wherever we go. We have imaginary conversations with our characters. We struggle with the ups and downs of creative output. At a writing conference, you are immersed in your people. These other writers GET you. Fellow writers can be some of your biggest cheerleaders. And you can be that for someone else, too!
Grow your faith
I write inspirational fiction, so I attend a Christian writing conference. Every time I’ve attended the conference, I’ve seen God do really cool things, not only in my own writing journey, but for other writers, as well. Connecting with the right people at the right time, hearing a word of wisdom or encouragement just when I needed it, or learning something that significantly impacted my writing from a class I didn’t initially intend to take are just a few personal examples. It’s amazing to pray for wisdom and direction and see where I am led. Even if you do not write from a faith perspective or attend a Christian conference, you can still learn to have faith in the process and trust you are where you should be on your journey.
Have you attended a writers’ conference? How was your experience? What other benefits do you enjoy from attending a writing conference?