Do you plan to attend any writers’ conferences this year? Have you ever signed up for one? This is something I recommend, especially for writers seeking writing help and authors seeking publication. Some conferences are also adding a book promotion element to their schedules.
What can you get out of a writers’ conference? Depending on the agenda of the particular conference,
• You can meet agents and editors and discuss your project with them.
• You’ll learn about various writing techniques that can enhance your writing work.
• You’ll learn more about the publishing industry and how to navigate it on behalf of your book project.
• You’ll have the opportunity to network with other writers.
• You can network with writing/publishing professionals.
• You’ll walk away feeling more knowledgeable and inspired.
I’ve met writers who just blossomed after a writers’ conference experience. They found the information, support, direction and inspiration they were seeking. Some discovered the help they required in the form of an editor, mentor or coach. And, in some cases, I became the editor/mentor/coach. I love when that happens!
I speak at anywhere from 3 to half dozen or more writers/authors’ conferences every year. This year, it looks as though I’ll be speaking in Los Angeles, New York, Santa Rosa, Ventura and, perhaps, a few other venues. I’ll share more details as they develop.
In the meantime, you might start checking out the spring, summer and fall conferences in your area. How? Do a Google search using keywords, “your city/state” and “writers’ conference.” Or go to http://www.writersconf.org or http://writing.shawguides.com
How can you get the most benefit from a writers’ conference? We’ll talk about that tomorrow. But I can tell you that no two people come away having had the same experience. While one author is totally fired up and inspired after a conference, another might feel she got nothing from the event—it was a big fat waste of time. Can you guess what made the difference between these two authors?
I Appreciate YOU
I appreciate your loyalty to this blog, my twitter messages, my many books on writing/publishing, my articles and so forth. And I’m always pleased to meet you when I’m presenting a workshop at a conference in St. Louis, Janesville, Jacksonville, Phoenix or wherever. And I especially appreciate your trust in me as an editor and consultant for your projects. I just completed an editing job over the weekend for a beautiful writer whom I met at a local conference. And that job was on the heels of one I worked on last week for a woman who placed an order for several of my books—talented writer with a great story. I love meeting you and I enjoy helping you produce the best book possible.
If you’re not sure whether you need help with your project, send it to me for an evaluation. If there are problems, I’ll point them out and let you decide whether my services could enhance your book or not. Contact me here: PLFry620@yahoo.com.
Catscapades Update
Catscapades, True Cat Tales is going to be entered in a couple of contests. This is all new to me. I’ve never entered competitions and I’m kind of excited about the prospect of it. More about that as things start rolling. In the meantime, there’s still time to order copies of Catscapades for Mother’s Day giving.
http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html Or amazon.com.
Visit my Catscapades blog: http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades