Conference season is upon us and social media is abuzz with encouragement to click a sign-up link and submit a deposit.
So what’s all the hoopla about a conference for writers? Are these events worth the time/money/effort to attend?
I’m not so sure. After careful deliberation, here are 5 reasons to stay home:
- You have plenty of writer friends and have no interest in meeting others.
Seriously. Within seconds of arrival, you would be amazed at the number of folks excited about putting pen to paper and eager to get to know you. And not just on the surface. They might ask what you like to write, what you dream of writing, what you hope to do with words, imagination, and hard work.
So, yeah. If sharing your writer-soul with other writerly-souls doesn’t appeal, then think twice about attending. Life-long friends can be such a nuisance.
- You already, um…know enough writer stuff.
The conference will be packed with classes on everything from grammar and punctuation to character development and plot lines. Not to mention workshops on proposals, query letters, manuscript submission, where to find work, how to build a resume, and tips on formatting everything from movie scripts to picture books. Want to try a class outside your genre? You’ll have the opportunity to get a little crazy and go for it.
Unless, of course, you wrote the book(s) on the aforementioned. (Then you might be compelled to share your expertise with the rest of us…)
- Hanging out with a faculty of accomplished writers and authors sounds like a bore.
Hmm. I guess it could be a tad dull. You know, hearing about their writing journeys, their struggles, and how hard work and dreaming big paid off. Drinking from the well of experience and soaking in encouragement from the pros could be overwhelming. And if you’re on the fence with your decision, do not daydream about sitting next to your favorite author during lunch and having an actual conversation. That would just be weird.
- You have reached your affirmation quota.
This is a given. Unless you check into your room and hide under the bed, you will receive encouragement—from the experts and from your new friends (see #1).
Sorry. Just the way it is.
- Attending a conference is expensive and time consuming.
This is true. There is cost involved. And sacrifice. Of course there are scholarships available, but you would have to apply. And there are smaller and shorter gatherings that cost less than the week-long events. Other options include: ask family and friends to invest in your dream through birthday and Christmas gifts, set aside a little dream-money each month, sell unused stuff on eBay, have a garage/yard sale, etc. (A cost/trouble/sacrifice analysis is recommended.)
In all seriousness, taking that step to attend a writing conference—especially for the first time—is huge. But you will NOT be alone. Grab a suitcase, pack your dreams and aspirations, dust off that manuscript (finished or not) and hit the trail.
The time is now!
Helpful links:
http://www.blueridgemountainschristianwritersconference.com/
https://www.almostanauthor.com/come-out-swinging-fighting-fear-as-a-writer/
https://www.almostanauthor.com/writers-conferences-main-thing/
https://www.almostanauthor.com/three-reasons-learn-share-writing/
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Leigh, What a great post. I love it. I chuckled all the way through. I know that I have a book contract and many friends because I attended a conference. Thank you for this.
Thanks, Cherrilynn. I’m with you! The encouragement and information I gathered at a conference (not to mention the amazing friendships) changed my life. God worked through all of it to guide me in His purposes. Attending is worth every sacrifice!