Writers conferences offer more than
informative classes, inspiring speakers, and one-on-ones with agents
and editors. Having just come down from the mountain at the Colorado
Christian Writers Conference, I received fresh reminders of these
other opportunities:
● Getting There & Back
Whether carpooling to a nearby
conference or sharing a ride from the airport, this time in transit
lets you not only talk shop, but also get to know others. One
conferee gave a ride to a pastor who just arrived from overseas. I
detoured past the airport to pick up an editor from a major
publishing house.
● Orienting First-Timers
If you’re a veteran, can enjoy the
privilege to direct newbies (scan the crowd for those looking
puzzled). If you’re new and wondering where to find the
registration desk and the classrooms, don’t fear. The person who
comes to your rescue may eventually become your critique partner.
● Waiting in Line for Meals
The longer the line, the more
opportunity to meet those standing near you. In one meal line a few
years ago, while discussing their works in progress, one conferee
discovered a much-needed expert resource for her novel’s key scene.
● Eating with Strangers
It’s tempting to sit with friends ...
but more adventurous to join a meal table with those you’ve not yet
met. Should I ever need to write about hair-coloring, I now know an
expert. And I got to tell some people from eastern Kansas about a
great writers group in Kansas City.
● Hearing Affirmation
After several years of rejections, this
weekend a friend encountered a publishing professional who agreed his
project had fabulous potential. He’d been ready to give up.
● Receiving Redirection
I’d dreaded my final appointment—for
a paid critique with a conferee who had a solid concept but had made
some poor decisions in how to introduce the topic. I’m grateful he
was open to an approach more likely to engage readers. Some writers
get defensive, but this time I got lucky—and so will his future
readers.
Where else have you struck gold at a
conference?
5 comments:
Met three of the finest writers I know while getting a ride to and from the airport. What a great way to really spend time talking writing.
During my magazine days, I assigned an article to a writer because of a topic that came up while she gave two of us a lift to the airport after the Florida Christian Writers Conference.
Simply being friendly and getting to know fellow authors during meals and other relaxing times is a reward in itself. Later, when I announced my third novel had been accepted, some of these kind authors immediately volunteered to be potential endorsers, which I truly appreciated.
Fellow writers are much more colleagues than competitors.
Amen, that is one of the biggest differences that I've found in the inspirational market. People truly do their best to support and help each other.
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