Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Janet McAdams on April 13, 2012 at 11:30am

The magazine Poets & Writers has an annual issue about conferences and retreats. I think it might be the current issue. If your public library subscribes to it (and they probably do), you could look at the current issue and last year's issue for some fairly recent information about conferences.

Permalink Reply by Amanda Page on May 7, 2012 at 5:36am

Hi, Regina.  I'm coming to this conversation kinda late.  I'd love to hear an update to learn whether or not you've organized your conference on your alma mater's campus.  I've attended the Southern California Writers Conference a couple of times and it has its benefits.  There seems to be a real sci-fi/fantasy author presence.  But I meet a lot of mystery and literary writers there, too.  What I like about it is the laid back sense of community.  The evening festivities feel like a bunch of old friends just joking around - and there's 300 people in the room.  300 old friends just joking around.  It's 3 days long.  I just attended a day long local conference, too, and it was superb.  Just the right size.  Keynote speaker and 2 sets of 4 breakout sessions.  9am to 4:30pm.  

Permalink Reply by Regina Y. Swint on May 7, 2012 at 6:04pm

Hi, Amanda,

Thanks for reading and chiming in with your comments.  I will keep you all posted on how the upcoming conference goes, as well as if I'm able to put together something at school.  It would be so cool, but I know that it really takes lots of planning to make something like that successful.  Just not sure if I can manage my time and other resources well enough to pull it off. 

I hope the conference in New York is just as comfortable and fun as you've described with the ones you attended.

Permalink Reply by Karen Banes on May 7, 2012 at 6:05am

The idea of conferences scares me silly, but I'm determined to make it to one this year. I've done so much research on them, I just turned said research into my blog post for today (might as well share the links I've gathered with other writers!) I'm tempted by the Fernie Conference in BC because I live in Canada, but I also think it's a great opportunity to travel somwhere you've always wanted to go - all the conferences on my wish list are in places I'd like to travel to and/or where I have friends/relatives to visit. Two (or three) birds with one stone :)

Starting your own conference (or even just a workshop) at a local college or your alma mater is a great idea. Got to have something to reach for, and I guess it would make you pay attention in a whole different way when attending conferences yourself.

Permalink Reply by Regina Y. Swint on May 7, 2012 at 6:07pm

Hi, Karen,

It makes me a little nervous, too; but I'm just going to try and have fun as I learn.  I would love to attend a conference in Canada.  How cool is that?  I should add a California conference to my wish list.

And I agree with yo about starting a conference/workshop.  It really would require me to focus on other things besides my own writing.  It's a really good opportunity to help others, as well as learn, get exposure, and build credibility as an author/publisher.

Permalink Reply by Gayle H. Swift on May 7, 2012 at 6:45pm

I've attended two conferences sponsored by the Florida Writer's Association. (always held in October, in Orlando) Last year I was lucky enough to have an agent request my full manuscript. That was the Baked Alaska to my writer's feast which included networking, classes and sumptuous meals.

 

When you go to a conference you're walking with your tribe!

 

Permalink Reply by Katherine E. Hinkson on May 7, 2012 at 7:40pm

My first conference was several years ago. I was so shy, I couldn't speak to anyone (that was the norm for me at the time). I traveled alone and attended by myself. An attendee, a old timer, took me under her wing. She guided me through the conference and actually convinced me to pitch. I now attend conferneces and do the same thing for someone who looks lost. I've found many writers over the years and have become good friends lots of them. If you feel lost, look for someone who seems to know whats going on and talk to them. Talk to anyone and everyone you can, you might even befriend a publisher or agent, without planning. I did.

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