Five Reasons to Attend a Writers’ Conference by Cher’ley

This Blog  by Cher’ley Grogg

Five Reasons to Attend a Writers’ Conference

1. To Learn More About Your Craft
2. To Meet Other Writers
3. To Have Time with Agents and Editors
4. To Meet Famous and Successful Authors
5. To Be Inspired

Craft, it’s like money, we can never have enough. No matter what we think we know, someone knows more and they are willing to share what they know. That’s a great thing for you and me. Technology moves so quickly it’s hard to keep up, and there are always more efficient or interesting ways to tackle a project, and the presenters are very knowledgeable and entertaining.  

Other writers, not only have they been there, and done that; they’ve been there and done that barefooted, walking in the snow, uphill. It’s fun to share with other writers and the more conferences we attend the more people we get to know. I am so happy to see so many friendly faces. Another great experience is meeting some of the people we know from social media in real life. Instantly, you feel like old friends.

Agents and Editors are like the old war slogan, “Take no prisoners”. Many of them say they will not take on anyone else, but often, if they meet you at a conference they will take the time to read some of your material and perhaps you will land an agent or editor.

Famous Authors are so down to earth, but until you meet them, you don’t know how kind they truly are. So far all the famous Authors I’ve met have been as interested in me as I have been in them. They want to know you, especially if you are one of their fans. Two that I loved meeting were Sue Grafton and Jeffrey Deavers. I have met many other famous authors, but those were the two that I read the most books from.

Inspiration is like being hit in the face with a big wave of water. I’ve never skied, but it seems that you have to catch a wave when it is at its peak. So it is with inspiration, we get on fire at the conferences and that encourages us to get things written before the wave of inspiration and encouragement come crashing down.

Did I mention that Writers’ Conferences are fun? Local and state conferences are a lot cheaper, and if they are anything like West Virginia Writers’ Writer Conference, they are packed full of information and entertainment.

We can encourage other writers. You’d be surprised at how many people are nervous about being at a conference, or how many feel insecure about their writing.

 

I limited myself to five, but I’m sure you can add many more reasons to attend writers’ conferences. Would you share some other reasons why it’s a good idea to attend conferences when you can?

 

Cher’ley’s Books are listed below and on sale at Amazon and local bookstores.

Stamp Out Murder”.

“The Secret in Grandma’s Trunk” This is an especially good book for your Tween Children and Grandchildren.

The Journey Back-One Joy at a Time   and the B&W Edition of The Journey Back

And please join me on my Facebook Fanpage, that’s managed by one of my most faithful fans: Cindy Ferrell

Here’s a link to Cher’ley’s WEBSITE