31/03/2004
Why conference?
Why travel so far at such expense for four days of hectic activity? What do I expect to gain- and do I advise other writers to attend?
The short answer is, yes, I do advise you to attend if you possibly can.
The benefits of conference far outweigh any inconvenience, expense, or subsequent exhaustion.
As for what I gain... From the personal point of view, I feel reinvigorated meeting friends from all around the world. There is no community more supportive than the authors community. From a professional standpoint I feel the pulse of the industry, and I know of no other way to do this.
Talking to experts in their field gives me an overview that informs every word I write on my return to the computer. Imagine sitting next to Al Zuckerman, the legendary literary agent at lunch... I did this, and we chatted away like old friends, and only because of our shared interests and goals- he's looking for the perfect book- and so am I!
Chatting to both editors and agents on an informal basis is not only possible, but inevitable at the many meetings and social events.
So, if you have the opportunity to attend one of these wonderful events- whether it be a small gathering of your local writers' chapter, such as our own 'Pudding Club', or a truly huge event like the RWA conference, my advice is, do so. You won't feel as if you're struggling on alone in your writer's cave ever again- I promise you that.
With my love to you all
Susan
The short answer is, yes, I do advise you to attend if you possibly can.
The benefits of conference far outweigh any inconvenience, expense, or subsequent exhaustion.
As for what I gain... From the personal point of view, I feel reinvigorated meeting friends from all around the world. There is no community more supportive than the authors community. From a professional standpoint I feel the pulse of the industry, and I know of no other way to do this.
Talking to experts in their field gives me an overview that informs every word I write on my return to the computer. Imagine sitting next to Al Zuckerman, the legendary literary agent at lunch... I did this, and we chatted away like old friends, and only because of our shared interests and goals- he's looking for the perfect book- and so am I!
Chatting to both editors and agents on an informal basis is not only possible, but inevitable at the many meetings and social events.
So, if you have the opportunity to attend one of these wonderful events- whether it be a small gathering of your local writers' chapter, such as our own 'Pudding Club', or a truly huge event like the RWA conference, my advice is, do so. You won't feel as if you're struggling on alone in your writer's cave ever again- I promise you that.
With my love to you all
Susan
