C: Conferences. I'm am definitely going to take the time and money to attend at least one if not two writing conferences in the next twelve months. I'm not looking for a publisher or even an agent. I just want to network in person with my fellow writers. Not only is this fun, but I always learn something and come up with lots of ideas for blog posts.
Now today is also Insecure Writer's Post Day and I'm going to relate it to my C. I hope to serve as a presenter at a conference in the near future. I'm entirely comfortable speaking to crowds and have enjoyed serving on author panels. Now I want to do present a session all by myself and not only because it will give me a discount on conference attendance. I want to share whatever I can to help other writers find their way to success. But whenever I think of what session I could present, I worry that I'm not expert enough to be the one speaking. There are so many attendees at conferences with more experience and success than me. Would anyone want to listen to what I have to say? This is my insecurity.
Do you think conferences are worth the money? Do you feel like you're an expert on anything?
30 comments:
I've never attended a writing conference, but I would love to! I imagine I would learn a lot and meet a lot of interesting people :)
this is an easy question for me--no-haha although there are things i feel wise about---i am sure you are up to the task!!
I've never been to a conference but I would like to one day.
mood
Moody Writing
You know, I haven't been to a conference. I've done some online SESSIONS, but not full conferences. I know they're a good idea, but they just haven't fit with my dayjob and budget... BUT... getting my first substantial royalty here shortly and thinking I might want to put some of that aside for a conference... I think I could do a group panel, but not a session at this point, in terms of leading...
I've never been to a conference, but in my mind, the networking would be very valuable.
Happy Wednesday!
I've always wanted to attend a writing conference. I get a lot out of other conferences that I attend for work (I work for a hospice) so I am sure it would be beneficial. Good luck to you, I hope you do present one day!
I went to SCBWI"s winter conference twice. It was wonderful, something I think every writer could benefit from.
I've been to several writing conferences, and each time I came home with something of value. Networking IS a big part of conferences, writing and non. I don't think one has to necessarily feel required to GIVE anything. Sometimes just being with other writers, those who 'speak your language' is one of the greatest benefits. You can talk about killing off Amy without anyone calling the cops. Ha.
I've only been able to attend one conference, but it was a wonderful experience and I look forward to attending more in the future. Unfortunately, the cost of some of these conferences is a deterrent.
I wish I could attend a lot of conferences, but alas time and money prevent it. This year, i might skip the SCBWI summer conference in favor of the writing retreat. Sigh. I need to win the lottery!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
I've never had the chance to attend a conference, but I'd like to someday.
I've never been to a writing conference, but I'd like to give it a shot sometime :)
Jamie @ Mithril Wisdom
www.mithrilwisdom.com
I have never attended a writing conference, however networking opportunities are invaluable - particularly if those opportunities are not otherwise available to you.
I love your retirement countdown widget on the side bar... so cool!
Oh, how I'd LOVE to attend a writers conference. It sounds like such an enriching experience!
I've never been to a conference, either, but from what I've heard of other people's experiences they seem like they're worth it.
I've never been to one, although I was invited to be one of the authors at a science fiction convention. Don't think speaking to a crowd is for me!
I'm sure you have loads to offer - hey I always think other bloggers have loads more knowledge and wisdom, but we are all in the same boat. I say go for it!
I would love to see you speak all by yourself. I know you are an expert and have tons of goodies to share.
I want to go to a conference and soak up all the information and meet lots of people. Someday I'll get there, when the finances come in and my kids are a little older. Someday.
I have yet to attend a conference. Maybe I'll get lucky and hear you speak at one I eventually attend. ;)
Absolutely a conference experience in ones field of expertise or interest is worth the time, effort and expense. I've been to many in several areas of interest and expertise and come away with tools for improvement, inspiration to do more and enough fabric to last a lifetime. You guessed it...been to the Houston Internation Quilt Festival. LOL!!!
Thanks for stopping by so I could return the visit. I caught up on your AtoZ and enjoyed your post very much. I think you'll make a great conference speaker.
Sue~CollectInTexasGal
AtoZ LoneStar Quilting Bee
After reading so many or your blogs, I think lots of my visitors could do some presentations at conferences. I can't wait to attend one next year.
I think I'd struggle to think of something to present at a conference too! I've never been to one personally, I'm more of an online social person. :)
Rinelle Grey
I've never attended a writers' conference, mostly because of the cost (and the location), but I'd like to hear from you after you return!
I've probably visited about 70 blogs, which is way way less than I am supposed to have visited by now! I'm trying to visit about 66 per day (the total number divided by 30 days).
As for conferences, I've never been to one, but would LOVE to.
I'm sure you would have many interesting stories to share. I've never gone to a writers conference before, but it sounds like a worthwhile experience.
Julie
Choose your conferences carefully. I've been to some good ones but also wasted money on some.
Rosalind Adam is Writing in the Rain
Good luck on the retirement countdown!
With any conference or workshop, I feel it's worth it if I walk away with one thing I didn't have before.
Barbara
D is for: Deadlines
The Daille-y News
I love conferences. I live in Colorado, so I take advantage of the Northern Colorado Writers Conference (April 26-27 this year) and the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference in Denver in September.
I've gone to the summer SCBWI conference two years in a row now, and the dates were just announced for this year. I greatly enjoy it, but I have yet to get really involved. I year I tell myself I'll do a little bit more...talk to a few more people, ask a few more questions in a panel or workshop...not just be a wallflower.
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