Monday, May 23, 2011

5 Ways to Get the Most out of a Writing Conference

When you attend a writing conference, will you get your money's worth? Sure, a lot depends on the instructor, the topic, and the students. But a lot also depends on you. As both a seasoned conference planner and attendee, I've noticed several ways to get the most out of a writing conference:

1. Research your instructor or speaker. Read their book(s). Read their blog. Find out everything you can about them. This way, you'll have relevant questions but also understand where they are coming from when they present a topic.

2. Do the assigned readings. How are you going to participate in a workshop, especially one that critiques student work, if you don't actually read the work and think about it ahead of time? Learning to write is as much about learning to read. If you're going to put in the money, why wouldn't you put in the time?

3. Bring business cards. Lawyers have business cards and they feel important. You can too. Not to mention, they are important for maintaining contacts with the fellow writers you meet. A big part of going to conferences is networking. And cards make it that much easier. And they make you look professional.

4. Follow up. If you've met people you clicked with, including the speaker or instructor, make sure you send them an email or connect in some way afterwards to seal your bond. Maybe you interview them for your blog. Maybe you follow them on Twitter. Like every business, publishing is one too. And who you know counts.

5. Write. After you attend a conference, ideas and critiques are fresh in your head. There's never been a better time to sit down and experiment with your writing.

How do you make the most of the writing conferences you attend?

11 comments:

  1. You're being linked to on Thursday, girl. :) Hope you're doing well! Long time no see!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sorry. I meant Friday. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the link. Always appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  4. A decent utilized auto merchant won't just give in house financing and report to a credit agency, yet will make the additional stride of furnishing you with a CARFAX report at additional expense to you. While it's not difficult to get an auto advance with awful credit, it can be troublesome. Moreover, regardless of the possibility that you can get an utilized auto advance with awful credit, getting different sorts of credit can be troublesome. Cash Advance Chicago

    ReplyDelete
  5. Fantastic information on your site! Wonderful information you could have within this it truly is pleasant to get a web page of which specifics whole lot info on unique painters. At this point simply click here check cashing Appreciate it intended for pleasant giving.

    ReplyDelete

  6. If you want a babe from the house ofcall girls in jaipurthere are a few things you should know well before making a booking. Firstly our agency here at your city. In simple words is a cut above the rest because of the highly professional services we provide to our clients. Check our other Services...
    russian call girls in jaipur
    housewife call girls in jaipur
    housewife escorts in jaipur
    female escorts in jaipur
    female escorts in agra
    call girls in agra
    escorts service in agra
    hi profile escorts in agra
    russian escorts in agra

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails