I have been going to writers conferences since the mid 70s. Wow! That’s a really long time! Why, after 40 years, do I still go? Haven’t I learned it all by now?
Even though I have 40 published books (by Holiday House, Scholastic, Steck-Vaughn, Rigby, etc.), I think I can still learn from others. Not everyone writes the way I do, and I’m open to learning new ways. My grandmother always said that when you stop learning, you stop growing. And I want to continue growing in my writing career.
I love hearing what other writers are saying…published and unpublished. I learn about new books to read, about popular subjects, about other lives.
I used to be an editor, so what can I learn from other editors? Plenty! I can find out what they are looking for, what they personally like in books, and what their publishers are printing. I can find out about trends, either to avoid or to contribute my two cents worth.
Networking is so important for writers. And one of the best places to do it is at writers conferences. I’ve gotten writing assignments from editors I’ve met at conferences, as well as from other writers who have recommended me to their editors.
Looking for a writers and illustrators conference? We’ve got one right here in Greenville, SC, just for you! Our “Page 2″ Conference is going to be great! We’d love to meet you there! Just click on the Events button on the navigation bar to register.