Why Go To Writer's Conferences?

Some debate if it is worth their time or money.  I'd venture to guess if you are asking that, you've probably never been.  Once you do go, you get it.  The "why" for going to conference may be different for everyone but the basic reasons are the same.  Here are a few reasons why you should go:

1. Pajama parties with your fellow writers:

(Rachel Searles, Me, Elizabeth Briggs)

(Heather Trese, oh look, there I am again, Jessica Love)

Other fabulous people I met but did not get a photo of: Barry Wolverton, Shana Silver, Ara Burkland and many many more. Gobs more actually.

So Dana, you meet these people and then what?  With each connection you make, you learn one knew thing.  Whether it be in the publishing industry, your writing or the process all together.  The conversations you have give you a little more education about what you are doing, which spawns a little more confidence.  With each connection, another door is open.  Each person, whether it be writer, author, agent, editor, etc, you are furthering your career by opening up these opportunities you might not have ever had.  But most importantly, these people "get you" or rather the writer side of you, more than your husband, your mother or your BFF.  It's like one big writer brain converging into one.

2. You meet authors.  Real live published people. Successful people even. Like:

Libba Bray...The photo kept coming up fuzzy (because a fingerprint was plastered all over my iphone's camera lens.)  So Libba said to tell people "It turned out fuzzy because we were so hot, we melted the lens.)

Cindy Pon and Me :)

3.  Go to learn about the publishing industry.  I can not emphasize how important this is.  There are so many terms, processes, and standards in the industry, that educating yourself is a must.  You wouldn't get a job on a bomb squad without knowing your explosives.  Or if you did, it would be a short career.  Same applies to being a writer.  SCBWI offers breakout sessions on the inner workings of publishing houses, hurdles editors go through, what agencies expect, etc.  Knowing how to write a book is only a the beginning.  Understanding how this industry works can take your manuscript from dream to publication.

4.  Perfecting your craft.  There are many workshops on refining your characters voice, how to write a plot driven MS, art of revisions, manuscript success and so on. These particular classes can be very helpful to a beginner.  I've found most of this information from researching online but sometimes a basic writing workshop can be the reminder that conks you on the head or the reassurance you need to say "Yes, I'm on the right path."

5. Learn about the in-between stuff.  How social media can help your writing career.  The digital age of books and what it means to a writer.  How to organize your writing time.  Pretty much all the secondary aspects of writing you might not have taken the time to learn but realize how import it really can be for your writing.

Though the large conferences are fun (and expensive), the smaller ones can be just as beneficial, and more intimate.  Which means make more meaningful connections.  I hope you take the time to research what is offered in your area and decide what conference might benefit you.  You never know, you may stumble on your dream agent at the next conference you attend.  It's happened before.

Where'd She Go?

I'm here, I'm here, I promise!  Don't file a missing persons report. I'm just heeding Laurie Halse Anderson's advice from SCBWI conference, "no farting around on the internet."  She didn't mean NEVER but when there are crunch times, know when to fold 'em.  You know what I mean?

For me, family first.  This summer with kiddos being home was a whirlwind, to say the least.  They started school about two weeks ago and with school, homework, and sports everyday (sometimes two sports, no joke...I hear ya, it's ridiculous.), it's all I can do to keep my family above water.  So I've been stingy with my time. 

Once my families needs are meet I focus on me.  First my mind and body, I HAVE to exercise, about as much as I need air.  Then, I write.  Or in my current status, edit.  Which is going VERY well.  Thank you very much for asking.  Thirdly, I try get in a little reading time.  Slow going lately because I was reading a very heavy book (The Windup Girl...will tell you more about that in another post.)  And lastly, I critique.  Sorry my lovely  CP partners.  *muah muah*  I love you guys but I'd expect you to put me last as well.

Oh, and did I mention, I also have this as a distraction:

Seriously folks, how am I supposed to get any work done with this thing staring at me all day?  Meet Sookie, my 3 month old Imperial Shih-Tzu (which is fancy for saying "miniature.")  She's the cutest sweetest thing and my family really loves her.

So am I back for a while?  Yes...I hope.  Unless my book needs me solo again.  Because let's face it peeps, this book ain't gonna publish itself.  I hope to blog at least three times a week.  

What about you ask? (Or maybe you didn't but I'm gonna tell you anyway.)

My SCBWI conference experience

How you can't let fame got to you head.

Why pubbing a book you hate is a sin.

When Val Kilmer was hot...

And other great posts coming your way!

Thanks for letting me hid out for a bit to work on my MS.  And thanks for not protesting with pitch forks, or boycotting my blog, or unfollowing me.  (Well if you did unfollow me, I didn't notice.  And obviously you are not over me because you are here, reading this.  It's okay sweetie, I forgive you.)

SCBWI LA Conference...loving it!

Quick check in with you this morning.  Yesterday was my first day at conference and it went by so fast.  I've met so many new people and reconnected with people I knew. Didn't get a single picture yesterday but I'll remedy that today.

Libba Bray's key notes was hilarious and down right honest.  She talks about how"getting it wrong is the necessary part of getting it write." Good news she says, "Your manuscript sucks!"  Then she goes into how to find the right tools to fix it.  More on her later.

Laura Halse Anderson (author of Speak) gave a very honest/tough love workshop on how you can carve out more writing/creative time so "stop farting around on the internet." *guilty*

Emma Dryden discussed the "Traversing the Digital Landscape" where she discusses the "digital book age" and are you ready for it?  Also a big question in ebooks: "Do they have quality?"  This is something I'd like to talk on my blog further about.

All this and more will elaborated on next week.  If you are here today, track me down via my comments.  If not, wish you were!  Have a great day!