"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it." - Hebrews 13:2



Monday, September 23, 2013

Writing Conferences



Happy Monday!



I wanted to talk a little about conferences for writers. Last week, I attended the ACFW Conference in Indianapolis. This is an enormous conference. I had never been to the ACFW Conference before. It was my first time. The conference was awesome and overwhelming to say the least. Being a people watcher, I sat back and studied many of the writers—their poise, their fashion, and passion. I was excited to catch glimpses of some of my favorite authors, editors, agents, and blog buddies. I got to meet many in person for the first time, and was absolutely thrilled to meet Mary Sue Seymour. I also made some new friends along the way.

I learned some great tips from the workshops—as writers, we can never stop learning about the craft. It was refreshing to hear other author/agent methods and tips. And I also learned several tremendous personal lessons—it being my first time and all. Those were meant for me only.

I have to admit that the pitching part was stressful. Once again, it was my first time. I felt like a babbling brook. My brain was working faster than my mouth could keep up - odd, I know. Fortunately, I had some real nice people on the receiving end of my pitches. They gently guided me through to the end. There was a moment when I actually forgot my next line. The certain editor was very sweet while I re-grouped. I learned a lot from that experience and will have it down next time. Number one tip before pitching - go easy on the caffeine.

All and all, I would recommend attending a writing conference—big or small—it was a joy to be with like-minded pards. That alone was worth the trip. We each walk our own writing journey. We are at different places on the road, but trekking in the same direction. It was fun to share a part in all that, and in turn, listen to others tell their tale. Everyone has ups and downs—the Snoopy dance moments and rejections. We are not alone in this book writing walk.

Ever been to a conference for writers and authors? How did you feel after? Did it renew your writing spirit?

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree




Coming in October - Look for guest posts by Author, Brandi Boddie on Monday, October 7th

and

Author, Wendy Paine Miller on Monday, October 28th. 








13 comments:

Terri Tiffany said...

So glad to met your agent and had a great time!

Brandi Boddie said...

Glad you had a great time, Loree, and that the editor was kind and gracious to help you in your pitch. I've been to smaller writer's conferences. I really enjoy the workshops dealing with social media networking and work/life balance. I hope to attend another next year.

Karen Lange said...

So glad you were able to go! Then to have had a good time must have been the icing on the cake! :)

I've been to a handful of writer's conferences but never one as big as ACFW. I always come away inspired. Would like to go to the ACFW one someday.

Victoria Lindstrom said...

I have attended a couple of conferences and several retreats and workshops - all sponsored by SCBWI. Each time I have returned home it has been difficult to fully put into words just how important and inspiring the experiences have been...even for a writer! I so agree with you Loree: No matter where we're at on our writer's journey, there is always more to learn. Thanks!

Sandra Orchard said...

I love attending writing conferences! so glad you were able to attend this year, and sad that I wasn't there to meet you in person!

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Conferences rock, even if just to remember there are others at this who share the passion.

So glad your overall experience was positive!

~ Wendy

Loree Huebner said...

Terri: It was a really great time! Just seeing and meeting everybody you know online there in person was a ball!

Brandi: The workshops were good. I love coming away with something new from each one.

Karen: I was really nervous going...but once I got there, it was fabulous. I did come away very inspired.

Victoria: You are so right. It is difficult to put the inspiration into words. I just found myself on the same track as everyone else, just in a different place.

Sandra: I was sad you weren't there! Maybe next year!

Wendy: That's what really brought it together for me...everyone being on the same page - so to speak.


Thanks for stopping in everyone! Love hearing from you!

Unknown said...

Loree, I'm so glad to hear you had a good time. I believe in the value of a conference experience, like you said, to learn and connect. Here's hoping I get to join you next year!

Jeanette Levellie said...

I love writers conferences! I met my agent at one and my publisher at another. The fun part is connecting with so many lovely people.

Glad you got to do this, Loree!

Jessica R. Patch said...

I loved meeting you, Loree! Conferences are well worth it, but yes, it can be overwhelming at times.

Loree Huebner said...

Gwen: The learning and connecting part was so important.

Jeanette: How fun for you! There are so many lovely people at conferences. Writers are awesome people to hang with.

Jessica: I really loved meeting you too, Jess! Never enough time to really sit down and talk...maybe next year!

Gwen, Jeanette, and Jess, thanks for popping in!

Stacy Henrie said...

So wish I could have been there and met you in person, Loree! Maybe next year. :) Sounds like you had a great time. Those pitches can be so stressful, but I love how kind everyone is, especially at ACFW.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

I'm glad you had the opportunity to attend the conference.

I've never attended ACFW, but I've gone to the Philly conference since 2004 or 2005. (I lost track.) It's been a valuable experience, I've met many special people.