When this post first goes up, I will still be in bed here in California. But a few hours later, I will be walking barefoot through the airport security checkpoint, getting ready for an all-day, cross country trip to a readers/authors gathering. It’s my fourth conference trip this year, in addition to trips I’ve made for speaking engagements. I’ve turned down other offers, because I have books to write and a family to spend time with. But I’m already scheduled for two conference trips next year, with a few more invitations under consideration.
Who knew writers could spend so much time on the road?
There are a lot of reasons why I go to these events. Some are to expand my knowledge of my craft. Others are for connecting with the readers who spend their time and money on my books. And some are to share a few of my experiences with other writers. I never regret the effort, because I always come away with something new and valuable. I’ve forged beautiful and supportive frienships during my travels, and spending time with other voracious readers like myself is always a treat.
I love to talk about books (not my own, I don’t know what to say) and hear about the authors who are exciting readers now. I remember reading somewhere that publishing is the only industry that doesn’t ask its consumers what they want. (I’ve heard that the reason for this is because readers don’t know what’s going to be the next big thing until the editors discover it and put it out there.) So for me, the face-to-face connection with readers helps me see what’s happening now and what they’d like to see more of. It’s certainly not a comprehensive poll, but it is very interesting!
So while I’ll be up before dawn to write before the day begins, I’m still looking forward to the trip and the new friends and memories I will make while I’m gone.
Have you attended any conferences this year? What do you get out of them? If you haven’t been to a conference before but plan to eventually, what do you hope to get out of the experience?
No related posts.
Even before I started blogging, I loved going to conferences as a reader to meet the people who gave me so much entertainment. It was fun to talk to like minded people (my lovely family just doesn’t get it).
Of course, the free books were an extra bonus.
No writing conferences (many business conferences though). I do most of my chatting with readers and other authors on the internet. No security check and I don’t have to put my shoes back on.
I live in Alaska. Enough said.
I should add, I could easily fly to conferences. However, based on what I’ve read about conferences they’re only worth the money if a person is already a published author.
Even though I didn’t attend this year’s CELEBRATE ROMANCE reader/writer conference due to no direct flights from L.A. to Columbia, S.C. (a conference I’ve attended several times in the past), I’m definitely planning to attend next year’s on the lst weekend of March in Portland, OR. This is a smallish conference intended for interacting & connecting readers with writers, not for prospective writers trying to sell manuscripts. I like that the readers love books & read all over the map, & I’m always assured of learning about new-to-me authors whose books I’ll love. I’m looking forward to renewing friendships & having a great time.
I attended Nationals for the first time and found it both overwhelming and exhilerating. Next month I’m off to the Emerald City Writer’s Conference, which I attended last year and loved. I like meeting my favourite authors in persona and learning from them and others in the business. It helps me to know that most have gone through the same stuff I am. It’s encouraging.
I used to tag along to scientific meetings with my husband if they were in ‘cool’ places. So now, it’s kind of fun that he enjoys tagging along with me. I enjoy writers conferences. I like getting out among people who understand it’s not a sign (well, not totally) of lunacy if you walk around all day and wake up in the wee hours with voices in your head. My first conference was a ‘general writing’ conference, with all genres. Then I went to a small romance conference and felt very much at home. It took a couple of years before I felt brave enough to attend RWA. I also like SleuthFest, which is a mystery writer’s conference. Hubby REALLY likes that one. He’s already got the dates on his calendar for next year.
I leave in a couple of weeks for Seattle, for the Emerald City conference. I wish I could go to more, but the $$ angle doesn’t allow it.
Michelle — we’ll have to hook up at Emerald City.