TanyaSue
05-29-2007, 03:04 PM
Okay, so she's usually right, but this time she was beyond right. :)
Many people join this site seeking advice for getting started in writing. The answers are usually the same --- Read a lot, Write a lot, join a critique group ... and then Dr. Rita always jumps in and yells about going to a writers conference. I heard her (many times!) and heeded her advice.
Last week I attended the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference in North Carolina. It exceeded all my expectations. I was/am blown away by the experience. I was challenged, enlightened, affirmed and encouraged ... completely overwhelmed. So, THANK YOU, DR. RITA!!!! Everyone needs to go. Here is why:
Network with other writers, agents, editors and more. (This was my first time meeting other writers face-to-face. It's so much better than talking to my laptop!)
LEARN!! The classes are wonderful and extrememly helpful.
Escape home distractions to really focus on writing. (Most of us write in addition to 'real life'. Going to a conference adds validity to our writing, whether we want to make it a full-time career or just keep it as a hobby. It's worthy of some undivided attention.)
Affirmation. (God used this week to affirm His calling on me and my writing. Others I met discovered during the same week that they are NOT called to write. Know for sure what you're called to do.)
Pitch concepts and projects to those who need to know. (Avoid the slush pile by meeting face to face with those in acquisitions. I had two editors tell me "Don't bother with a query. Just send me your stuff." !thumbsup! )
Confidence. I learned more about the business of writing and publication, but more importantly, by meeting editors and agents, I am less intimidated by them. I feel more confident in approaching them with my projects.
FUN!! (It was somewhere between college and summer camp. So cool.)
I know everyone has financial concerns. I'm telling you: find a way to make it. It doesn't have to be a big, week-long conference. Find one for a weekend or even just a day. IT WILL BE WORTH IT. My entire mindset has changed. I'm not embarrassed or timid anymore. I know this is where God wants me.
This morning I sat in the dentist's office waiting for my mouth to numb. The hygenist asked me, "So, what do you do?" Without hesitation, I replied: "I'm a writer." I've never said that before! I have been a published author for nine months and have never said that. I always hem and haw ... "Oh, I'm a stay-at-home mom ... I like to write." I usually tell people I scrapbook before I tell them I write. But this morning ... My confidence startled me. I liked it. I have God, the conference and Dr. Rita's urging to thank.
So, watch out, folks! I'm joining her crusade! :D
Many people join this site seeking advice for getting started in writing. The answers are usually the same --- Read a lot, Write a lot, join a critique group ... and then Dr. Rita always jumps in and yells about going to a writers conference. I heard her (many times!) and heeded her advice.
Last week I attended the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference in North Carolina. It exceeded all my expectations. I was/am blown away by the experience. I was challenged, enlightened, affirmed and encouraged ... completely overwhelmed. So, THANK YOU, DR. RITA!!!! Everyone needs to go. Here is why:
Network with other writers, agents, editors and more. (This was my first time meeting other writers face-to-face. It's so much better than talking to my laptop!)
LEARN!! The classes are wonderful and extrememly helpful.
Escape home distractions to really focus on writing. (Most of us write in addition to 'real life'. Going to a conference adds validity to our writing, whether we want to make it a full-time career or just keep it as a hobby. It's worthy of some undivided attention.)
Affirmation. (God used this week to affirm His calling on me and my writing. Others I met discovered during the same week that they are NOT called to write. Know for sure what you're called to do.)
Pitch concepts and projects to those who need to know. (Avoid the slush pile by meeting face to face with those in acquisitions. I had two editors tell me "Don't bother with a query. Just send me your stuff." !thumbsup! )
Confidence. I learned more about the business of writing and publication, but more importantly, by meeting editors and agents, I am less intimidated by them. I feel more confident in approaching them with my projects.
FUN!! (It was somewhere between college and summer camp. So cool.)
I know everyone has financial concerns. I'm telling you: find a way to make it. It doesn't have to be a big, week-long conference. Find one for a weekend or even just a day. IT WILL BE WORTH IT. My entire mindset has changed. I'm not embarrassed or timid anymore. I know this is where God wants me.
This morning I sat in the dentist's office waiting for my mouth to numb. The hygenist asked me, "So, what do you do?" Without hesitation, I replied: "I'm a writer." I've never said that before! I have been a published author for nine months and have never said that. I always hem and haw ... "Oh, I'm a stay-at-home mom ... I like to write." I usually tell people I scrapbook before I tell them I write. But this morning ... My confidence startled me. I liked it. I have God, the conference and Dr. Rita's urging to thank.
So, watch out, folks! I'm joining her crusade! :D