With the Romance Writers of America’s conference
registration opening on Tuesday, February 7, I thought it was past time I take
a look at my 2017 conference schedule.
One thing I’ve noticed these last two or three years is how
my interest in conferences has changed since the very first one I attended back
in 1999. As my experience as a writer, and reader, evolves so too does the
focus of what I'm looking for in a conference. Now I have to say that doesn’t apply to
all conferences equally.
Let me explain…
I’ve attended the RWA National conference every year since
2002. My guess is, as long as I write (and have the funds) I will continue to
go to this particular conference. Why? Because it is my reward. My opportunity
to get my writing batteries recharged. It’s a vacation with fellow writers. It’s
exposure to what’s going on in the industry from professionals and amateurs to pundits
and beginners. And it’s fun!
As a reader, I get to listen to the writers I admire. Pick up books from writers I haven't read before. See
what the traditional publishers are pushing in the near future, and what the
indie writers are uploading right now. While I’ve attended RT in the past, and it was certainly fun, I find the RWA venue more my style.
Local conferences fill niche interests for me. When I was
looking for an editor and agent, I enjoyed the smaller, more intimate opportunities
offered by the local and regional conferences. Now I look for specific speakers
or workshop subjects I’m interested in when deciding on where to go.
I just discovered the Writers Police Academy in 2015 and
really enjoyed the more hands-on opportunities offered by that particular brand
of conference. Where else do you get to do blood tests, practice shoot, don't shoot scenarios, and try on firefighting gear? I'm really hoping to try out the police drivers course this year!
My plans for 2017? RWA in Orlando, practically in my backyard,
and a return trip to Green Bay, WI for another Writers Police Academy. For the
fall I might go to Georgia or New Jersey, both offering excellent conferences—it
will just depend on speakers and workshops—and what particular area in my
personal growth as a writer I want to explore.
But it might be fun to try something different this year. Do
you have any favorites as a writer or reader? Any recommendations you care to pass on?
3 comments:
RWA is too far for me this time, and I had planned on RomCon, but they appear to be taking a break this year. I sometimes try to get to RT, but it's too far this time, too, and pretty expensive. And with having to judge where to spend my limited dollars, I think I'll be taking a break this year. I'll miss seeing my NYUS peeps - have fun!
We'll miss you too Anne Marie!
We will miss you, Anne Marie. Sharon, I too enjoy conferences and my reasons had changed over the years, too. Now I go to different ones for different reasons. One for friendship, keeping up to date on the latest in publishing, and others for the technical/research content (like the Writers' Police Academy). Great blog.
Post a Comment