Attending Writing Events – What’s Your Purpose?
I recently returned from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Winter Conference in New York. And while I was there, I was able to check off a bucket list item by visiting the New York Public library and saying hello to the fabulous stone lions, Patience, and Fortitude. Of course, that is not why I went to the in-person conference. It was just a nice added benefit of being there.
This week, I met with a client who is thinking of moving into a different category of writing, asked if they should attend a creative writing class. And this question got me thinking about how I decide whether or not to attend various types of writing events, either virtual or in person.
We all have limited resources and while learning about the craft and the publishing realm is important to becoming a published writer, sometimes we can get caught up in feeling the need to learn all the shiny bits of knowledge, to attend all the events. And while, it is important to study your craft and to understand the publishing landscape, too much of that can keep us from the important act of doing the writing.
And the key here, just like it is with most of our writing, is asking “why.” When considering various craft-focused writing events like webinars, retreats, and conferences, I first ask myself, “What is the purpose of attending? What do I hope/expect to get out of it?”
Purposes of Attending Writing Events
Skill Development
Let’s start with the obvious, improving our craft. There is a plethora of books, blogs, podcasts (including my Coaching KidLit), retreats, webinars, write-ins, workshops, and conferences focused on the craft of writing.
These events cover not only the full gamut of genres but also target-reader age categories. So, if you’re seeking to level up your skills, you have plenty of opportunities to choose from.
Career Advancement
When it comes to author career advancement, I am thinking in terms of who I might get to know, or even meet, that might have information and/or connections that can help me level up as a working author.
This can include, but is not limited to, editors and agents, who are providing critiques or pitching opportunities, seeking new clients, or offering open submission windows. It can also include publicists, social media experts, marketing gurus, industry experts who will share knowledge and/or experience that can help you get ahead, avoid common pitfalls, or offer new approaches for connecting with your audience.
Community and Networking
Writing tends to be a solo endeavor, but whether you’re a quiet introvert or a gregarious extrovert, in writing for publication as with many other things, it helps to have community. In-person events, in particular, offer the opportunity to connect with our peers and get to know other writers on the same journey.
Networking and community building offer a number of benefits, including opportunities for peer critiques, shared knowledge about craft and industry practices, opportunities for collaboration (such as sharing a sales table at a book event or being included in an anthology), expanded visibility and audience through cross-promotion, and resource sharing. And in general, helps us feel less alone.
Accountability and Motivation
Sometimes, the hardest thing for writers is to keep going, to persevere in the face of rejection and a slow-moving industry.
Retreats, write-ins, regular meetups, and critique groups provide writers with structured schedules and deadlines, and even the social pressure to show progress on our work. Regular check-ins keep us honest about our writing and encourage us to sit our butt in the chair and write.
Many retreats and workshops include goal setting and offer external validation of our efforts, as well as creating momentum due to focused time and immersion.
So, the next time you are considering attending a writing event, remember, it helps to know your “why,” the purpose, what you expect and/or hope to get out of it. Being clear on this, not only helps us to choose wisely, but to also focus on the key takeaways we want.
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