I love writers conferences–both presenting and attending workshops. Perhaps my favorite aspect of writers conferences is the opportunity for new input into one’s writing:
- An essayist may show you a new way of seeing something about your writing.
- Or a poet may teach you a nifty trick to get your creative juices flowing.
- Or you may learn some editing tools that make your writing better.
There’s also, of course, the sense of community–just being around other people who love writing, who love words. I often find myself especially inspired after the evening readings–staying up late to write some more.
Writers conferences also offer a time to step away from all the responsibilities of everyday life to completely focus on writing. That focus can also be powerful.
If you’re thinking about a writers conference, October is a perfect month:
Here is a sampling of writers conferences and book festivals coming up in October:
Oct. 17-19, 2014 – Digital Authors 2.0 and Self-Publishing Conference, sponsored by West Coast Writers Conferences. Los Angeles Valley College, Van Nuys, CA
Oct. 17-19, 2014 – Whistler Readers and Writers Festival, Whistler, BC
Oct. 19-24, 2014 – Salt Cay Writers Retreat, Salt Cay, Bahamas
Oct. 25, 2014 – Boston Book Festival – free and excellent! (150 Presenters, including Doris Kearns Goodwin and Herbie Hancock on memoir)
Oct. 21-26, 2014 – The Vancouver Writers Fest, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Oct. 24-26, 2014 – Chicago Writers Conference, University Center, Chicago, IL
Oct. 24-26, 2014 – The La Jolla Writers Conference, Paradise Point Resort and Spa, San Diego, CA
And here are a few in November:
Nov. 6-9, 2014 – Sanibel Island Writers Conference, Sanibel Island, FL
Nov. 15, 2014 – Baltimore Writers’ Conference, Towson, MD
Nov. 16-23, 2013 – Miami Book Fair International, Miami, FL
Know of one not listed here? Add it as a comment! Thanks.
