Ah summer. So many writing conferences; so little time.

9 reasons to attend a writers conference:

• Hone your craft.
• Experience yourself as part of a community of writers.
• Get feedback on your writing from fresh and talented sources.
• Connect with mentors.
• Learn new marketing techniques.
• Get inspired.
• Step away from your work and get a novel perspective.
• Surprise yourself by starting something new.
• Rejuvenate (more on this in a minute).

I was thrilled when URI began a summer writing conference. I took a workshop with Richard Hoffman and learned powerful techniques for writing memoir. It made me a better coach for my memoir clients and helped me write about my life in more detail.

This year, I’m excited to be a last minute addition–I’ll be on the panel for promoting your work with new and traditional media. I’m also signed up for a workshop with Crystal Wilkinson and a private consultation with a fiction author–a new genre for me to explore. The idea of writing fiction makes my palms sweat, but here’s a safe environment to give it a try.

There’s another treat in store for us Rhode Islanders. Well, it’s a treat for anyone, since it’s an international conference. We’re just lucky the treat is in our own backyard.

The International Women Writers Guild‘s annual “Remember the Magic” conference has moved from Skidmore College to Brown University. It’s been years (pre-children) since I attended this yummy conference and it would be hard to justify the week-long overnight stay. Now that it’s half an hour from home, I can happily commute–guilt-free.

One thing I love about the IWWG conference is the non-linear learning. While I’ll have the opportunity to take workshops on craft, I can also take yoga, collage, watercolor, tai chi and a host of other workshops to feed my mind, body and soul.

This is the rejuvenation part–so critical to our creative spirits. In my experience, your muse will thank you when you nourish your whole self–not just your mind.

I’ve recommended the IWWG conference to my book-writing students who’ve gotten used to the accountability and support of our book writing classes this spring.

You’re welcome to a conference in the Ocean State where you’re never far from a beautiful stretch of beach. Both conferences offer top notch faculty and inspiring programs. But if you don’t want to wander so far from home, google “writers conference” and “writing conference” with the abbreviations of states near you and see what you come up with.

By registering for a writers conference, you send yourself a message that writing is a priority.  And that, in itself, will help support your creative flow.