Here's another entry in our ongoing Advice for Novelists series. I've asked editors, authors, agents and publicists their response to the question:"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Go to the writing conferences. Get to know the people in the industry, show your work, take workshops, develop your skill, network, eat good food, and laugh! I tried to go to the same good conferences each year, networked with some of the same editors and agents who were interested in my work before. Each time I got a little closer to the goal, until it finally happened. The Christian conferences have people who are so willing to help you get to the next step, direct you to the next person to show your work to, and give you encouragement. As authors, we all know what it took for us to get published and we want to give others the same encouragement.
--Renee Riva, author of Taking Tuscany & Saving Sailor. Visit her online at her website.
9 comments:
CJ and Renee, thanks for this input. All of us considering the conferences appreciate your guidance.
Thanks for the advice and encouragement!!!
I think this is great advice. I went to my first writer's conference this year and learned so much, met great people, and was inspired to keep going. Plus, I got to see CJ win the 2008 Operation First Novel contest :-)
I agree. Never been to one because I can't afford it. They range from $700-$1000 or so. They are no doubt worth it, but. . .
Had a chance to see Frank Peretti and couldn't afford to go. Was sick about that one.
Someday, however.
Warrenjc - look around a bit more to see if you can find smaller conferences or even just writing workshops that connect you to other writers. I haven't made it to a big conference yet, but my local writer's group hosts a teaching conference every year that's pretty affordable ($100) and brings in big-name speakers.
Can you suggest any conferences that would be good for an unpublished writer? I really want to get out there and network, but I have no idea where to start. Thanks!
Hi, BC. Well, if you're looking for some good Christian writers conferences, there are several I know about:
ACFW has one coming up in September. It's in Denver. Click here.
The Christian Writers Guild's annual Writing for the Soul conference is also in Denver this February. Click here.
The Write His Answer conferences in Estes Park and Philadelphia are also great. click here.
The Blue Ridge Mountains Conference I've also heard good things about. Click here.
I'm sure there are many others as well. I'm not as up on the general market conferences.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanx for the conference info C.J. I was actually looking for general conferences, not faith based, but thanx none the less. :)
Here's a link to the Writer's Digest site that has some general market conference info here.
Sorry I don't know more. If you can't find what you need, I can ask around if you'd like. Just say the word. :)
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