Why Go to a Writers Conference?

Aspiring authors often ask me whether they should go to a writers conference--after all, it is an investment of time and money. I have many reasons that writers should attend conferences, but for the purposes of this post, I'm limiting the list to five.

I could write about going to conferences in general, but instead I'm going to write about going to the Southern California Writers Conference (SCWC), coming up Sept 20-22 in Newport Beach, California (and San Diego, Feb 2014). 

Partly this is because I know this conference the best (I've been teaching workshops there for years), but also because I like the way it's run--the casual, fun vibe of it--and because I've seen it actually work for people, year after year, in so many different ways.

Here's 5 Reasons you should go to SCWC:

#1. Great Workshops/Excellent Teachers

The weekend is full of great workshops--on everything from writing and editing your manuscript, to pitching, selling, & marketing your book. All the workshop leaders are either published authors, working editors or agents, or publishers (some are even all three!). They ALL have something to teach you. Soak it all up!

#2. To Get Feedback

No matter how wonderful your writers group and Beta readers are, it's good to get some more eyes (usually ears, actually) on your project. Go to Read and Critiques and read--and listen... Find out what works, and what doesn't. You might find some Beta readers, too.

#3. To Network with Other Writers

Writing is a solitary sport--it's good to meet others who sit in rooms and type for days on end…You will meet others who share your interests, and some who will introduce you to new ways of writing, thinking, and thinking about writing. After all, these people are your TRIBE. 

#4. To Meet Industry Experts

Even if you don't have Advance Submission slots set up, SCWC gives you plenty of opportunities to meet literary agents, editors, and publishers, not to mention successful published authors. Have a glass of wine at happy hour or dinner or sit down and visit over coffee or lunch. Take time to talk--not just pitch your project--and listen!

#5. To Hang Out in a Cool Place

I probably don't need to explain this one...Come on, it's Southern California. Perfect weather, fabulous setting. You are allowed to have FUN in life, after all--even before you finish your book or get published. Invest in yourself!

I think I've said it all...Hope to see you there.

hasta pronto!