No matter what type of creative writing you do, writers workshops and conferences have much to offer. Here's what takes place at a writers conference.
Writers conferences vary depending on length and focus. There are always writing classes to take, time to meet editors, agents or authors, and a chance to make new writing friends. Here’s what to expect when you walk in the door.
Registration time
You’ll sign in, receive a name tag, and pick up your packet. This could be as little as a one-page schedule for the day, or as much as a folder or bag with notepad, speaker bios, sample magazine copies, etc.
Conference Speakers
Your conference will probably include keynote speakers and/or panel discussions, which everyone attends together. They may be designed to motivate you, provide specific information, or show how a collaboration works. If panel discussions aren’t set up as a question-and-answer period, they usually open up for questions at the end.
Writing Classes
You’ll usually have a selection of classes to take as break-out sessions, lasting anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours. Detailed information will be in the day’s schedule. Choose from creative writing or nonfiction topics you want to learn about, editors or agents who might be interested in your work (you’ll usually get tips about their specific preferences), or just go where a new friend is going. Most conferences don’t make the participants choose beforehand, but seating is usually first-come, first-served.
Don’t rush out the door when the class is over, though – this is your chance to meet the speaker and ask questions that seemed too individual for the whole group. Also, editors and agents often give “submission passes” to those who attend, which lets your manuscript skip the slush pile (or the agented-material-only requirement) and go directly to them.
Editorial Critiques
You have to sign up for these before the conference, usually far earlier than the registration deadline. You will have submitted 5-10 pages of your work, and the staff will give the details of your critique meeting (when, where and with whom) when you register. You’ll usually have about 15 minutes of one-on-one time with an author, editor or respected writer. Even if it’s not with the person you hoped for, make the most of your time. Listen to the comments, ask critical questions, don’t argue, and you’ll learn a lot from this professional review.
Bookstore
Writers conferences usually arrange a space for books to be sold, those written by the conference speakers and other attending authors, as well as other books of interest to the participants. It’s a great time to pick up the book you just heard about in class!
Miscellaneous
Other tidbits to watch for include autograph sessions with the featured authors, open mike sessions (sometimes the evening before) for you to share your work, sign-ups for participant lists so you can stay in touch, and the chance to form writers groups.
To find a writers conference near you, do an internet search for “writers conference,” your location, and genre (if desired). Here’s a sampling of conferences to get you started, all of which include multiple speakers, manuscript critiques, agent/editor meetings, and a variety of genres:
- CanWrite! Conference, Canadian Authors Association, July. Ottawa in 2007, Alberta in 2008.
- Winchester Writers’ Conference, Winchester, England, June/July.
- Midwest Writers Workshop, Muncie, Indiana, July.
- Willamette Writers Conference, Portland, Oregon, August.
- South Carolina Writers Workshop Conference, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, October.
