#Writing Conferences

[themswritinwords]

ALSO I'm once again going to be a panelist, presenter, and moderator at the LTUE Symposium in February!

LTUE is one of the most affordable writers'/creatives' conferences out there (extra discounts for if you're a student) while still giving you a massive bang for your buck. They have eight different 'tracks' for presentations and panels (writing, world building, art, TMA, academics, books, gaming, and professional development), but you can attend literally whichever sessions, panels, or presentations you want, so you can mix and match interests and professional goals.

It's super educational and I highly recommend it to anyone trying to go pro with their creative works, but it's also fun. Like obscene amounts of fun. It's all the best of a convention while also providing genuine professional opportunities. People come in cosplay, Sunday Best, and/or street clothes; I was on a panel last year next to an author with electric purple hair and a real silver fairy tiara whilst I was wearing a t-shirt with a sunglasses possum on it, and the guy on the other side of us was in a full suit and bowtie. There was a life-size Springtrap cosplay out in the main lobby. I pitched for the first time ever to 3 actual literary agents and got 3 requests. I got personal career advice from a 25+ year industry pro. A 12 year old with a "future author" pin asked me questions on my presentation and took notes, and so did an octogenarian in rainbow suspenders. I was taught how to write a professional query letter-- that has a 16% positive response rate, where standard is ~10%-- by a former lawyer in a pirate hat.

It's good vibes only, man.

But you'll also find professional agents, editors, artists, authors, directors, game devs and so on. It's a huge geek-fest that puts people at all levels of the professional world on equal footing. They've even got gaming events and filking circles.

In short, it's networking, fun, hyperfocus material, and professional-level education in equal measure.

I seriously can't say enough good things about it (and not just because I'm involved). There's something for every type of creator/creative out there, 11/10 highly recommend.

Anyway, here's what I'll be up to as a guest during all three days under the read more. (tl;dr conclusion, if you plan to attend and want to meet up, message me!)

Thursday

Original presentation (academics track): Folklore of the American South. An overview of myths, monsters, and old wives' tales from the rich storytelling heritage of the Southern States. AKA I finally have a platform to yell about my cultural heritage and by golly am I gonna yell about it! 10 am (yes it's a bit early, but I swear it'll be worth it! Y'all know you wanna hear about the Rougarou the destiny-determining powers of cornbread!)

Friday

Panelist: Shellshocked: Writing PTSD. Injecting realism into and dispelling myths surrounding characters with PTSD. AKA how flashbacks do and do not work, how to avoid making your character a caricature, and how to be sensitive so you don't use peoples' actual lived experiences as a sensationalist, reductionist cash grab. 10 am.

Panelist: Life After Coming Out. How to feature queer characters in more than just coming-out plots. AKA OwnVoices is not an excuse to exclude the reality of queer people in your built universes; don't write a story that's not yours to tell, but for the love of all things holy there's more stories to tell about queer folks than just The Big Realization! 11 am. (whew mercy, they gonna have me hoofin it all across that hotel RIP my ankles and my asthma)

Panelist: Fat Doesn't Mean Unfit. What it says on the tin. AKA a bunch of chubby folks are gonna demolish your fatphobia and why that's an important and good thing. Also I have a degree in health so I will be demolishing that fatphobia scientifically. 5 pm.

Saturday

Moderator: Dining Throughout History. A panel about how food, meals, and feeding communities did and did not work throughout history. AKA ancient Romans absolutely DID have takeout on the regular, and you're not a failure for not making 3 square meals a day at home with all-fresh all-natural ingredients. I mean, your characters aren't failures.... Yeah. That. 9 am.

Panelist: Nonnormative Relationships and You. The whats, whys, and hows of all the different non-romantic/nonsexual relationships your characters can find themselves in. AKA no shade to the romance crowd, but can we please stop forcing characters to kiss just because they're in physical or emotional proximity??? 11 am.

Moderator/Facilitator: Do-It-Yourself Medical Care: Hands-On First Aid. Come learn how to effectively injure and care for your characters by actually doing it! The caring part, not the injury part. We do not condone irl violence in the Marriott and as mod I will be obligated to fight you if you attempt to injure another participant. I can tell you right now as a both a stress crying asthmatic and the parent of a toddler with professional experience handling and subduing dangerous animals, it will be highly embarrassing for everyone involved. I seriously cannot tell you how excited I am for this one! It's me and four other authors who are also trained in medicine/health, so we're working hard to make this an informative and relevant experiential learning opportunity. They're only giving us 45 minutes, unfortunately, but we're already coordinating to try and pack in the most opportunities and most interesting exercises possible. It's gonna be so fun!! 1 pm, do not be late, we can only fit so many people and training dummies into the room!

Moderator: A Brighter Future: Solarpunk Fiction. A panel discussing the Solarpunk genre, why it's relevant, the ways conflict and worldbuilding would be different in a Solarpunk setting, etc. AKA a bunch of neohippies walked into a bar professional panel and decided to rant about sustainable living. 3 pm.

The rest of the time I'll be flitting around attending panels and presentations, checking out the art show and vendors room, socializing/networking, generally vibing, and maybe getting in a few pitch sessions. If you want to meet up, shoot me a message! I'm always open to Friending, and I know all the good places to grab lunch.

[itsawritblr]

My first time back to a Writers Conference as a FT professional writer after 20+ years as a minimum-wage, hanging-by-my-fingernails-to-survive, utilities-cut-off-so-I-can-pay-the-rent, eating-ramen retail worker.

sound on

[lunaswjmc]

Welcome to my WJMC Blog!!

Hello! My name is Luna Rehn, I am fifteen years old, and I am attending the first week of WJMC in 2023!

 Earlier this year I was invited to attend WJMC, or Washington Journalism and Media Conference.  WJMC is a six-day event specifically for sophomores and juniors. We will get to stay at George Mason, just outside of D.C! During the week, we will attend lectures and speeches from big names in journalism and acquire career and life advice to help us along our journey. I have the honor to hear from reporters, journalists, Pulitzer Prize photojournalists, former media CEO's and even get to interview my state representative.

Time flew by and I'm flying out for the conference on Sunday!  I'm very excited yet nervous as I have never flown by myself.  I plan on reading some recommended books, shown below, and listening to music to pass the travel time.

I am so excited to attend, and to document my journey!

[jpohlmanwriting]

WriteHive 2023 Info

Sooo hey everyone! Just a quick let-cha-know: I'm going to be at the Writehive 2023 convention next weekend, from June 9th-June 11th, moderating a couple events and being a panelist on one.

Tickets are free, and are available at https://www.writehivecon.org The event is hosted on our Discord.

I moderated a presentation on character creation using the D&D alignment chart for Friday the 9th at 11:00 PM.

I also moderated a panel on Believable Technology In Fiction, at 3:00 PM on Sunday the 11th.

Then I was a panelist for the *final* event, Finding Your Genre, at 6:00 PM EST on Sunday the 11th.

If you have any questions, ask me!

[dzgrizzle]

I preregistered for the 8th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference, September 23-24, 2023. Speakers include Andy Davidson, Jeff Clemmons, and more. See you there!

[himluv]

Goals Summary 2023 – Wk #17

Hey, there! It's a week, which came after another week, so let's, like, talk about it or something. You know, like a week!

Well, this isn’t ideal. But, better late than never, yes? Last Week Write 3x Record Podcast Finish reading something Newsletter Prep How’d I Do? Write 3x No. But I did write once, which is better than prior weeks.  Record Podcast Yes! Finish reading something Yes! Newsletter Prep Lol, no.  Weekly Word Count: 1,150 Look. Two out of four isn’t the worst. There was a lot on my plate last…

[authortoberecognized]

  WRITER’S FORUM  WRITING PROGRAMS

                        WEBSITES HELPFUL TO WRITERS This is a series of posts which, I think, will be beneficial to writers. But first, I would like to include my usual warning about using websites. Whenever you check a website you are, in my opinion and I talk from experience, being put on a list for sale. So, expect the possibility of being bombarded by ads from companies you, perhaps, have…

[bloseroseone]

The Best 10 Writing Conferences for Aspiring Authors in 2024

There are countless opportunities in the broad and fascinating world of writing. Attending a writing conference may be a game-changer for authors looking to improve their work, network with specialists in the field, and find new opportunities. Selecting the best conference might be difficult with so many options available. We have put together a list of 11 excellent writing conferences to take into consideration in 2024 to assist you in navigating this terrain.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Writing Conference

Before diving into the list, let’s briefly discuss some factors to consider when selecting a writing conference:

Genre focus: When choosing a writing conference, genre focus is an important consideration. Select a conference that specializes in your genre, to get the most out of your experience and networking chances.

These gatherings generally include keynote speakers, panels, and seminars tailored to a particular genre, offering priceless knowledge and networking opportunities.

Selecting a conference that complements your writing style will guarantee that you receive the most up-to-date information and encouragement to advance your writing.

Author level: Author level is a crucial factor when selecting a writing conference. Beginner writers may benefit from conferences offering foundational workshops and networking opportunities.

Intermediate authors might seek conferences focused on craft development, publishing strategies, and industry connections.

Established authors may prefer conferences centered on platform building, genre-specific challenges, and high-level networking. Matching your experience level to the conference’s offerings ensures maximum benefit and growth.

Conference format: Your experience at a writing conference is greatly influenced by its format. Think about the keynote lectures, panel discussions, or in-depth seminars that you prefer.

Certain conferences combine various formats into one comprehensive program. It’s important to examine if the conference allows for social gatherings or one-on-one encounters because networking is essential.

Furthermore, it’s critical to strike a balance between scheduled time and unstructured periods for writing and introspection. Your entire experience will be improved if the conference structure is in line with your learning objectives and style.

Networking opportunities: A key component of a successful writing conference is networking chances. Making connections with other writers, agents, editors, and publishers can be very beneficial to one’s career.

Seek for conferences that provide plenty of opportunities for networking, such as social events, panel discussions, and pitch sessions. When assessing networking opportunities, take into account the conference’s size and focus.

While larger events tend to draw a wider spectrum of industry professionals, smaller conferences can facilitate more personal contacts. In the end, attending a conference that prioritises community and collaboration can greatly expand your professional network.

Workshop and panel topics: Examine the workshops and panels offered carefully while thinking about writing conferences. Choose topics that are related to your writing objectives because these sessions offer priceless learning opportunities.

Look for seminars covering writing, publishing, marketing, and industry trends whether you’re an aspiring novelist, an experienced nonfiction writer, or a poet.

When choosing the finest writing conferences for your needs, a robust schedule of panels and workshops can make a big difference in your writing journey.

Cost and location: Cost and location are pivotal factors when selecting a writing conference. Budget constraints often dictate which conferences are feasible, with virtual options providing cost-effective alternatives.

Geographic location influences attendance, as proximity can reduce travel expenses and time commitments.

However, prestigious conferences held in desirable locations might justify higher costs due to potential networking opportunities and exposure....Continue reading

[shannoneichorn]

The 2024 In Your Write Mind writing workshop is taking place in just a few weeks in Greensburg, PA. Not only will there be genre-focused writing workshops and agent pitches but new this year...

There's an entire track on story development for game masters.

Now is a great time to sign up.

Other guests include:

[biggest-gaudiest-patronuses]

the fact that shakespeare was a playwright is sometimes so funny to me. just the concept of the "greatest writer of the English language" being a random 450-year-old entertainer, a 16th cent pop cultural sensation (thanks in large part to puns & dirty jokes & verbiage & a long-running appeal to commoners). and his work was made to be watched not read, but in the classroom teachers just hand us his scripts and say "that's literature"

just...imagine it's 2450 A.D. and English Lit students are regularly going into 100k debt writing postdoc theses on The Simpsons screenplays. the original animation hasn't even been preserved, it's literally just scripts and the occasional SDH subtitles.txt. they've been republished more times than the Bible

[wordtowords]

Notes from the L.A. Writing Conference

bumptious - adjective - self-assertive to an irritating degree

Suffice it to say, I have been writing, publishing, and selling books since 1997. Although I would not describe myself as a "successful" writer because success today entails generous monetary receipts, but I have sold 5,000 copies of all four of my self-published titles entirely on my own in a glutted market. As an aside to those colleagues who have self-published recently, in 1997, the market was open to you. Stores in the present that charge you for shelf space in their stores actually used to buy your books and organize signings for you. Yes. You were treated just like a traditionally published author, meaning well. In short, it was a perfect world. Now I find myself looking for an agent like so many of you out there because it is just easier in the long run albeit perhaps not as potentially profitable as you might think. For instance, an agented writer who sells 5,000 copies at $10.00 a copy will walk away with $2,500 to $7,500 whereas a self-published author taking advantage of free on-line e-book publishing could make $20,000 to $35,000 and maintain control of the entire process. I, unfortunately, did stuff my wallet with that kind of cash as I  spent too much on paying printers, reviewers, and Amazon that takes potential profit from you upfront. Yet as I mentioned, things have gotten a little easier for the literary entrepreneur as long as you rely on online resources. 

Today, I shelled out about $350 (everything included, even the two pitches I made to agents) to attend the L.A. Writing Conference held in an unaccommodating hotel (as far as parking and food go) next to LAX. The would-be author attendees were calm, cool, and collected–not a one obnoxiously bumptious. Although it was not my first conference, I gleaned a lot from it (and if the stars line up correctly, maybe representation–keep me in your prayers), some of which I'd like to share with you. 

Just what are contemporary agents looking for in terms of the writing? 

1. Concise, dense language with minimal tropes (such as similes and metaphors) and adverbs (Stephen King doesn't like them either). As someone with a master's in creative writing, I disagree, but apparently practically nude syntax sells. F. Scott Fitzgerald's books might never have gotten a sideways glance in 2024. Thank Goodness he published a hundred years ago.

2. Too much in the way of scenes and little in the way of summary. (Don't let dialogue take over.)

3. Stay away from trite gimmicks like dream sequences.

If you are in the process of querying agents, remember to...

1. Watch your tone. Don't be overly familiar. No one wants to know that you have been writing since you were two.

2. Do your homework to find out what goes into a query. Make sure there are no typos.

3. Mention comps in your query even if the piece is fiction.

4. Start blogging and connect with organizations on-line that feature writers like yourself.

5. Know your audience. 

6. Put time into your synopsis. 

Ultimately, be disciplined, maintain a sense of humor, and be open to criticism. Do not even think about giving up until you have received at least 100 rejections. (Hint: What is selling right now is psychological thrillers and romances. If you have a fantasy, step in line as most of the pages entered for critique at the conference belonged to that genre.)

Good luck to all pursuing this avenue. Is it tough? You betcha. It isn't a route for the squeamish hitchhiker to thumb down. 

[themswritinwords]

Did I mention you should come see me at LTUE?

Because you should totally come see me at LTUE!!

This is where, when, and what I'll be presenting/panelisting/moderating, so come find me, and we can go get lunch or something!

[thestorylady]

Ronda Del Boccio to Deliver Marketing Makeover Workshop with Annie Lisenby in Branson on April 13th, 2024

Rev Ronda Del Boccio, an international speaker and award-winning author, will co-present a marketing playshop titled, “”Marketing Makeover” at the Ozarks Writers League Spring Writing Conference April 13th at the Best Western Inn and Conference Center in Branson West, Missouri. The goal of this 2-part session is to help attendees take action on marketing musts in a fun way. Award-winning author…

[lunaswjmc]

WJMC DAY SIX - FINAL DAY

WJMC DAY SIX

Today, I woke up so exhausted but excited to go home. I packed up all my things and left my room as I found it. Breakfast was nice, it was just me and Delaney. Carsten and Madison decided to go to Starbucks to celebrate Carsten’s birthday.

Our color group announced each other's awards, and I got an award for best messages in the group chat, making people laugh. Our final speaker taught us many things, mainly that things won’t go how you think they will.

They had a twelve-minute video of all the stuff we did. It was fun, cheering when we saw someone we knew. I spent some time with my friend group, Carsten, Delaney, Madison, and Carlee. We had a lot of laughs.

Then, it was time for me to board the bus to the airport. I won’t lie; I shed a few tears saying goodbye to my friends, but I found someone I met yesterday, Renne, and sat next to them on the bus. The airport was a lot less hectic than I thought it would be.

The trip home was nice. I thought it would be a pain, considering the eight-month-old next to me, but he was calm. He made the trip more entertaining.

Once I landed, I finally saw my family again after five days, the longest and the farthest I'd been away from them. It made me feel independent, but I was ready to go back.

Overall, WJMC was incredible. I learned so much, and the speakers and staff were amazing, but the best part of the trip by far was the people I met. I would have been begging to leave if I hadn't met Carsten and Madison the first night.

So, that was my trip! I hope this sufficed as documenting, and I will be posting photos tomorrow!

[brewritesbooks]

February Results and March Goals

February is over and gone (with an extra day even!). Thankfully, February was better than January as far as writing and creating and getting back into a routine, but not by much. There were still family and friend health issues and the usual distractions and set backs, but overall, I think February went pretty well. Here’s how I did in February: February Results Writing Goals Choose and make…

[keyboard-squared]

Self-Published Authors, Don't Miss Out on This Free Conference Happening Right Now!

Are you a self-published author? Make sure you check out this incredible free opportunity happening this week!

I interrupt my normal Tuesday post to tell you that I finally opted to pay for a ticket to a free online writing conference. As I talked about a few weeks ago, free online writing conferences are happening all the time. If you haven’t already, you should start subscribing to writing websites so you can hear about these events and make sure you grab a pass before they start.  Yesterday, I got…