Monday, May 3, 2010

Writing Conferences and Conventions

It's conference time! Well, at least that's what it feels like. In the romance writing world, the Romantic Times convention just wrapped up in Columbus, OH and the brand new RomCon readers' convention for romance readers debuts in Denver in a few months. I would be remiss if I didn't mention my favorite, Romance Writers of America's annual conference, which will be held in Nashville this summer.

What I love about all of these events, aside from their wonderful workshop tracks and learning opportunities, is that they make authors accessible to readers. Book tours are becoming a thing of the past, but for the avid fan there are great opportunities for some up close and personal time with their favorite authors. I still get tongue-tied when I find myself standing in the elevator or sitting at a table with an author I've admired for years.

So, here's my question for both writers and readers: What do you get out of going to conferences and conventions? What's your favorite conference--not just romance-related, but all genres.

Also, what are some of the best regional conferences out there? Let me know!

7 comments:

Talli Roland said...

I'm off to my first conference this year (in London, UK) and I guess what I'm looking foward to most is meeting other writers. I can't wait!

Farrah Rochon said...

Talli, in my opinion, that's one of the huge advantages of attending conferences for writers. There is nothing like being around like-minded people who under the struggles you go through when writing a book. Enjoy your first conference!

Phyllis Bourne said...

My favorite is the Minnesota chapter of RWA's annual Fall Harvest Workshop. It's an all-day affair workshop with one really good speaker.

I find RT and RWA kinda overwhelming, but when I go it does fire my writing up.

Farrah Rochon said...

Phyllis,

The huge conferences can be overwhelming--totally agree with you there. I've gone to several one day events, and had a really good time and learned a lot. I like the intimate setting.

Liane Spicer said...

Writing conferences are still in my future. The big ones sound crazy/wonderful to me, and I'd like to experience one of those just once, but the more intimate ones seem like one of my versions of heaven.

Rae Ann Parker said...

RWA is my favorite all-time conference for several reasons. The number of workshops to choose from is fantastic. I love seeing my writer friends, hearing authors speak whose books I love. And taking home lots of books is always a plus.

One of my favorite regional conferences is the Killer Nashville conference. This is a mystery/suspense/thriller conference held in Nashville. But it's good for non-mystery writers too because it has a general writing track.

Beverly said...

My favorite conference is Romance Slam Jam.
L ook forward to this annual conference and seeing favorite authors up close and catching up will old friends and making new ones.
Next year Roamce Slam Jam will be held in Baltimore