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!
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!
ReplyDeleteTalli, 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!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the Minnesota chapter of RWA's annual Fall Harvest Workshop. It's an all-day affair workshop with one really good speaker.
ReplyDeleteI find RT and RWA kinda overwhelming, but when I go it does fire my writing up.
Phyllis,
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
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.
ReplyDeleteRWA 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.
ReplyDeleteOne 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.
My favorite conference is Romance Slam Jam.
ReplyDeleteL 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