Monday, April 8, 2013

It's Conference Season!

That's right, if you're up for some learning and some schmoozing with other writers, agents and editors. 

I'm focusing on conferences happening in my neck of the woods, Washington. We're blessed to have some fabulous conferences throughout the year. Here is a sample of what to expect:


SCBWI Western Washington Regional Writers' Conference, April 19-21

This is one of the most fun and informative conferences around for those of us who write for kids. Year after year, the regional advisers exceed my expectations with the quality of the faculty and I always make at least one or two new writing friends. From First Pages sessions to illustrator-only sessions and beyond, this one is not to be missed---but naturally, I WILL be missing it this year.


Northwest Christian Writers Renewal, May 17-18

If you write for a Christian audience, then this conference is for you. One of the best bangs for your buck of any conference in the region. Two days are filled to the gills with teaching sessions, critique feedback, fellowship and fun. I've met some of my best friends at this conference and highly recommend it. You'll be hard pressed to find any size conference that offers such a whirlwind of activity in such a short time. 


Upcoming conferences:

I'll highlight these in a future post. You might want to get these on your radar now:

Pacific Northwest Writers Association Summer Writes Conference, July 25-28
Oregon Christian Writers Conference, August 12-15
Whidbey Island Writers Conference, October 25-27


The bottom line for attending a writers' conference? First, it's all about the people. Reach out to fellow writers and form new friendships. Don't just focus on the editors and agents. You never know, you may discover the perfect critique partner. Second, decide what you want to achieve far in advance of the conference itself. This way you don't head there without vision or return home feeling like a failure. 

Happy Conference Season!

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