All of the above happened to me at the Spring Fling Writers Conference. Our other bloggers have already mentioned what a great conference we attended. The professionalism was in high quality and quantity. Seeing and visiting fellow writers and friends was better than the chocolate they served!
I arrived home tired and a smidge depressed. I call it the 'let down' factor. I knew I wouldn't sell many books - too many other authors with BIG names usually take the participants hard earned money, so that wasn't it. I visited with many people and attended insightful workshops where the speakers encourage audience participation. I met new people, laughed with old friends, and helped a gal in the bathroom. I pitched my idea to one agent and stopped and chatted with a gal in the hall about ebooks, only to realize she was a speaker from Pennsylvania and made time to talk to me! How awesome is that?
Overall, my time spent turned out to be a valuable experience. As I drove home, I contemplated my life as a writer. I need a few things still. I need a writers group closer to my home. I've needed and wanted that for years. I missed not having a weekly/monthly conversation about writing. It has left a HUGE hole in me. I've tried a few groups over the years and dropped out for various reasons, mostly because they don't hold up to the caliber of a RWA writers group.
Knowing what I need is one thing. Finding a solution is another! So writers, I mean YOU, out there beyond the city lights ... what do you do for writers support? I'd love to hear how you solve the need to be with other writers.
Share your solutions with me!
Til next time ~
DL Larson
www.DLLARSON.com
A few pictures of the Conference:
Top: Sonali Dev with her new release
2nd: Morgan Mandel
3rd: Simone Elkeles & me (with her new YA release)
4th: Ann Macela
5th: Book Beat Babes DL, Morgan & Deb St. John
Deb,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I missed the conference, Spring Fling has always been so well and professionally organized, and it is a good feeling to hook up with other writers. I understand how you feel.
I'm very fortunate to have the bi-monthly meetings for Chicago-North RWA, my local chapter, easy to get to, and also very informative and fun. The conference, though, gave me added incentive to get on with my writing. Great speakers at conferences are wonderful motivators.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was wonderful. So glad I decided to go! Next time - Margot!
ReplyDelete