tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post5873826351308868293..comments2024-03-28T13:35:16.194-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Is a Writer’s Conference Worth the Money?Jody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-15336099244856899512010-09-24T06:49:41.106-04:002010-09-24T06:49:41.106-04:00I have promised myself I will attend at least one ...I have promised myself I will attend at least one in my lifetime. I will arrange for one in the UK when I visit family.<br />They sound interesting, thanks for the info.Glynis Peters https://www.blogger.com/profile/01175378917872403609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-18430980853802287282010-09-23T01:37:23.138-04:002010-09-23T01:37:23.138-04:00I totally encourage writers to attend a conference...I totally encourage writers to attend a conference as soon as you have written THE END. The cost of a really good conference like RWA or ACFW has to be budgeted over a year to make it affordable. And when you have children at home it can become tricky but still doable with long range planning. I used to ask for money for conference fees and airfare for Mother's Day, Christmas and my birthday.<br /><br />What you get face to face, sitting at the feet of experienced authors and industry professionals cannot be obtained in any book or online workshop. Period.<br /><br />There is an excitement and a buzz in the air that somehow helps to validate that writer world of ours. We sit day after day in a cave and our contacts are virtual at best. The only time I have with other writers is online and that which I carve out yearly to meet face to face.<br /><br />The fun part is coming home in that bubble of validation. I am a writer. These are my peeps.<br /><br />It is cannot be described in words..ha ha...this from a writer.<br /><br />The first time I heard Francine Rivers speak. Or James Patterson or a chat wit Nora Roberts...no one gets this but writers. <br /><br />Hey, and it's a tax write off. So scour the local writer conferences and find one near your sister or your mom and go...start small and work up to the big ones.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-32983465549166403052010-09-21T21:59:10.912-04:002010-09-21T21:59:10.912-04:00Very well said!Very well said!Jessica Nelsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12365768876905444157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76161213177155007232010-09-21T18:23:45.595-04:002010-09-21T18:23:45.595-04:00Writing conferences have made all the difference t...Writing conferences have made all the difference to my learning trajectory about the craft of creative writing. Meeting agents and having them critique my opening pages was huge in teaching me what I was doing wrong.<br /><br />If I had not attended these conferences, Backspace in particular, I would have sent out my work, been rejected and had no clue what I was doing wrong. I probably would have learned to get it right, but it would have taken me much longer.<br /><br />Attending writing conferences definitely shortened my learning curve and I can't recommend them enough! Backspace in New York is especially effective. If you can get there, do so. You will not regret it.June Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08570382577796763370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-25049771707913171432010-09-21T17:59:03.238-04:002010-09-21T17:59:03.238-04:00Wonderful post and I couldn't agree more.
Whe...Wonderful post and I couldn't agree more.<br /><br />When I go to these conferences I am very pro-active in gathering business cards of writers, agents & editors and passing out mine in order to connect on Facebook and Twitter and to discover new Blogs. <br /><br />Although you meet quite a few folks only briefly, you can nurture these relationships for a year until the next conference.Michael K. Reynoldshttp://www.michaelkreynolds.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-8819737849150753732010-09-21T13:38:15.582-04:002010-09-21T13:38:15.582-04:00I have not had the opportunity to attend a confere...I have not had the opportunity to attend a conference yet, but based on my teaching conference experiences, I would say they are most definitely worth the money. I always walk away from a teacher's conference geared up and excited about returning to my classroom. If I left a writing conference with that kind of new knowledge and exuberance, it would be worth every penny. :-)Shannon O'Donnellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17299313309059235876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-29708894399416283722010-09-21T12:49:30.858-04:002010-09-21T12:49:30.858-04:00Absolutely it's worth it. I attended my first ...Absolutely it's worth it. I attended my first conference this past February (the Christian Writers Guild "Writing for the Soul" conference), and yes it was expensive, but I learned more in 3 1/2 days than the weeks and months spent researching online and reading books.<br /><br />I also got to know the associate editor of The Upper Room, which has led me to a possible publication (waiting to hear if it makes the final cut). She also spent time AFTER the conference (via email) mentoring me on tightening up my writing for their magazine. I don't know many editors who would take the time to do that. I'm confident that door would not have opened if I'd never met her face-to-face.Brock S. Henninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12718214541048130039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-56401292179363011362010-09-21T12:47:42.289-04:002010-09-21T12:47:42.289-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Brock S. Henninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12718214541048130039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-49735694756888803592010-09-21T11:21:34.379-04:002010-09-21T11:21:34.379-04:00That picture made me smile! And also made me want ...That picture made me smile! And also made me want to Sharpie my face into it somehow :) These are all fantastic points, Jody. I'm so excited for my first conference in October, for all the reasons you listed, but mostly for that one-on-one contact with people who share my dream.Beth Mannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14279427592537427039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-85265327122954893852010-09-21T10:49:53.156-04:002010-09-21T10:49:53.156-04:00I'm behind on the times. Your book is out? Hoo...I'm behind on the times. Your book is out? Hooray! Look at all the photos of people enjoying their copy. What an amazing time for you.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I attended the Blue Ridge Writer's Conference in 2004. It was great...and my mom footed the bill so we could both go!<br /><br />Would it be worth it if I paid the tab? Sure. I think they're informative and you can make some great connections. However, one every now-and-then, is enough.<br /><br />~BrittBesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08397116071436885635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-23723110006315221382010-09-21T10:30:10.470-04:002010-09-21T10:30:10.470-04:00Amen and amen! I can't put a price tag on meet...Amen and amen! I can't put a price tag on meeting you lovely ladies in person.Sarah Forgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09101753891967001104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4196848426051144632010-09-20T22:59:32.446-04:002010-09-20T22:59:32.446-04:00I've really benefited from the few conferences...I've really benefited from the few conferences I've attended but they were expensive since I traveled out of Alaska for two of them. The first one was heavy on writing instruction, the second on how the industry works. Back then I wasn't utilizing the internet as much as I do now. I think the conferences provided me with a good baseline of knowledge that I've built from on line and thru books.<br /><br />I'm more choosy now. If I lived in a place where I could go to a conference and not travel I'd take full advantage of that. Another way to do it is to try to plan a conference into travel you are going to be doing anyway.<br /><br />I'd really like to go meet some of the writer-friends I've made on line.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-46981866633822086422010-09-20T22:00:37.951-04:002010-09-20T22:00:37.951-04:00This is awesome! Thank you for always sharing your...This is awesome! Thank you for always sharing your wisdom!VICTORIA SAAVEDRAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10329745716789899212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-66048506711540805262010-09-20T21:37:52.187-04:002010-09-20T21:37:52.187-04:00Hi Jody -
I have the Greater Philadelphia Christi...Hi Jody -<br /><br />I have the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference practically in my backyard. With no major transportation or hotel costs, and an occasional scholarship, I've been able to attend for the past six years.<br /><br />Like you, I've met both new and old friends. The workshops have sanded off some of the rough edges in my writing, as well as taught me new skills.<br /><br />Many of my non-fiction writing assignments have come via this conference. At the last conference, an agent requested a full manuscript of "The Moses Conspiracy." <br /><br />I'd say a writing conference is well worth the cost.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-13615101429183203922010-09-20T20:54:44.642-04:002010-09-20T20:54:44.642-04:00Jody: I'm so happy you got to attend this conf...Jody: I'm so happy you got to attend this conference. <br /><br />I agree: meeting like-minded soulmate writers who get you is worth the time and money spent. And since I met my agent at a conference, I feel strongly about the face to face connections you can make to aid your career. <br /><br />I did not attend a conference this year, but I plan to save up for next year.Jeanette Levelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12898750484193832082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-34288831443941222952010-09-20T20:29:40.051-04:002010-09-20T20:29:40.051-04:00I've been attending the SiWC every second year...I've been attending the SiWC every second year since 2004, using the alternate years to earn money to cover costs. I'm already excited about this year's conference. I'm a terrible introvert and find it's way too easy to "meet and greet" people online and search out resources from my comfortable anonymous corner. The face-to-face encounters at conferences are part of my learning experience as an aspiring author and I know I need them. The enthusiasm gained from being immersed in a real time environment with fellow writers is invaluable, too, never mind the information I glean from selected workshops. Yes, I wish conferences weren't so expensive, but I'll definitely keep attending. I'm registered for James Scott Bell's master class this time, and also have a Blue Pencil appointment with him. That's priceless!Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-81004697229331232882010-09-20T19:06:53.643-04:002010-09-20T19:06:53.643-04:00I think Writer's Conferences are important. T...I think Writer's Conferences are important. The connections, meeting your new friends you met blogging face to face, learning, listening, etc. Until you meet a blogging friend in person, they are just network connections. Once you meet them, converse with them, and establish a real friendship, then you know what they are like and you can call them friend. Not to mention, as you said, the meeting of editors and agents that you wouldn't otherwise get to know.Nikole Hahnhttp://www.thehahnhuntinglodge.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-10742569502619712272010-09-20T17:56:40.763-04:002010-09-20T17:56:40.763-04:00I've attended conferences for no other reason ...I've attended conferences for no other reason than to meet people face to face. Worth every penny. Y'all look lovely, BTW.katdishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09210738418270395622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-14129128282180217482010-09-20T17:48:55.268-04:002010-09-20T17:48:55.268-04:00Okay, I'm not a writer but I've been to a ...Okay, I'm not a writer but I've been to a few conferences in my day and if you're a crap networker (like yours truly) then I often find them a waste of time.<br /><br />THAT SAID, what you said about all the information available online, I feel you! But something I've found interesting is that people (not just writers) are so much more prone to taking action when they pay for something. Should they pay $1,000? Maybe. Maybe not. But while you can find ANY information online for free, putting a monetary value on it makes many people more likely to actually DO something with that information.Marian Schembarihttp://marianlibrarian.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-40125643832012066942010-09-20T17:28:55.004-04:002010-09-20T17:28:55.004-04:00Sounds like you had a good time:)
I agree with wa...Sounds like you had a good time:)<br /><br />I agree with waiting until you are further in your writing career to go. A bunch of us planned a trip to one before I had finished my MS, I was supposed to have it done by the time the conference came around. Anyway, it was nice to meet people and exciting, but it didn't further my writing career any. I wasn't ready.Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03925811510913201292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-8998789258753283242010-09-20T17:13:29.868-04:002010-09-20T17:13:29.868-04:00Jody, first let me say that I JUST GOT PREACHER...Jody, first let me say that I JUST GOT PREACHER'S BRIDE IN THE MAIL! When I'm a little more presentable, I'll take a picture and send it to you. It was so exciting to open the package and see YOUR BOOK. Amazing stuff.<br /><br />Conferences...I've attended a couple of small ones near home, and they've been great. I do feel a little overwhelmed, even at the small ones. <br /><br />I wasn't able to afford to go SCBWI in LA, even though it's close to home. We just didn't have that kind of money this summer. But I wonder if the small ones intimidated me, how would a gigantic one affect me? Not sure.Julie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-66824674570866728472010-09-20T16:47:14.250-04:002010-09-20T16:47:14.250-04:00I've never been to a writer's conference s...I've never been to a writer's conference so I can't say I know the benefits but I think connecting with other writers and other industry professionals seems like it would be really helpful.Erin MacPhersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11665098986271579372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-22307499571366627022010-09-20T15:07:29.422-04:002010-09-20T15:07:29.422-04:00I just attended our area’s regional conference for...I just attended our area’s regional conference for the third year in a row, and agree that having real connections are important. There’s just something about being in the presence of other like-minded people that I find inspirational. I also believe that critiques (when offered) are an excellent way to learn more about your strong points as a writer, as well as how to improve your craft.Lisa Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06082777325205977761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-17574792874162118622010-09-20T14:38:39.377-04:002010-09-20T14:38:39.377-04:00I'm going to go with yes, Yes, YES!
Loved lau...I'm going to go with yes, Yes, YES!<br /><br />Loved laughing with you.<br />~ WendyWendy Paine Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15136235074351188350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-24406778213986285592010-09-20T14:23:17.291-04:002010-09-20T14:23:17.291-04:00So true! The face-to-face time is exactly why I go...So true! The face-to-face time is exactly why I go. Where else can I be in a room filled with aspiring and published authors? <br /><br />I think the workshops about the industry, rather than the craft, were more helpful, because like you said, most of the craft stuff you can find in craft books. It's the fellowship and networking that make it worth the money for me!<br /><br />Loved seeing you girl!Katie Gansherthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com