Getting the Most from a Writers Conference by Patricia Bradley

I went to my first writer’s conference—Florida Christian Writer’s Conference—exactly seventeen years ago. I was such a novice I didn’t have a clue about proposals or elevator pitches. By the time I left, I knew what both were and how to create them. I met editors and discovered they didn’t bite. I met my way-future agent for the first time. And I only knocked over one glass of water the whole time.

But I think the best thing about the conference was being with people who didn’t think it strange that I not only talked to my characters but I talked about them like they were real. They understood.

Since then I’ve attended over twenty conferences, some big like ACFW, Killer Nashville, and Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, but also many small ones like the Southern Christian Writer’s Conference, Moonlight and Magnolias, and the Mid-South Christian Conference. I learned something new at each one, and I made lasting friends while networking.

I put together a few tips about getting the most from your conference.

·         First choose the right conference. If you write romantic suspense, like I do, don’t go to a Sci-Fi conference. Look for ones that have classes in your genre or field of writing.

·         Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You won’t believe the women I’ve seen at some of the conferences in 4 inch heels.

·         Network. This means introduce yourself to every person you meet, even if you are an introvert. You never know—that person might become your next BFF... or agent or editor. But I’m shy. The other person probably is as well. If you don’t know what to say to someone, ask what they write—it’s a great ice breaker. Or ask where they are from.

·         If you discover you are talking with a published author, ask questions like what do you know now that you wish you had known when you first started writing—questions you’ve always wanted answers to.

·         Bring notebooks and pens or pencils or computers and tablets to take notes on. You won’t remember half what of what you hear, but if you write it down, you’ll have it. And remember if you have a computer, make sure the battery is fully charged. Outlets are not always available.

·         If the conference is more than one day, get plenty of rest.

·         Have fun!

Do you have any tips to add? Leave them in the comment box to help others.

Meet Patricia!

Patricia Bradley lives in North Mississippi and is a former abstinence educator and co-author of RISE To Your Dreams, an abstinence curriculum. But her heart is tuned to suspense. Patricia’s romantic suspense books include the Logan Point series set in Mississippi—Shadows of the Past and A Promise to Protect—and Matthew’s Choice a Heartwarming romance. Her workshops on writing include an online course with American Christian Fiction Writers and workshops at the Midsouth Christian Writer’s Conference in Collierville, TN. When she’s not writing, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.

Patricia's Workshop!

A Hero You Love . . . A Villain You Love to Hate

Once upon a time the heroes wore white hats and the villains wore black. But modern readers aren’t interested in stereotypes. Create the hero of your readers’ dreams and the villains of their nightmares by adding surprising dimensions to your characters. Learn how to deepen your story with memorable characters an agent, editor, or reader will love . . . or love to hate.

(Co-taught with Johnnie Alexander)