5 Reasons to Attend a Writers Conference

By Patricia Bradley

Are you wondering if you should attend the upcoming ACFW conference, or any conference, for that matter? Let me give you five reasons why you should.

1. Meeting people who “get” you.

Have you ever tried talking to a non-writer about your story? Or an article you’re working on? Did their eyes glaze over or did they look at you like Is something wrong with you? At the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference, you will find hundreds of writers who “get” you. Like you, they walk around with voices in their heads. No, not the kind you get locked up for, but the voices of their characters talking to them. They might even be in their character’s costume.

At the conference you are surrounded by other writers who know what it’s like to live in another world—one you’ve created, but not completely in control of. Whenever I mention to non-writing friends that my characters have taken over my story, most of them just look at me and say, “How? You’re writing it.” But at a writers conference, everyone understands what you’re talking about.

2. 2. Writing is a lonely business.

Writers conferences are great places to connect and network. I sit for hours in front of a computer or in a chair with a notebook. It gets lonely sometimes. Over the years I’ve gone to conferences, I’ve connected with other writers, editors and agents who have become like sisters and even a few brothers. They encourage and push me to be better.

3. Writers Conferences are like vacations.

Sometimes writing gets to be a chore, especially when you have a deadline looming. When I attend a writers conference, I return home refreshed, pumped and ready and eager to get back to my story. Just having the camaraderie of other writers does something to me, and it will you, too.

4. It’s an opportunity to learn something new or fine-tune something old.

At ACFW, there are great classes on honing your craft whether it’s writing, the business end, or that dreaded word, marketing.

5. It’s an opportunity to have fun!

Well, maybe not ride-the-Zippin’-Pippin kind of fun, but being around like-minded people is always fun!

So, what are you waiting for?

Winner of an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in Suspense, Patricia Bradley lives in North Mississippi with her rescue kitty, Suzy. Her romantic suspense books include the Logan Point series and the Memphis Cold Case Novels. She also has written sweet romances for Harlequin Heartwarming available as ebooks. She loves connecting with readers on her blog every Tuesday where she a Mystery Question for readers to solve: www.patriciabradleyauthor.com/blog. Also, visit her on Twitter: @ptbradley1, FaceBook: www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor and Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ptbradley/

 

 

 

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