Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Fill Your Creative Writing Bag! by Elizabeth Alsobrooks

 


Many writers, whether aspiring, new, or seasoned authors, seek a little inspiration at some point. One of the most obvious but not necessarily well-utilized sources of inspiration is other writers. Some writers do join writing and/or critique groups, but even those can lose their luster if they’re not taken out of their comfortable niche and polished.

A surefire way to add some sparkle to your creative writing bag is to attend a writing event. Book fairs are often free, wonderful places to network, browse, listen to panels and find great reads, but be aware that their main focus is often marketing and sales. That’s why most folks only attend for a single day. Depending on the size of the book fair, there is often so much to see over acres of booths and displays you might feel overwhelmed and rushed, unable to get into all too few crowded, popular sessions.

On the other hand, there’s something about a writing conference, something about that small group discussion, the panel of known and unknown authors sharing their creative journeys and real-world advice, the chance to learn and even practice new writing techniques with a diverse range of friendly, like-minded strangers that makes you look at your own work with new insight. Most writing conferences have a range of workshops and opportunities for learning, often spread out over several days, even a week, that allow you to fill your schedule with a variety of meaningful experiences just right for you own personal needs and interests.

That sounds great, but they’re so expensive and traveling itself is so cost prohibitive right now, you say? Even the harshest skeptic can’t scoff at a free, virtual International workshop. Here’s just one in July, 2022: greatwriting.org.uk  You can find more online.

If, on the other hand, the sky and globe are the limit, why not travel to France to attend a Paris Café Writing event? Paris Café Writing | Web site for Paris Cafe Writing workshops.

Looking for some warm weather in an American city? How about visiting California to attend Writer Digest’s Novel Writing Conference in October? Writer's Digest Novel Writing Conference (writersdigestconference.com)

You can also explore conventions. They specialize in specific genres, such as the wonderful convention they have here in November, TusCon. It’s a small (300-500 people) Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Convention. They are small and diverse, and even have screen writers, movie makers, artists, celebrities, cosplay fashion, science presentations, and a shared love of the written word, especially in sci-fi and fantasy.

So, if you are lucky enough to have a small critique group, perhaps it would be fun to encourage them to attend a special writing event with you. Some of the most fun I’ve had is attending writing events with friends.

7 comments:

Jessica E. Subject said...

I've attended a few writing groups and events, but time and transportation costs have made them hard to get to. The pandemic brought about a lot more virtual conferences, which I found to be perfect for me. They definitely do help with my creative mojo!

Nancy Gideon said...

I still have my Tell-Tale Publishing name badge hanging in my office as a reminder of those fun AZ events! The air hums with inspiration. I've had to ship my load of freebies home! Buuuut I discovered some great talent and explored new genres I probably wouldn't have if I hadn't met the authors. With so many events going Zoom these days, it's easy to forget the thrill of face-to-face (or mask) interactions.

Nightingale said...

I'm traveling to Tampa for a book signing (from SC). I haven't done any personal signings since the pandemic started. This will be interesting. But it's an 8 hr drive from where I live. Still, it is near the beach, Thanks for the interesting and informative post.

Maureen said...

I've only went to a few in-person writing conferences but enjoy many virtual classes or conferences. Great post!

Anonymous said...

I’ve been to several in person conferences before the pandemic and enjoyed meeting other authors as well as participating in panels. Went to one reader conference and had a blast. Enjoyed your post. Thanks for sharing!

Tena stetler said...

’ve been to several in person conferences before the pandemic and enjoyed meeting other authors as well as participating in panels. Went to one reader conference and had a blast. Enjoyed your post. Thanks for sharing

Diane Burton said...

Great post, Elizabeth. Writing conferences are ideal for inspiration. I always come home brimming with ideas. Some workshop presenters do hands-on activities where you use your current WIP. So helpful. Esp. when you've answered their questions then they say dig deeper. Lots of great presenters. Great networking possibilities and friend making.