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.
