The Benefits of a Writers Conference

By Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor for Southern Writers Magazine

If you don’t attend writer conferences you should definitely consider it. I recently attended and participated in a Writers Conference and Retreat sponsored by the Bartlett, TN Christian Writers Group and President Londa Hayden, The Writers Anointing, Date,Pray, Wait, and her latest children’s book Candy Moon. All of Londa’s books are available on Amazon. Londa is one of the most energetic people I have ever met. She has been successful in her career as a writer and in turn shares with others what she has done to become successful. I believe Londa took the words of Kevin Spacey to heart.

“If you're lucky enough to do well, it's your responsibility to send the elevator back down.” - Kevin Spacey

Londa had recently completed her children’s book Candy Moon with the final illustrations being completed by Illustrator Nick Nixon. Nick took us through the process of the coordination of author illustrator when completing the illustrations for the book. We got to see firsthand the beginning to finish product prior to publication. It looked fantastic and I can’t wait for my copy.

Tracy Crump, The Write Life Workshops, Chicken Soup for the Soul Workshops and author of numerous short stories and articles, including articles for Southern Writers Magazine, spoke on the challenge of finding an agent and publisher. Tracy always does a great job and is very detailed with her presentation. Many writers, including myself, have taken away information and made it a permanent part of their process. I can highly recommend Tracy and should you ever have the opportunity to hear her be sure to do so.

Gary Fearon, writer, songwriter, artist and Creative Director for Southern Writers Magazine, spoke on book covers. Gary creates the covers of Southern Writers Magazine and deals with many of the book covers our 700 plus authors have published. Gary was able to show us the amazing things that take place in the creation of book covers. Each cover design is vital in your books competition with over 1million books that are published each year. Gary let us know books are judged and bought by their covers.  

I spoke about the business side of publishing which pointed to the author turning over their “baby” to the professionals that package your book for marketing. I used several examples of the famous and yet to be famous authors and their journey to the final product. It can be painful at times but in the end people like Nick, Tracy and Gary make us all look better when the final touch is put on the product. The above picture shows from the left to right: Nick Nixon, Tracy Crump, me and Gary Fearon. 

Being able to hear professionals with the credentials of Londa, Nick, Tracy and Gary is priceless for writers. The Q&A opportunity for those in attendance gave each attendee a chance for their particular question/concern to be answered. All in all the knowledge shared will be beneficial in the writing, publishing, illustrating and graphics of each writer’s project. Again if you have yet to attend a Writer’s Conference reconsider and do so. It could be a great benefit to your writing career.