Writer’s Conference––Should I Go or Not?

By Susan Reichert, Editor-in-Chief for Southern Writers Magazine 

Do you ever wonder why you should go to a writer’s conference?

Do you come up with reasons to go or not to go?

If you asked that question to a room full of writers, you would likely get an equal amount of reasons for both––go or not go.

The top reasons people give to not go are:

Cost too much money.

Don’t have the time.

Too much to do.

Don’t want to travel far.

Don’t know anyone there.

The top reasons people give to go are:

To meet other writers.

Learn more about the craft of writing.

Make new friends.

Meet agents and editors.

Get inspired.

You may not be able to attend every conference but you can choose one conference for the year. 

Perhaps one that is closer to your home. Less expensive than some; determine your priorities at work and home and complete them freeing up time you need away. There are plenty of conferences that are just on the weekends, two days.

Create a mindset to look forward to meeting new friends who have the same interest as you. These friendships are precious gems that last a lifetime.

Above all, look at the reasons you give, and make sure they aren’t excuses.

After all, there are conferences just about all year. Enjoy your conference!