I just got back from the Philadelphia Writer’s Conference this year, a three-day affair with all the bells and whistles I’ve heard of at larger conferences, but a lot more character.
I’ll admit, when I first signed up I was a little skeptical. I’d never been to a conference before, wasn’t actually sure what to expect and even if I were the sort of writer who would benefit from that sort of thing. The price wasn’t a concern in this case, and while that might have dissuaded me from going to a larger convention, I felt it pretty fair this year. I didn’t know anything about the speakers, the organization, or any of the agents listed for pitch sessions. (Though I did research the agents before I picked which one to pitch too, but that’s a later subject.) Still, if I was going to dip my toes into the experience and try it out for myself, better to do it in a place twenty minutes from my home then two hours by train.
I can tell you, I was not disappointed. From the opening speaker, I got the feeling that I was dealing with honest people who were going to be honest about the writing craft and industry. I never got the feeling I was having rainbows shoved down my throat as each of the instructors never hesitated to say things like ‘this is not the only way to do this,’ or ‘the reality is, very few people get published, and sometimes it’s luck more than anything.’ I was delighted to hear them speak plainly about the realities of the industry without it sounding like a bunch of sour grapes.
They had information and classes for both fiction and non-fiction work, actual craft classes as well as classes for the buisness end of writing. I attended mostly fiction classes this time around, and didn't regret it, but would have loved to learn more about memoir, writing for altertivie weeklies, and the like.
I took a few classes, though more were offered with plenty of time for socializing and networking. I didn’t actually stay around for any evening activities like agents and editors panels or the dinner, because while I would have liked too, expecting a second child in October, those hours were just a little too long for me. That said, if I can attend next year, I am bound and determined to get even more out of it.
Even without taking advantage of all the classes and events available to me this year at the conference, I still feel like it was money well spent and I plan to go next year.
It’s worth mentioning, if you’re curious, the Philadelphia Writer’s Conference Inc. does have a few free classes during the year to whet your appetite and to give at least to give you an idea of what the conference itself will be like. I think I’m going to try and go at least to tide my over until next year. More about those events here.
Comments