You have a desire to write. You know you have a book in you, or you would like to write a regular column about the latest techno-gadget. Or perhaps you have a memoir or a relative’s life story to record for posterity.
If you are writing for publication, then writing workshops and conferences are skill-building essentials. Just like other professionals – engineers, architects, programmers, etc. – writers must constantly update not only their skill sets but also network their wares.
A writers’ wares are her books. The book or short story is your product. Most writers cannot afford to hire a publicist, so in this profession, you must learn to network and market your own product. That’s where local writing groups, workshops, and conferences come in.
Begin: How do you begin?
* what you write - What genre? Non-fiction? Romance? Poetry?
* location - How far you are willing to drive? Is a weeknight drive from Garland to Ft. Worth and back too far?
* cost - How much are you willing to invest in your writing career? Groups can run from free to over $200 per year.
* group type - What type of group works best for you? A group with a speaker or a critique group?
There are two basic types of local writers’ groups – critique groups and groups with speakers. Groups with speakers are meetings where someone in the business talks about their success or special skills to share with the attendees. These are great ways to hone the craft of writing. Critique groups meet to usually read original work aloud and offer constructive comments to improve their work.
Selection: How do you select which conference or group is right for you?
Try these links to search for writers' groups and workshops in your area:
- Shawguides - A mega list of workshops and conferences world-wide. Search by country, state, and city.
- Texas Writers Classifieds - a popular Yahoo! Group announcement list posting local Texas writing events, workshops, groups, conferences, conventions, contests, classes, booksignings, speaking engagements, jobs, etc.
- Announce Online Writing Classes - a Yahoo! Group announcement list posting world-wide writing events, classes, contests, and workshops.
Assess your individual needs: To publish or not to publish? Then assess your current financial situation. Most workshops and conferences cost $$, but remember, professionals invest in their education. Starting small is no small feat. Whether you start with a local, inexpensive weekly or monthly group or workshop, or you jump into the deep end with a full-blown multi-day convention is up to you. Either way, by attending, your writing career is off to a great start!
Comments
Very nice article, and great information.
Good article, useful information for writers.
Added you to faves....and you are! I love conferences; just haven't been able to attend recently due to the economy. Great article; concise and helpful to newbies. I'm forwarding to a new writer friend.
Heck, I might just apply, myself...in the health dept. Or, lack of health, lol. I might see if they need someone to write about lupus. Of which I are one.
Marilyn Celeste Morris
Very useful information, Wonderful article.
great article. Thanks.
Thank you so much!
This article was by far the most informative that I have read regarding writing. Every new writer published or not needs to find out what will work or continue to work for them. I am happy that someone out there shared their knowledge of what steps to take. I never knew I could write a story but I knew I had a book in me begging to be written. Now I am armed with the knowledge of how to hone my skills even more!
nicely done.
Great article! Thanks for all the good information!
Great information. Thanks for the wonderful article.
Very insightful and helpful.
Excellent article. And writers groups are worth money, too. You could easily pay a per-page fee for having your manuscript edited but get the same high level of critique from a writers group--if the group is good.
Great article!
Great article!!!
Good job. People who want to write need information like this.
Good article! Concise and full of important information.
Excellant. Well worth the time.
Interesting article. Good advice for beginners.
What a very useful article. Many thanks for it . . . and more, please.
Great article.
I found lots of networking opportunities at workshops as well. New writers: go go go to workshops!!!
Makes me wish I lived in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, or anywhere there were so many workshops, groups and seminars to attend.
Excellent, informative article! Well Done!
Ron 2
Very good advice. One of the best things I did for my writing career was attend a workshop. The info was well worth the money.
As a guy who has run workshops on occasion, I'd have to say this is a very thorough, fair-minded, and informative view of the subject.
Very nice assessment of local writing opportunities and networking.
Thanks for all the great info! I've been to a couple of writer's workshops in the DFW area, but I think now I'll expand my range and look into more.
Great article! I love workshops and get a lot from them, such great information. Thank you!
Excellent article! Many writers don't know what is available to them. Thanks for sharing these ideas.
This is a good article. I co-teach online writing workshops at lifesabitchbooks dot com - we concentrate on workshopping - writing and critiquing. Participating in a writer's workshop is hard work. They can be very intensive but also so incredibly rewarding!
Great tips. The right workshop can make all the difference.
I regret that I no longer live in Dallas and didn't know you when I did! You would make an auspicious mentor for the protegee author. Keep writing articles of this calibre & we'll see you in the New York Times. Regards. Bonnie
Learning is a never ending process for any professional. Kudos, for pointing out that writers ARE professionals, and the need to hone skills and network is a life-long endeavor for those serious to the craft.
Very informative article and very clear written, I enjoyed reading it.
Terrific article - very helpful!
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