Friday, March 6, 2015

Writing Conferences—Not Just for Pitching

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

I’ve just returned from the Florida Christian Writers Conference where I once again, learned many things.

One was the fact that new and seasoned writers have a misconception of the main reason for attending conferences. They think the most important reason is to pitch their work to agents and editors. While important, it’s not the main reason.

The most important reason to attend a conference is to network. I prefer to think of it as creating new, and nurturing established friendships. God considers relationships to be most important, especially the one with Him. He created us in His likeness, so building relationships with each other is the most important reason for everything.

Why, you may ask, is networking more important? Because we’re all human, and we prefer doing business with people we know and trust. That’s why focusing on friendships is most important. Ask any agent or editor, and they will tell you they give priority to writers they’ve met. Some won’t even consider submissions from writers they don’t know.

If we’ve established friendly relationships with agents and editors, they’ll be much more open to considering our work and helping us improve it. This, alone, is worth the price of admission. Having helped during the early stages, they look forward to seeing our results when it comes time to submit our work for their consideration.

There are many agents and editors whom I consider friends, and they have been very helpful with the progression of my novel. A novel I’ve only presented in concept, never formally. When they ask, I can’t yet tell them how it ends. But they’re all more than willing to help me with story, plot, and character ideas because they truly are interested in my success—and that of all writers. This is the result of my taking the time to befriend them. If my work is never accepted by them, I don’t care because they are my friends, and that’s more important to me.

Given the above, I think education is next in importance. As professional writers, it’s our responsibility to improve our craft as much as possible. Our readers expect a certain level of quality from us, and they anticipate improvement with each new offering. So we owe them the courtesy of becoming the best writers we can be. Yes, it’s hard, sometimes frustrating work, but the rewards are worth it.

If you just can’t get to a conference, I recommend using social media and blogs to develop relationships and hone your craft. This blog site is an excellent resource for connecting and learning. You connect by commenting or replying to them. And you learn from the posts. There are several other great writer, editor, and author sites that will serve your needs as well.


Whether you agree with me or not, or if you just have questions, please share your thoughts below. Let’s keep the conversation going.

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#Writing conference, they're not just for pitching - via @BDBrady007 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Bruce Brady is an author, writer and playwright. His work has appeared in Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, www.ChristianDevotions.us, and on stage. Currently, Bruce is working on a Young Adult Novel about a boy who must deal with the death of his dad, being bullied, and helping his mom through her grief. His first five pages took third place in the ACFW South Carolina Chapter’s “First Five Pages” contest.

When he’s not writing, Bruce spends time learning from and helping other writers. He serves as Mentor of Word Weavers International’s Online Chapter, and as a member of Cross ‘N’ Pens, The Writer’s Plot, ACFW’s National and South Carolina Chapters.

“My dream is to entertain my readers and give them hope as they travel the rocky road of life.”

16 comments:

  1. Bruce, I had the privilege of attending two conferences in the course of a year. The New England Christian Writers Conference and the Writer to Writer conference. I am a new writer who seeks to be excellent for God. I did not consider myself a writer;however God thought different. At these two conferences I obtained some valuable tools. I also established great relationships. We are helping one another, praying for one another and cheering for one another. I do not feel alone. I feel better equipped to write. I have a long way to go but I KNOW that there are other writers I can turn to for encouragement, prayer, critiques and most of all FUN. We all love the Lord and serve Him. That is what makes a writing retreat worth going to, I am planning on going to as many as I can. Thank you for sharing this.

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    1. Cherrilynn, I can hear your excitement. I thank God that He allowed you to discover the value of conferences early in your writing career. I'm also happy to hear that you plan to attend as many as you can. I hope to meet you at a conference one day. Perhaps at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference this year? In any case, keep writing for Him.

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  2. Yes and amen, Bruce. Great info. Going to a conference for the sole purpose of "landing a contract" can leave a writer disappointed and frustrated. Too many writers don't realize they are simply not ready. That was certainly the case for me at my very first conference. Networking and learning are vital to any writer. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks Andrea. My own experience tells me it may take a few conferences and many months or years before one is ready.

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  3. Every conference I've ever gone to, I've come home with a "golden nugget" that has taken my writing to a new level. They are worth their price for sure. Not only in learning, but networking as well. :) I'm a conference junkie!

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    1. Fortunately, there's no know cure for conference junkies. I know because I'm one also. Thanks for sharing, Ane.

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  4. Networking is invaluable! Thanks for the reminder!

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    1. I couldn't agree with you more. Thanks, Norma.

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  5. Bruce, this is spot on! Last year I attended my first conference, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (where I met you). Networking proved to be invaluable. Recently, I found myself referring to notes from workshops, keynote speeches, and meetings with industry professionals. This blog site and others have paved the path for me to continue in my writing aspirations. Networking is of great worth; relationship with Jesus is priceless! Thank you!

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    1. I'm happy God blessed you with these valuable lessons, Karen. I hope to see you again this year at Blue Ridge.

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  6. I agree, Bruce! And I remember meeting you at Blue Ridge :-) .

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    1. HI Desiree. I remember your smiling face. It's good to hear from you. Will I see you at Blue Ridge this year? Thanks for sharing. Let's keep in touch. I've sent a friend request to your FB page.

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  7. Hmmm.. This advice sounds familiar. Oh, that's right -- You have said this to me a few times! I have been to several conferences and learned a lot, but I think I've learned more from blogs and critique groups. And since my traveling days are curtailed due to my husband's health, I'll do my best here at home and let God do the rest. :-)

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  8. Carol, I understand your situation and know God will work it all out for you. I enjoy having you in our critique group, and look forward to seeing you again on the 19th. Thanks for sharing;

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  9. After being apart of St. Davids Christian Writers Conference for many years, I appreciate you reminding us that there is so much more to attending conferences then pitching what we've done and learning craft. It's about people and building relationships. God has brought some of the most wonderful people in my life by attending writer conferences.

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    1. I'm right there with you Susan. My best friends are people I've met at conferences. And though we don't live in the same neighborhood, we're all in the same family. We keep in touch by various electronic media, and it's always like a family reunion at the next conference. Thanks for input.

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