5 More Things to Do When You Can’t Attend a Writers Conference

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2

On Friday, February 28, 2020, I wrote a post for The Write Conversation called, “Six Things to Do When You Can’t Attend a Writers Conference.” I marvel at God’s timing for that post. Less than a month later, the country shut down due to COVID, and no one could attend a writers conference. Or any other conference. 

By God’s good grace, we’re on the other side of the COVID crisis and are again gathering for conferences. But a pandemic isn’t the only thing that might keep you away from a conference. Scheduling conflicts, family dynamics, finances, health, or other obstacles could hinder you from attending.

If you’re unable to participate in an in-person gathering, you can still move forward in your writing life. In addition to the six ideas I proposed in my original post, I’d like to share five more.

5 Things to Do When You Can’t Attend a Writers Conference:

1. Read an industry classic in your genre. Here are some widely recommended ones:

• On Writing (and Writers) A Miscellany of Advice and Opinions C.S. Lewis
• 16 Ways to Create Devotional Writing to Renew the Spirit and Refresh the Soul David Sluka
• Articles! Articles! Articles! Your Comprehensive Guide Linda Gilden
• Story Trumps Structure: How to Write Unforgettable Fiction by Breaking the Rules Steven James
• On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction William Zinsser 

2. Read at least two books in your genre—twice. First, read them as a reader. Savor them without analyzing. Enjoy the ebb and flow of the words. Then, read them again as a writer. Ask yourself, what do I like about this book? What do I dislike? What elements add or subtract from my reading experience? How would I describe the author’s voice? Identify beautiful or powerful sentences and write a few of your own in that style.

3. Plan your own writers retreat. As conference season rolled around one year, I realized that attending a conference wouldn’t be the best use of my time. I was working on a contracted book, so I had nothing to pitch. I’d have loved chatting it up with industry professionals and making new writer friends, but what I really needed was BIC (Butt in Chair) time to complete my manuscript. Instead of attending a conference, I invited two other serious, like-minded writer friends who also needed uninterrupted BIC time to spend five days away working on our projects. We split the expenses, had a grand time, and got lots of writing done.

4. Invite writer friends to share their knowledge. Ask each friend to come prepared to share one their best tips or tricks they’ve learned about writing, editing, social media, graphic design, or marketing. Share a simple lunch or snack, and end your time together by praying for your writing goals.

5. Ask a like-minded writing friend to be your prayer and accountability partner. Commit to check in at least once a month (or, even better, once a week) to share goals and progress. Exchange writing-related prayer requests and pray for and with each other. You’ll be amazed at how much writing you’ll get done when someone else is holding you accountable. And when they pray God’s power into your writing life? Watch out, world!

I hope you’re convinced you can do much to advance your writing life in non-conference years. With a little initiative and creativity, this could be your best writing year yet.

Now it’s your turn. What do you do to move your writing life forward when you’re unable to attend a writing conference? Share your ideas in the comment section and join the conversation.

TWEETABLE

5 More Things to Do When You Can’t Attend a Writers Conference from author @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Lori Hatcher is an author, blogger, writing instructor, women’s ministry speaker, and career dental hygienist. She writes for Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com. Check out her latest devotional, Refresh Your Hope, 60 Devotions for Trusting God with All Your Heart from Our Daily Bread Publishing. Connect with her at www.LoriHatcher.com or on Facebook, Twitter (@lorihatcher2) or Pinterest (Hungry for God)