This Year Give Yourself the Gift of a Writing Conference

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Today is Valentine’s Day. This is always special for someone who has a Valentine. But for those who don’t, I would recommend doing something for yourself that you love to do but might not otherwise take the time or money.

I could make a lot of suggestions. You might like to play golf, swim in a nearby lake, have lunch with your sweetie, or take a short road trip to visit someone you haven’t seen in a long time. For me, however, whatever I love to do would have something connected to with writing.

The Carolina Christian Writers Conference is coming up in just a few weeks. Maybe you feel the same way about writing. Why not join us March 8-9 to spend a few days around like-minded people?

The first time I went to a writing conference, my children quickly called their dad. “Dad, come here. Mom is so happy. She must have been to ‘writers paradise.’ Let’s let her go again sometime soon.’”

But my Valentine wish for you is if you are a writer, you can join us in Spartanburg, SC the second week of March. I will be there with our publishers, editors, agents, and freelance writers and spend those few days learning from them.

My Valentine gift is to give you a few pointers that will help things go more smoothly.

Tips to Make the Most From a Writing Conference

• Make a list of your goals for the conference. Dream big.
• Pray. Once you have your list made, commit that list to God. You can always trust Him to help your dreams come true.
• Memorize a thirty-second pitch of the project you are most passionate about. You want to be able to answer confidently and passionately when someone asks, “What are you working on?” 
• Make or purchase some business cards. You will look very professional, and you don’t have to wait for a publisher to write down your information. It’s much quicker to hand them a business card. Business cards are easy to stick in your pocket and then put in a file when you get home. Make sure you put your picture on it so editors and professionals can remember you.
• Buy an empty notebook to take notes in. I prefer a steno notebook. It fits easily in my bag or purse, and you can easily give a whole page to those you meet with. Before I get to the conference, I study who will be there and what they publish and see if the things I have to offer match any of their needs.
• If you don’t have a full proposal, make a one sheet of your current work-in-progress. If you don’t know what a one sheet is, email me at linda@lindagilden.com and I’ll send directions or do an Internet search. It’s simply one sheet that gives someone looking at your idea a way to have all the information in one place.
• Even if you are an introvert, be prepared to meet new people and chat writing with others. If you have questions about writing, find someone who seems to know the subject and ask your question. If you become overwhelmed, go to your room, or find a quiet corner to take a few minutes and rest. Then when you are ready, jump back into the excitement of the conference.

I hope to see you at the conference. All information is on our website – www.fbs.org/writers. If you’ve never been to a writing conference, maybe you’d like to try it. No matter what you do, may your Valentine’s Day be running over with love and friends as you have a great day.

TWEETABLE

This Year Give Yourself the Gift of a Writing Conference from @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Linda Gilden is an experienced, bestselling writer, speaker, award-winning editor, marketer, and speaking coach, ghostwriter, and writing coach. Author of 40 books and 2,000+ magazine articles, Linda appreciates a great story. She believes with our stories, we can change the world one word at a time and loves to encourage others to do that through writing coaching and personal tutoring. Her newest book was released in November: TRADING SHADOWS: EXCHANGING A LIFE OF SECRETS, FEAR, AND DOUBT FOR A LIFE OF FREEDOM WITH THE ALMIGHTY.