10 Reasons to Say Thank You after a Writing Conference

Edie here! I know my guest blogger today needs NO introduction to most of you. Even knowing that, I am super excited for my co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference to share a blog post today on The Write Conversation. Be sure to give her a warm TWC welcome and hopefully she'll send more posts our way!

10 Reasons to Say Thank You after a Writing Conference

by Edwina Perkins @EdwinaPerkins

At a young age, my parents would not allow my brother and me to play with gifts we received until we sent thank you notes. We were quick to write those notes! Because the importance of writing thank you notes was instilled in me, I carried on note writing to our children, but I had to add an additional requirement—the notes needed to be legible. 

My final year of high school, I gave each of my teachers a gift before Christmas break. I don’t remember the specific gifts or most of my teachers, but I remember my senior English teacher, Miss Barker. She wrote me a thank you note, expressing appreciation for the gift and included a personal note about me as her student. I have kept that note for over forty years.

While home schooling our four children, I taught various subjects at homeschool co-ops, including creative writing classes and advanced math. I received many notes from students. Some expressed humor, such as, “Thank you, Mrs. Perkins, for helping me not to hate math,” to more heartfelt ones. I saved most of these notes. 

Writers have poured into my writing through critique groups, mentors, one-on-one appointments, and conferences. Most often by being a friend and offering support during both challenging and celebratory times. I’m so blessed to have the writing world as family. I love working with writers! I try to write thank you notes to these individuals, although I am not always consistent. 

I’ve had the privilege to speak and teach at numerous writing conferences and many times I receive notes of appreciation. Not that I expect them, but I do appreciate the thoughtfulness. 

The Importance of Writing Thank You Notes after a Writing Conference

• 1. Thank you notes reveal how much you care. The receiver understands you have spent the time thinking about them and shows your appreciation for how they helped you.

• 2. Personal notes show the recipient they are not receiving a generic letter with just their name changed and encourage deeper connections. 

• 3. Notes make the recipient feel good and can also make you feel good.

• 4. A handwritten note shows you invested your personal time to acknowledge the receiver invested theirs.

• 5. Notes make you stand out and remembered as the writer. 

• 6. Thank you notes have the uniqueness of being long lasting. I mentioned earlier, I treasure the notes I receive.

• 7. Thank you notes reflect the sender's style and personality. Some can even be homemade!

• 8. Writing notes helps the writer to slow down and reflect on what they’re writing and increase the ability to focus and think about the receiver.

• 9. Thank you notes inspire creativity either through choosing the card or composing the message.

• 10. Writing a note by hand adds a personal and meaningful touch, encouraging stronger connections. 

At the the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (BRMCWC) below are some of the words of appreciation I received:

• “As a first-time attendee, it was a delight to instantly be made to feel at home with family!”

• “Thank you for your part in encouraging and guiding me in my future ministry.”

• “Thank you for equipping writers to bear this message with courage, clarity, and compassion.”

• “I am thankful for the time to listen to you, and hear your insight, and perspective.”

• “Thank you for all you do for young/seasoned writers at BRMCWC. You make a difference.”

Notes of appreciation cause me to smile and reflect. I can easily remember the issues that occurred at the conference behind the scenes. As part of the leadership team, we see it all! But a word of thanks reminds me God is still changes the lives of writers. 

TWEETABLE

10 Reasons to Say Thank You after a Writing Conference from @EdwinaPerkins on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edwina Perkins is the assistant director of Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is also the coordinator for Mentoring Moments and the manager for Sensitivity Between the Lines, both with Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Edwina is the managing editor for Harambee Press, an imprint of End Game Press. As a longtime member of Word Weavers International, she now serves as a member of the advisory board.

Edwina is an award-winning writer, experienced teacher, speaker, freelance editor, and a sensitivity/authenticity consultant and has been published in numerous publications. One of her passions is to address the need for sensitivity and diversity in the publishing industry. She is also known as Nona to two precious grandchildren.