A Brief Emergence from the Writer Den

Given that I’m currently in a frenzy preparing for a writers conference (and not at all panicky (not at all)), I’m dashing out of my hermit hole to toss you a brief post about the merits of writers conferences as this week’s food for thought before darting back into the dungeon of my own to-do list.

A few reasons why it’s worth turning your pockets inside-out to attend a conference:

• It’s the best place to learn the ins and outs of the industry and the current goings-on.
• You’re exposed to a variety of approaches to the craft.
• If you’re ready to pursue publishing, you have a distinctive leg-up in meeting with the agent or editor in question to pitch in person.
• You’re surrounded by the like-minded. Many of my closest friends are writers I first met at conferences.
• The atmosphere is invigorating, like a call to literary battle. I always leave eager to charge into the fray.

Before I retreat to my tasks, I leave you with a few links highlighting upcoming conferences to consider.

Tell me, have you ever attended a writers conference? What did you find the most rewarding aspect?