After a lot of soul-searching,
financial probing, and writing needs, I decided to once again attend RWA’s National Conference this year in
Orlando. I’ve been attending nationals since 2001 or 2002
when I went to my first one as a new non-published RWA member in New Orleans. I
was like a kid in a candy store. I wanted to see and to experience everything—and
tried to!
I went to as many workshops as I
could fit into my day, took copious notes, and talked to as many other writers
as I could. By the end of the day I was exhausted, and by the time I drove home
I collapsed. It took days for me to recuperate.
As a published author with many
local, regional and national conferences under my belt, I now consider myself a
seasoned conference attendee. My expectations are totally different. I have volunteered to help during the conference. What better way to meet new people. I will
still attend as many workshops as I can, but I’ll be more selective. My goal
now is to work on marketing and career info. I might drop into some craft
workshops as well because I think we are never too old or too experienced to
learn something new. If I can take away one bit of new information from a
workshop I feel I’ve used my time wisely. Sometimes just being reminded of
things we know we should be doing as a writer is as important as the new info
we get.
When I’m asked to give
recommendations to new writers, I always tell them to attend as many writing conferences
and workshops as possible. Learning is never complete.
If you're going to RWA this year and it's your first conference, plan for an exciting, educational few days. Wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, plan your days so you can have downtime, attend workshops that will best fill your needs as a writer, but most of all have fun.
I look forward to a great time in Orlando. If you see me, please stop and say hello.
FRAN MCNABB grew
up along the Gulf Coast and uses that setting in many of her novels. She writes
tender romances and presently has eight available through most major
outlets. She and her husband live on a quiet bayou harbor and enjoy boating,
fishing, and visiting the local islands. Writing, painting, and spending time
with grandsons fill the rest of her days. Visit her at www.FranMcNabb.com or contact her at mcnabbf@bellsouth.net. She loves to hear from her readers.
Fran,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. It makes me almost regret my decision not to attend RWA this year. Almost, because my son's wedding is in early September and my brain couldn't wrap around the idea of so much to do. But I will be back next year for sure. And I hope to see you there!
Debby
Deborah, I hate I'll miss you this year. I know how time-consuming a wedding can be. Enjoy it and congratulations.
DeleteGood advice, Fran. You're right that you're never too old to learn something new. As a mystery writer, I attend different conferences than you do, but I always come away energized and inspired.
ReplyDeleteSandy, it's great that there are conferences in all of our preferred genres. Enjoy.
DeleteHi Fran--
ReplyDeleteI agree about attending writing conferences whether you're a newbie or an experienced writer. All will come away with knowledge and renewed energy. I wish I were going this year but I plan to go next year. Hope to see you then.
Victoria--
Victoria, hate I'll miss you this year. It's so nice to meet up with our loop buddies.
DeleteI've been to the RWA conference a couple of times in the past and always came away with valuable information and connections. Unfortunately it's incredibly expensive and just not in my budget anymore.
ReplyDeleteKaren, you are so right. Trying to justify the expense of a national conference is hard sometimes, but I made the decision and bit the bullet to go this year. Hope I come home with lots of information and new friends. Of course, meeting up with old friends is always the best part.
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