Writers: Attend a Conference

by Elizabeth Goddard

End of summer and the beginning of fall is a busy time of year for most of us with the start of school, and for writers, it's conference season as well. Since 2001, I've attended the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference almost every year. I missed a couple of conferences due to various reasons--one year I'd just had a baby. So you get it. When I was an aspiring writer, attending the ACFW conference was vital to my career. Now as a multi-published author conferences are important for taking craft to the next level and for continued networking. I get to see all my writing buddies, editors and my agents.

Last year one of my best writing buddies flew in from Africa to attend the conference, (she and her husband are missionaries) so you bet I was going and we roomed together and caught up.

This year, though, my family has had a couple of serious personal struggles so for the first time since I started writing for publication, I allowed myself to rest. I didn't stress over whether or not to go.  I told my husband I wouldn't attend unless I was a finalist in the Carol Awards--and that I said as a joke. What are the odds of that? Well, then that miracle happened and Submerged (Mountain Cove book 4) was nominated  in the Romantic Suspense category!

I guess that'll show me. Still, I decided I shouldn't attend this year but I'll be watching the award ceremonies via live-streaming to root for all my friends who are up for an award.

Though I'm not attending my "big" conference this year, I can't stress the importance of conferences for writers. Where else can you talk to so many other like-minded people?

How about you? Are you an aspiring writer? Do you need some direction on your writing journey?

P.S. My publisher has put the early Mountain Cove books on sale starting with Buried, which is only a $1.99 for a limited time! CLICK HERE to DOWNLOAD your Kindle version. If you have another ebook format you can still get it for $1.99.

Blessings!
Beth