Long-time readers know that I’m a sucker for a good writing conference. I love the energy, community, education, and opportunities they provide for writers of all experience levels. And if you’re a new writer and are on the fence about whether or not a conference is worth the price of admission, let me assure you that it is.
Here are three upcoming conferences I’d recommend for writers who are new to the bizz and haven’t attended a writing conference yet.
2018 Nebraska Writers Guild Spring Writers’ Conference
April 6th-7th 2018 at Carol Joy Holling Center, Ashland NE
This one is in my neck of the woods and (as a disclaimer) I am a member of the Nebraska Writers Guild.
The Spring Conference usually has around 150 attendees, multiple sessions on every aspect of the business and craft, including screenwriting. There are also opportunities to pitch to agents and editors.
Las Vegas Writer’s Conference 2018
April 19 – 21 Tuscany Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV
Who doesn’t love Vegas, right? Looking at the line-up of this one, I really wish I could go.
From their website: The Las Vegas Writers Conference provides writers with the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the best agents, authors, and professionals in the publishing industry. Our intimate conference is capped at 150 attendees and all meals and pitches are included.
2018 Northern Colorado Writers Conference
May 4 & 5, 2018 at the Fort Collins Marriott
From their website: Though this writing be madness, there is method in it. ‘Tis high time you join us for the 13th Annual Northern Colorado Writers Conference, May 4 & 5, 2018 at the Fort Collins Marriott. Bid good riddance to incertitude as you learn from industry professionals, hob nob with agents and editors, and break the ice with other writers in one fell swoop. A full slate of classes and workshops will help ensure your writing is not tedious as a twice-told tale. As good luck would have it, bestselling authors Peter Heller and Jim Davidson will be on hand to inspire scribes of all levels and genres.
Write This Way Contest 2018
March 24th at Ponchaveli Studios, 914 West Commerce Street Dallas, TX
I’d also like to mention this upcoming writing contest for those of you in the Dallas area. While not a conference, it looks like a great opportunity to gain feedback and network with other writers.
From the organizer: This is our 2nd event & is free to the public and free participating authors. The goal is to inspire literacy, as well as provide a platform for authors to be of service to the community.. The Future Author Contest encourages young writers ages 12 and older to write the book they have dreamed of writing. We want more people to learn about this event so that they can connect with self-published authors who may not be in book stores. Thank you for your consideration! Register at https://writethiswaycontest2018.eventbrite.com.
Check out their facebook page for more details: 2nd Annual Write This Way Indie Author Fest.
And that will close out this post. If you’ve attended any writing conferences lately, I’d love to hear about your experience, so feel free to leave a note in the comments section. And if you have any upcoming conferences you’d like to share, feel free to mention that as well.
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