Wednesday, August 20, 2008

The First Day Of... Conference?

Here's my big girl, as promised (to Melanie), before we left home for kindergarten. *deep breath* It's all good. I'm good. She'll be good. It's good. I think.



As for the other part of my post title... I've been thinking a lot about writers' conferences lately, and how much I'd like to attend one. I realize writers' magazines often announce and advertise them, but how else does one find information? Is there a site online? How do I research dates and locations, to best find one in my region?

Likewise, I've been thinking about writers' groups. Is there a site that would tell me if there's one local to me? I think joining one would benefit me greatly, but I'm unsure as to how to find one.

I realize I could probably use a search engine for both of these things, but I wondered if there are any direct links or resources. Anyone have ideas or advice?

10 comments:

Travis Erwin said...

Shawguides.com has some info but I still think googling works as well for searching out conferences or groups. Just type the city an writers group or something similar and see what pops up. Conferences are a great way to network and connect with other writers as well as agents an editors. I'm a big believer in them though some are better than others.

WendyCinNYC said...

The New York Times did a recent piece about writer's conferences. They also list some on agentquery. http://www.agentquery.com/resource_cs.aspx

What kind of conference do you want? Craft? Pitch? Both?

Janna Leadbetter said...

Thanks, Travis, I'll check it out!

Either or both, I suppose, Wendy. Thanks for the link!

Anonymous said...

You should check out meetup.com. That is where I found my last writing group that was really good (until I was kicked out). Google is always your friend. There may even be a yahoo group that is for local writers for your area.

Melissa Amateis said...

I'd like to find a good writing group in my community - I really miss the one I was in, but since I no longer write in that particular genre, it wasn't doing me much good (except for being around other writers!).

Good luck in finding one! And hope your daughter's first day of kindergarten was fantastic!

Creative A said...

I know faithwriters.com has some kind of Faithwriters writer's group, finder, thingy. Something like that. If I remember it right, you put in where you live, and they tell you if there's a Faithwriters writer's group anywhere nearby. You can also hook up with other faithwriters to see if anyone wants to start a group near you.

-A

Joanne said...

If you have particular agents you are interested in, I've often found that many agency websites will list the upcoming conferences they will attend. It's an interesting way to see what different agents are looking for. And best wishes on Kindergarten Day 1 :)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

She looks like such a big girl, ready to take on the world! Thanks for posting the picture.

I have no advice on conferences or writing groups, sorry. I crave a writing group but I don't think I'd get much use out of any here (stupid language barrier...).

Melody Platz said...

Craigslist is a great resource. You have to check the events, activities, and writers topics pretty frequently, but I find good stuff like writing partners, poetry readings, and other one time happenings.

Melody Platz
The Writer’s Comfy Corner

Janna Leadbetter said...

All your suggestions sound great! I'll be trying them out tomorrow. Thanks, everyone!