Blogger: Rachel Kent
Writers conferences are on my mind since I just returned from one in Seattle, and I’m preparing for one next month in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
I’ve noticed that many conferences work best for writers who are at certain levels but not as well for writers at other levels.
The conference I just came from in Seattle is a wonderful place for beginners. They have group appointments with publishing professionals instead of individual appointments so that you don’t have to feel intimidated with a one-to-one meeting. And they have a lot of mentors and experienced freelancers on faculty so you can get great critiques and advice from those who are at an intermediate or advanced writing level. There weren’t many editors and agents at this conference, but they did have established people to talk to if a conferee was ready for that step.
A conference that I would say is mostly set up for advanced authors is the ACFW conference. As a beginner, this conference would probably be overwhelming just by the sheer number of attendees. I know that ACFW does a lot to make sure everyone feels welcomed and encouraged, but the way the conference is set up is a lot more intense than some others I’ve been to. The appointments are one-to-one and strictly timed, the classes are on topics that multi-published authors can get a lot out of as well, and there are lots of editors and agents are available for appointments. (I’m aware that they offer workshops that are graded by level so beginners don’t end up in classes that are beyond their skills and advanced writers get more in-depth material.)
Before you invest in a conference, research who will be on the faculty and what the schedule is to see if the conference is going to be a good fit for your level.
What conferences have you been to and what level of writer would you say they fit best?
Have you ever been overwhelmed–or underwhelmed–by a conference? What would have made the experience more relevant for someone on your career level?
Rachel –
I have attended the Write-to-Publish, Missouri Writers’ Guild, SCBWI, and a Highlights for Children Founders Workshop. Each one has offered a particular and beneficial kind of learning environment. However, for the activities you mentioned, I would recommend the Write-to-Publish Conference to anyone interested in Christian publishing.
Write-to-Publish in Wheaton, Illinois was the very first writers’ conference I attended. Although a friend helped me prepare, I made some newbie mistakes. For example, I took a huge manuscript (not a one page or proposal) printed on thick, glossy paper! Even so, I received several small contracts that year. Now, I am nearing the transition to full time writing.
This will be my eighth year of attendance at Write-to-Publish, and each year I have found just the right level of learning and networking. Write-to-Publish offers speakers, classes, one-to-one appointments, group critiques, and panels. A particular favorite of mine is the nightly general session speaker. The topic is always an encouraging, yet soul-searching, message to conferees.
Write-to-Publish is next week. I encourage anyone who can to attend!
Lynn
I have never been to the Write-to-Publish conference but I have only ever heard great things about it. It sounds like your writing career wouldn’t be the same without it. Thanks for sharing, Lynn!
I haven’t been to a writer’s conference, but have attended many missions conferences. That being said, for someone of my career level at a writer’s conference?? I think one of those long ropes they use for pre-schoolers. You know the ones that have giant loops in them for the wee ones to grasp onto for dear life? And upside down name tags so when A BIG NAME says “hello, how are you? What is your name?” We can look down and find out.
ha ha You always make me chuckle, but this one was especially good.
Thanks. 🙂
Lol! Some conferences do set up a buddy system for beginners so that they have a more experienced friend to help them. 🙂
At ACFW, Brandilyn Collins and I run a first time loop to help those who are new to ACFW get oriented in advance of the conference via an email loop. Then, right before the conference begins, we have a face to face orientation and mix the first timers together so they don’t feel so alone. ACFW is big, but we’ve developed this to try to help take some of the angst from the experience.
You had me at “loop” Mizz Putman.
we do many things through the loop from explaining how to dress and what to expect to practicing pitches and talking about one sheets. It’s a great way to get to know people, too.
Mount Hermon–something for everyone. Classes for all levels and access to agents and editors.
SCBWI National–the same as above
ACFW–same as above
SCBWI regional–classes are more geared toward beginners, but there are always a couple of agents and editors who are open to submissions.
Founders Workshops–intermediate to advanced. These are geared toward writing not networking or selling.
And this year, I’m going for the first time a Christian Communicators conference. I’m hoping it has something for rank beginners.
Which conference did you attend first, Sally? Were you comfortable there or did you feel a bit overwhelmed?
Thanks for this list! I hope the CC conference is amazing!
My first conference was Mount Hermon. I loved every minute of it. I laughed so hard, I don’t think my cheeks stopped hurting for a week. I was amazed at all the talented, funny people gathered there. They did skits and sang and all kinds of stuff. The staff and the grounds were lovely and I learned a whole lot. There was nothing negative.
But it did take me a while to recover. I’m such an introvert that cramming in five full days of nonstop learning and laughing with a bunch of strangers took
a lot out of me. So the next time I went, I skipped the keynote addresses (I got them on tape) and gave myself some downtime in my room.
The longer conferences can be really exhausting. Buying the recordings is a great thing to do!
Thanks for sharing more for me.
My first conference was the Christian Writers Seminar in Castro Valley, CA. I wasn’t on faculty but attended to get an idea of what conferences were like. I first served on faculty at Mount Hermon. It was a great experience and everyone there is always so nice!
Good points here! I think smaller conferences are nice for first-timers who might be more introverted.
I’ve only been to one conference and it was HUGE–the RWA National Conference. It’s awesome!
I’d recommend it to any romance writer whether they’re just starting out or multi-published. Newer writers could focus on the craft workshops, while multi-published writers could benefit from the business workshops. I took an excellent workshop given by Stephanie Bond that focused on the business side of writing. It made a huge impact on me.
Have a safe trip and wonderful time at the Toronto conference!
Thanks! I have been to the RWA National Conference as well, but just to party. 🙂 I got to go to a chocolate party with one of the groups and an awards banquet. Very yummy and fun.
Chocolate party!! Yum! I love the sound of that! 🙂
Great post, Rachel. I agree–not all conferences are for all skill levels. ACFW is an amazing experience, and I think all Christian novelists should get there at least once.
However, I also enjoy smaller conferences. I attended OWFI in Oklahoma, and it was a wonderful experience. Because it was smaller, I was blessed to meet and talk with some amazing people including Steven James, the keynote speaker. And I made a new, wonderful friend in Wayside Press editor Normandie Fischer. In many ways, it felt like it was geared toward new writers, but what I got out of the conference went far beyond the subjects of the various classes.
Wow! It’s hard for smaller conferences to get great keynoters, so it’s neat that they had Steven James come.
I also think ACFW is a wonderful conference though it is probably best for an author to go to a smaller conference first before going to ACFW just so the entire experience isn’t new.
Great points in this post. I have attended one conference–American Christian Writers. It had about 40-60 attendees, lasted two days, and had only three speakers (an agent and two authors). It was also in Phoenix, so I didn’t have to travel for it.
I think it was really great for my first conference, because it was small and not overwhelming. And it was great for where I was at in my writing journey–not ready to pitch, but still interested in learning more about the publication process. It kickstarted me into taking everything more seriously.
This September, I’ll be attending ACFW. I’ve got something to pitch now, so that’s important in my mind. I also have met so many writer friends online in the last year, and so will know people. If I had attended last year, you can bet I’d have been a lot more nervous and less excited since I’d feel lost and rather “unknown.” Having friends there will help bigtime.
I think because you’ve been to a smaller conference that you are going to be able to get a lot out of ACFW. Have a wonderful time! 🙂 I so wish I was going this year.
I wish you were, too! I’d love to meet you.
OK, I’ll ask it. It keeps coming up in my writing group –so I’ll be the sacrificial lamb.
Are there any conference “scholarships, grants, contests” writers can apply for? Times are tough, and there are tons of us aching to attend but the purse strings cannot pull any tighter.
Thoughts?
Very good point. I’d love to go to Mt Hermon or ACFW, but it’s the moolah getting there!
Cec Murphey offers scholarships to various conferences (Christian Communicators, Mount Herman, Write-to-Publish, and others). I think that he also offers them through The Writers View (at least in the past).
Lynn
I’m pretty sure ACFW has scholarships. I think the deadline to apply has passed for this year’s conference, but you should check into it next year! It’s definitely a monetary commitment.
I know ACFW offers scholarships each year to members, but the deadline is past for this year. Cec Murphy also offered scholarship money for the Colorado Christian Writers Conference in Estes Park, Colorado. There are probably others out there, and a good thing to do is search the website for the conferences you want to attend for information.
Just about every conference has a scholarship program. I suggest looking on the websites and contacting the coordinators to see how you apply.
There are also smaller conferences that really aren’t THAT much money to attend. The one I went to up in Seattle was very reasonable for people who lived in the area. (Travel costs make it expensive.)So if you can find a local conference that could be the best way to go.
The Highlight’s Foundation has scholarships for it’s workshops. I went to the week long conference in Chautauqua it was exceptional.
Ditto.
Okay, that makes no sense now, since I didn’t see all the other comments first. 🙂 Thanks for the info about scholarships.
Along with targeting varying skill levels, each conference I’ve attended seemed to have a different “vibe” or atmosphere. For example, Mount Hermon felt to me like a cross between a college campus and summer camp: lots of walking amid trees and flowers (a joy in early spring for snowbound writers like me), casual dress, cabin-type accommodations, and an emphasis on craft and creativity. By contrast, ACFW, in a big-city hotel, felt more polished and professional, like movers and shakers were There To Do Business: sharp dressers, brisk appointment schedules, and a closing banquet that felt like the Academy Awards. I’d be hard-pressed to say which conference I liked better, because they both served an important purpose. For me Mount Hermon was more about creating the product and ACFW was more about getting the finished product “out there.” YMMV of course.
Mount Hermon is one of my favorites. Such a beautiful setting and I prefer the casual dress.
The hard part about going to conferences is that it’s difficult to know which one will be the most effective for you – unless you’ve gone before. It’s hard to spend that much money on something that might be a bad fit. I’ll be looking at other peoples’ recommendations above!
just make sure you look at what each editor and agent is looking for to see if there are people to pitch your work to and make sure there are at least 3 people on faculty you would like to connect with. If the keynoter is someone you’ve heard of before it’s probably a safe investment. 🙂
I went about things a little backward by attending big national conferences first. I figured I’d get more “bang for my buck” that way (sorry about the cliche). I’ve been to both Mount Hermon and ACFW and I’d echo what others have already said–they’re fantastic conferences with a lot to offer.
This past year I added a local conference, Oregon Christian Writers (OCW), to my agenda and I was surprised at how well-organized and professional it was. They had brought in as many of the top name editors and agents as Mount Hermon had the same year. I’m sure it varies widely, but OCW offers a great summer conference for a reasonable price.
I meant to say, regional conferences can vary widely…
Thanks for sharing! I have heard that OCW is really wonderful and is also reasonably priced. I haven’t been to it yet but I know Wendy and Mary both have.
I attended a one-day conference in Denver presented by the local ACFW there. It was good. I haven’t been to other conferences yet, but I’ve attended a few writing/learning retreats, which taught me a lot about writing craft. I plan to attend ACFW for the first time this year. Like Lindsay said above, I think knowing people will make it less overwhelming for me as a newbie ACFW conferee. 🙂
Yay, Jeanne! We’ll have to find each other and say hi!
Having friends at a conference is a wonderful thing. The ACFW conference has a very jovial, warm vibe because of all of the in-person interactions between friends/critiquers who may be meeting face-to-face for the first time.
My first conference, and my only one so far, was the Writing for the Soul Conference in Denver. It was wonderful! I think any level of writer could attend because they had mentors and they stressed if you only wanted feedback, that was fine. I’ll be attending ACFW this year! I wish you were going as well! 🙂
I’m sooooooooooo excited to meet you in person at ACFW, friend! It’s gonna be good times. Good times indeed.
I’m sad to miss seeing you! 🙁 You will have so much fun without me and I know you’ll get to meet other Books & Such friends there too.
Well, I’ll be at the Write! Canada conference you’re going to in Toronto (it’s not really in Toronto – but close enough).
I’ve been to Write! Canada, Mount hermon, Writers Digest (in New York) and Bloody Words (mystery & crime writers)
I find the same thing – each conference is a little different. Some focus on learning and teaching, others on networking, others on pitching. I’ve found the best thing is to google each conference before attending, because it’s inevitable that someone has blogged about going.
Write! Canada is a smaller teaching-focused conference. Mount Hermon focused a lot on teaching, but they had a lot of published writers there as faculty – not just agents and editors which was fabulous. Writer’s Digest is all about pitching and selling. Bloody Words was different in that it was more about connecting with published authors. They had a lot of published authors there – but few teaching classes or workshops.
There’s something out there for everyone.
I look forward to meeting you! I always think about the conferences by the airports I fly into. I know that’s not the best way to classify places but when I haven’t been to an area before it’s hard to picture where I’m going to end up.
It’s in Gueleph, right?
Thanks for sharing about the conferences you’ve been to. I look forward to experiencing Write! Canada for the first time.
Toronto (pronounced “Tronno” or “Trahno” ) airport is quite nice. And Guelph (Gwelf) is nice too.
I went to two last year – Christian Writers Guild and the Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference.
I think CWG would have been overwhelming for a first timer had I not been reading so much about the process and what to expect.
Research is a great teammate to faith in casting out fear!
Both were very good and had many similarities and overlap in agents/publishers represented.
I thought this was my year to hit Write to Publish but our ministry is a key reason for a Christian film to be opening in Peoria so we’ll be tied up with that.
Looking to return to Indy this fall, hopefully with several other writers from our area.
Rich
It was a pleasure meeting you at the CWG conference. 🙂
The Indy conference must be good if you are going again and bringing friends!
ACFW is the only one I’ve ever been to because I live in a writing desert. Any conference I choose will cost the same as ACFW due to travel costs.
I love ACFW conference. It’s the highlight of my year and I’ve learned so much. Met both my critique partners there and one of them now counts as one of my dearest friends. I can honestly say without ACFW I would not be where I am on my writing journey.
How fun! I love that your critique partners have become your close friends.
It’s too bad that you don’t have any conferences near you, but it sounds like ACFW is the right fit for you anyway.
I like that the ACFW conference moves locations. I think that gives more writers an opportunity to come.
My first conference was a small regional American Christian Writers conference – an excellent and affordable way to get my feet wet. I received amazing teaching from Cec Murphey and Lee Roddy – and I was such a newbie I didn’t know what an honor that was 🙂
My second conference and personal favorite is Mount Hermon. I would recommend it for committed beginners up to full professionals. Due to the length and cost, I wouldn’t recommend it for someone who’s just dallying – although they’d feel welcomed and have plenty to learn. I always leave Mount Hermon exhausted and yet refreshed and inspired.
I’ve been to ACFW twice and love it. I agree with Rachel – a beginner might be overwhelmed at the pace and the level of instruction. I was a bit overwhelmed my first year, and I had 6 years of conference experience and a contract 🙂
Another regional conference I’ve attended is at Redwood Chapel in Castro Valley CA. Excellent for beginners – low-key, inexpensive, with extraordinary faculty and teaching for beginning to intermediate writers. As a professional, I enjoy the chance to connect with local writers and encourage newer writers.
I was impressed with the level of instruction at the Redwood Chapel conference too.
One thing I think new writer’s have a hard time differentiating between is the writer’s retreat and the writer’s conference.
A writer’s retreat is focused primarily on learning the craft of writing. There may or may not be agents and editors there. It is designed to improve your writing skills.
A great writer’s Retreat is Mn N.I.C.E.’s Great Lakes Get Away in Duluth, MN. A well known author comes in to speak and train us on writing craft. (https://sites.google.com/site/minnesotaniceacfw/summer-retreat)
Conferences are more focused on networking and editor/agent appointments although they have strong craft teaching workshops as well.
My favorite of these is ACFW because it is highly focused on Christian Fiction, offers appointments with mentors and technology experts in place of the editor/agent appointments if you don’t feel ready for that yet. You are also able to pick 2 agent appointments instead of 1 editor/1agent appt. What I found is that I want to work with an agent, so pitching my work to editors until I have an agent may be counterproductive.
Thanks for the informative post, Rachel! I always learn a lot here.
Thanks for pointing out the difference between a writers’ retreat and a conference, Michelle!
And I recommend ACFW very highly as well!
Christina Suzann Nelson just ran a weekly series of blog posts that asked several authors to spill about their favorite conferences. Though Oregon Christian Writers has already been mentioned, I thought people might enjoy a look at why I love it so much. http://christinasuzannnelson.com/tag/ocw/
I’ve been the one in Seattle and found the group pitch WAY more stressful than sitting down one-on-one with an editor. As an author, you’re not only worrying about what the editor thinks, but you believe the other writers are judging your project, too!
Idahope Writers flew me out there to teach for a one-day that was well run and had Robin Hatcher keynoting. Good experience.
I’ve gone to ACFW four or five times and love it so much. At this time in my life–with five kids–I’ve decided to only do one conference a year. Because it’s top quality and draws amazing people, I’m sticking with OCW. This year is our 50th anniversary year so we’ve got amazing lineups!
Thanks for sharing the link to Christina’s blog. 🙂
I’ve never heard of the Idahope conference before, but it sounds like they are doing a good job.
First and only (so far) was the Northern Colorado Writers Conference (2013: 4/26-28). Smaller (125 attendee limit) this was a great experience for my first conference.
The whole conference setting can be quite daunting for a newbie, but attending a local one provided familiar faces and support.
The schedule was very managable, diverse writing sessions offered, agents available and even a query letter slush pile session. This conference is great for new to semi-new writers and provides enough sizzle for seasoned writers as well.
I’ll definitely be back next year and look to some new ones following.
There are lots of conferences in Colorado so you are blessed by your location.
Thanks for sharing about the NCWC conference.
The Castro Valley Christian Writers Seminar is excellent for beginning and intermediate writers. It’s not a good place to meet agents and editors, but there’s lots of helpful information, critiques by professionals, and networking available. And it’s inexpensive, though housing isn’t included.
I don’t see how anything can compare with the wonderful Mount Hermon conference. It’s expensive, but the SCBWI LA conference costs around the same amount, is shorter, and the price doesn’t include housing or meals so Mount Hermon is actually a bargain.
Writing is a solitary job, but writers are communicators, so when we get together we connect and make friends easily. And Christian writers share two of the most important things in their lives. And all that is in addition to learning the trade and improving opportunities to get published. I think everyone reading this blog should attend at least one conference if they possibly can.
I agree, Janet. Conferences are important and writers should try to go when they can.
I attended the South Carolina Writers Conference when I was just starting to send out my work. The themes matched my needs perfectly, since most of the emphasis was on improving our writing and how to write a query letter, although now I can see that there are other areas that need to be explored.
It sounds like it’s a great conference for beginners!
My challenge has been that Christian writers conferences aren’t close by–that I know of–so I figure a small local writers conference is what I can handle right now. WriteAngles takes place at Mt. Holyoke College each fall. I’ve been on the Planning Committee for three years. We usually have more seasoned writers, but I think beginners still get something out of it.
I also attend the Muse Online Writers Conference each October. It’s all online and free (though donations are accepted). It’s great for writers like me that can’t travel because of cost or childcare issues. It’s great for novice writers, but I continue to learn something new each year.
What an interesting idea! I’ve never heard of the Muse conference. An online conference is a neat concept. I’d love to check it out to see how it works. Do you have a link to the website that you could share?
You can find it here: http://themuseonlinewritersconference.com/ The site will be updated over the summer for 2012 workshops. As I mentioned in my reply to Rachelle today, it’s easy to be skeptical about free things, but I’ve learned so much in the years since this conference’s inception.
I had a chance to pitch to a publisher in 2010 (who accepted my second book) and to an agent last year. While the agent eventually declined, it was still a great experience. I’m eager to see what 2012’s line up will be.
This spring I had the opportunity to attend my very first writing conference! I LOVED it! Although I felt incredibly nervous. Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI holds the Festival of Faith and Writing every two years. They have a website and I learned so much.
I used to get really nervous too, especially when I would have to teach, but it’s much better now.
This is a good post. It can be hard to decide where to put your conference allocated dollars and time. I think Mt Hermon is an awesome experience and perfect for beginners. I have not found they have the higher level instruction/craft development there. They do offer a number of other opportunities for professional development and personal networking. I think ACFW national is more oriented towards industry- not as much the art (which is fitting given their mission).
One thing Mount Hermon offers is a Beginner Track for “newbies” and also a Career Track for already published writers. They do a good job at having opportunities and learning for every level.
I’ve been to two–the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (in session now!) and She Speaks. They’re both in NC and have offerings for beginners on up to pros. I highly recommend each of them. She Speaks was once primarily for speakers, but now has awesome tracks for writers and ministry leaders.
I have heard great things about both of these conferences. Thanks for adding them to the list!
I’ve attended the American Christian Writers Conference in Grand Rapids and classify it as a beginners conference. It is low-key and intimate, with a chance to get to know everyone. It is a two day event, with dual fiction and non-fiction tracks for one day.
I’ve also attended the Breathe Christian Writer’s Conference. I believe it is the best value of any conference: lots of valuable information and low cost. This year it is near the Grand Rapids airport, making it easy for people who are flying. It nicely addresses all levels, as it offers four tracks throughout the conference. I highly recommend it.
Lastly is the Festival of Faith and Writing, a large biannual event with something for everyone but a better match for the more advanced writer. I also recommend this one, but we’ll need to wait until 2014 for the next one.
hi,
The New England Crime Bake — is a great conference for mystery writers and fans. As I had just finished my first mystery and am now working on my second in the series, I found the feedback, panels, discussions, and atmosphere very helpful. I plan to attend this year’s NECB in November.
Four years ago, I found the courage to attend my first conference because the ACFW was being held in Minneapolis, MN – a short 644 miles/1036.2 kilometers away from my Canadian prairie home. It sounds far, but I was able to drive there, and visit my mom on the way home.
Although I was going alone, I was looking forward to meeting friends like Margaret Daley, Missy Tippens, Cheryl Wyatt and many others I’d met online.
I joined the ACFW First-Timer’s loop, and paid attention to the ACFW suggested track levels, signing up for the A and B tracks targeted at beginners.
That experience blessed me in so many ways that I’ve attended 3 more ACFW conferences and made the jump to the RWA conferences which are triple in size.
Although the RWA seems more structured, you don’t register for workshops ahead of time like you do at the ACFW. And with only 15 mins between workshps, by the time I leave one class, stand in the long line for the ladies room, and then find my way to the next class, I sometime end up in a standing-room only situation which is not conducive to note-taking. When that happens, I usually leave the class and find one that’s already in progress, but with empty seats. By then I’m disgruntled and feel my time’s been wasted. At least with the ACFW I have a reserved seat in the workshop of my choice.
I gotta admit though, I love the Harlequin pajama party and even won a prize at last year’s in New York. Haven’t made it to a chocolate party yet although I bring chocolate every year. Somehow my roomies end up with it. 😀
My first conference was the regional SCBWI in Washington. I was definitely overwhelmed by the size but in the years since I’ve found it enjoyable for every level of writer. The one-on-one consultations can be very beneficial.
The NCWA is a great conference. I didn’t care for the group appointments at first but after my third year, I find they’re a lot easier. I’m continually amazed by the heart of those serving and attending.
My 2013 goal is to attend the Writing for the Soul conference or possibly the Oregon Christian Writers. I do my best to attend local conferences as its cost prohibitive for a father of four to travel all over the country (and leave the wife at home!)
I’ve been to RWA Nationals, ACFW, Mount Hermon, the Christian Writers Seminar in Castro Valley, CA, and the Inspire Christian Writers Conference in Elk Grove, CA. All are beneficial for someone who’s been writing for a while, but I found the two smaller conferences less intimidating. The pressure to pitch isn’t as intense, since there are few agents and editors in attendance. The instruction is on par with what is offered at a larger conference, and classes tend to be much smaller.
At last year’s Write to Inspire conference, held in the Sacramento metropolitan area, agent Karen Ball was the main speaker. This coming July 20th & 21st agent Chip MacGregor will wow us with his publishing know how and entertain us with his dry wit. Here’s the link to the conference for those who might be interested: http://inspirewriters.com/?page_id=3460.