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Bob Yehling: Value of Writer's Conferences

Bob Yehling of WordJourneys.com, in an interview conducted by Jenna Glatzer of www.absolutewrite.com, for a writer's newsletter on the importance and value of writer's conferences.

Q: What are writers' conferences like?

A: Writer's conferences are a great opportunity to learn more about the craft of writing from established writers. Workshops are geared to polishing your writing, learning new techniques, marketing and broadening your capacity as a writer. Furthermore, the spirit of writing is clearly evident because you are with several hundred other writers, in an environment of total support – which, as we know, is something we need while we're engaging in all the solitary hours it takes to write.

Q: Do these conferences provide value for money?

A: Absolutely. The value of the insights provided by the keynote speakers (usually all well-published authors) and workshop facilitators is priceless; they're distilling dozens of years and millions of words of personal writing experience, plus their experiences in selling work, into 60 to 120-minute workshops. You can't put a price on that. Furthermore, editors and agents attend conferences, looking for new writers and new articles – so it's possible to create long-term relationships with these people, pitch your ideas and even sell articles on the spot (which of course is a direct return on the cost).

Q: How should one prepare for these conferences?

A: Study the list of attending workshop presenters, agents and editors – and prepare your pitches and ideas accordingly. When signing up for workshops, I always recommend taking two that directly relate to the work you're doing, and one or two others in areas that are unfamiliar to you. It's a great way to stretch out your creative potential and receive top-notch instruction in the process.

Q: Should one "pitch" their stories/work to agents and editors (both attending and presenters)?

A: Yes. That's 50 percent of the purpose for attending a writer's conference if you're a working writer.

Q: Are there any negatives that can arise from attending a conference?

A: Only if you're easily intimidated by being around good writers. Personally, I'm inspired by being around well-published authors. It causes me to pay close attention, to absorb from the spirit of these writers, to take chances in my writing, and to thus stretch my capabilities a little further. It happens for me at every conference – even those I am facilitating. So, there are no negatives.