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Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Synchronicity: My 2017 Writer’s Digest Conference Story

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Wow. Was Writer’s Digest Conference really three weeks ago? Somehow it seems longer ago than that (maybe because I caught a cold on the final day, so it took a couple weeks to resume my normal routine). Yet I still remember that weekend as clearly as the last book I read – because the ideas and lessons I carried home this time struck very close to the heart.

It’s not right, then,  to write this year’s report as an in-depth overview like I did for last year’s. Instead, I’d like to share why WDC 2017 was so meaningful to me, more so than the 2016 or 2015 editions. So if you’re interested in learning about (or refreshing your memory of) the conference format, venue,  and range of writing and publishing topics, check out last year’s post. Otherwise, let’s start not at the beginning, but at the moment when the impact of this conference first began to sink in.
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What Do You Think?: E-Newsletters by Writers (Plus, A Quick Survey for You)

/ saraletourneau / 20 Comments

One of the most talked-about outreach tools for writers today is the email newsletter (or, e-newsletter). In fact, “start a newsletter” has been among the most suggested advice I’ve heard at Writer’s Digest Conference for the past two years – from authors, publicists, and publishing professionals alike. It seems valuable, especially since other writers have found success with them. Yet despite all the positive buzz, I’ve hesitated to create one.

Why? Well, up until now, it hasn’t been a priority. I’ve had enough going on that starting an e-newsletter would have taken time away from blogging and (more importantly) novel-writing. But now, with a slower blogging schedule and edits on the WIP’s third draft coming to a close, I have time to give it serious thought.

So, what are the benefits of an e-newsletter? What cautions should we keep in mind? Plus, I’m offering readers – yes, YOU – a chance to help me decide whether I should start my own e-newsletter and what content I may want to include. More details on that shortly.

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Field Trip: Writer’s Digest Conference 2016

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Now that all of the late-summer busyness has passed, I finally have some time to tell you about this year’s Writer’s Digest Conference! And what an amazing four days it was. In fact, I think it topped the 2015 edition!

With this post, I’ll give a general overview of WDC 2016, including which sessions I enjoyed most and what I learned. Last year I did a trio of posts for DIY MFA; and while I would have liked to have covered the conference for the site again this year, it wasn’t possible with my friend’s wedding 2 weeks later. The good thing is, waiting to do this post has given me time to digest (no pun intended) everything I absorbed that weekend and feel grateful for continuing to invest in my writing career.
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New at DIY MFA: #5onFri – Five Reasons to Do Market Research for Your WIP

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DiyMFA

I’ve mentioned before that I’m doing a “market research” project in conjunction with my WIP The Keeper’s Curse. It’s mostly to gain a better understanding of how TKC compares (either similarly or differently) to other fantasy stories with fairy characters. Today, I’m joining DIY MFA’s #5onFri series again to share some of the benefits of doing a “market research” project for your work. And believe it or not, those benefits go beyond the big-picture perspective you’ll develop.

Click here to read “#5onFri: Five Reasons to Do Market Research for Your WIP.”

Have you done a market research project or something similar for one of your WIPs? Do you think you might try one in the future? Feel free to share your comments here as well as at DIY MFA.

New at DIY MFA: Recurring Themes from Writer’s Digest Conference 2015

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DiyMFA

My third and final article on Writer’s Digest Conference 2015 is live at DIY MFA! You could also consider it a “special edition” of my regular column, Theme: A Story’s Soul. I talk about some of the themes regarding writing, author platforms, community building, and other topics that emerged during the conference – and the glimpse they collectively provide into today’s writing career.

Click here to read “Writer’s Digest Conference 2015: Recurring Themes about Today’s Writing Career.”

Did you also attend this year’s Writer’s Digest Conference? What were some of the most meaningful lessons you learned or advice you received while you were there?

New at DIY MFA: #5onFri – Five Reasons Why Writer’s Digest Conference 2015 Was Awesome

/ saraletourneau / 5 Comments

DiyMFA

I wasn’t expecting Part 2 of my coverage of the 2015 Writer’s Digest Conference to post until next week at DIY MFA. But since it was ready, they snuck it in today instead. 😉

Today’s article is also part of DIY MFA’s weekly #5onFri series. As the title says, I offer five reasons why WDC 2015 was awesome – and why I’m already considering going back for 2016.

Click here to read “#5onFri: Five Reasons Why Writer’s Digest Conference 2015 Was Awesome.”

The third and final installment of my WDC coverage should be live next Thursday. (Yes, I’ve done a lot of article-writing the past couple weeks!)

Did you also attend this year’s Writer’s Digest Conference? What were some of your favorite aspects of the event? Which sessions did you attend?

New at DIY MFA: Top Quotes from Writer’s Digest Conference 2015

/ saraletourneau / 10 Comments

DiyMFA

My coverage of the 2015 Writer’s Digest Conference begins today at DIY MFA! This first article shares several quotes that have stuck with me. And since other attendees have Tweeted these and other quotes over the past couple weeks using the hashtag #WDC15, it seems like the messages conveyed during the conference have resonated with many who were there. 🙂

Click here to read “Writer’s Digest Conference 2015: Top Quotes from Authors, Agents, and Industry Leaders.”

Stay tuned for Part Two of my WDC coverage at DIY MFA tomorrow!

Did you also attend this year’s Writer’s Digest Conference? What are some of your most memorable quotes from that event, or from other literary conference you’ve attended?