Summer ends tomorrow, and what a busy season it’s been. Traveling, sightseeing, getting a head cold (OK, that wasn’t fun, but it did happen), and through it all I managed to get a lot of writing and reading done. So despite the busyness, it was a productive and satisfying summer. 🙂
Without further ado, let’s launch into the Creativity Corner for a recap of what I’ve been writing and reading, and other related happenings, since the end-of-spring edition in June.
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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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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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You might remember that I went to last year’s Writer’s Digest Conference in New York City, and had an absolute blast. So, guess what? I’m already planning to go back this year! 😀
I’ve been ITCHING to share this with you for the past few months. However, I wanted to wait until everything was in order before I said anything. Now, all the necessary reservations have been made, and I’m thrilled to tell you that I’ll be in New York City this July and August for the 2015 Writer’s Digest Conference!
Sponsored by one of the most renowned writing resources on the planet, the Writer’s Digest Conference is designed to offer a balanced education in both the craft of writing and the business of being a writer, all in an encouraging, inspiring environment. In addition to a schedule chock full of sessions that range in topic from promotion and author platforms to genre studies, there will also be book signings, keynote addresses, and exhibit tables. And for an additional fee, attendees can participate in the Pitch Slam, where writers can pitch their stories to preferred agents or editors in person and receive feedback.
I’ve said before that I want to visit the literary conference circuit whenever I can now that I’m taking my novel-writing more seriously. Writer’s Digest seems like the perfect opportunity to branch out to events outside of my local area (Greater Boston) without traveling too far. Plus, look at the schedule! It’s almost impossible to not fill your entire day with sessions because of how promising they sound. I’m especially looking forward to the Breaking In panel, where first-time novels will share their experiences; Hallie Ephron’s “Setting: More Than Creating a Sense of Place”; Rebecca McClanahan’s “Word Painting: The Fine Art of Writing Descriptively”: and N.K. Jemisin’s “Growing Your Iceberg: Crafting a Secondary World That Feels Ancient.” Yes, N.K. Jemisin the fantasy writer. I haven’t read her novels yet, but so many people have recommended them to me that I CANNOT pass up this session. 😀
The other reason why I’m attending is to root on my DIY MFA bosses Gabriela Pereira and Bess Cozby, who will be presenting at Writer’s Digest this year. Which reminds me: If you’re considering going to this year’s conference, DIY MFA is offering a special coupon code that will give you $25 dollars off the registration. Anyone who uses this code will also be invited to a special meet-up that Gabriela is planning. (And yes, I hope to be there, too!) Click here to access the coupon code.
Anyone else planning to attend this year’s Writer’s Digest Conference? If you’ve attended it in years past, what did you think of it? Let me know by commenting on this post. I’d love to meet up with you if you’re going!
Sara Letourneau 