Want a sure-fire way to jump-start your writing? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned author with a whole bunch of books under your belt, there are few things as smart as going to a writers’ conference (or five). Nothing quite compares with the information you can get in just a few days—not to mention the contagious enthusiasm and inspiration of hanging out with a bunch of other writers! A conference is where you can hook up with your tribe (or organize a new one).

Writers’ conferences give you:

• Premier opportunities to meet agents and editors (who are far more likely to give your manuscript a chance after having met you).
• Chances to network with and learn from other authors—who can introduce you to their agents or publishers; help you get further along the publishing path by sharing their experiences; or even end up being part of that much-needed support and/or critique group.
• Help getting a grip on how the publishing industry works and what’s most likely to sell (or how to make your own book more marketable if it’s already written).
• Insights on self-publishing versus traditional publishing.
• Great classes and panels that can help improve your craft.
• A reminder about why you’re excited about writing!

The following is in no way an exhaustive list, but it includes some of the best conferences you might consider. Don’t forget to watch for smaller conferences, classes, or workshops offered by your favorite authors. And do an internet search to find lots of great conferences held throughout the nation!

           

General Writing Conferences

• League of Utah Writers Conference (usually in September, local to Utah)—www.luwriters.org/
• UVU Book Academy (usually in September, local to Utah)—www.uvu.edu/ce/bookacademy/
• American Night Writers Association (ANWA) “Time Out for Writers” (usually in September)—http://anwa-lds.com.conference
• LDS Storymakers (usually in early May)—http://ldstorymakers.com/
• Writing for Charity (usually in April, local to Utah)—http://writingforcharity.blogspot.com/
• Aspiring Authors Summit (usually in summer, with potential of more sessions)—www.aspiringauthorssummit.com/

Thriller Writers Conference

• International Thriller Writers’ Conference (usually in July)—http://thrillerfest.com/

Romance Writers Conferences

• Romance Writers of America Conferences (usually in July)—www.rwa.org/p/cm/Id/fid=538
• Heart of the West (Romance Writers of America Utah Chapter, usually in October)—http://utahrwa.com/HOWConference.html

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Writers Conferences

• Sirens Conference (Women in Science Fiction and Fantasy, usually in October)—www.sirensconference.org
• Life, the Universe, and Everything (LTUE) Writers’ Conference (usually in February, local to Utah)—http://ltue.net/

Mystery Writers Conference

• Bouchercon World Mystery Convention (usually in September)—www.bouchercon.info/

(Photo: some of the attendees at an LDS Storymakers Conference, by queenoftheclan)