How to Become a Better Writer? Learn to Write Better!

It seems like three quarters of the advice we hear as writers has to do with marketing, sales and platform. The reasons for this are myriad, but the biggest is that most of us struggle in this area. It tends to be way outside our comfort zone. But all this focus on social networking can also lead us astray, in time management and priorities.

It’s critical that we recognize the need to grow in our craft…to learn to write better!

So how do we do that? One of the best ways is to attend writers conferences. But with all the choices out there, how do we choose the one that best fits our circumstances? I hope this blog post will help.

I have my favorites, of course! But just because they’re my favorites doesn’t mean they are the best choice for YOU. I’ve tried to break it all down and give you as unbiased an overview as I can.

The first thing you should consider is your experience level. You need to look at where you are with your writing, that will be the biggest factor in your decision. As you look at the categories realize that your experience may overlap.

Beginner

• Never submitted anything for publication
• Hasn’t told many people he writes
• Has submitted a couple of things, but nothing published

Advanced Beginner

• Has several rejection letters and a couple of acceptances
• Is a member of a local or online writing group
• Regularly reads articles or books about writing

Intermediate

• Has attended a writers event (either a workshop, conference or online class)
• Has an idea of where he wants to go with his writing
• Has been paid for his writing

Advanced

• Spends time each day working at the craft of writing and has an income derived from writing
• Has definite goals and aspirations for his writing

Once you know which group you fall into, it’s easier to evaluate each individual event. There are 2 reasons to attend a writers event.

1. To learn more about the craft of writing
2. To network with professionals within the writing world

Here’s a general breakdown of what is usually offered at each kind of event.

These events vary slightly, so the following information is generalized. You should read all brochures and websites carefully to know what to expect.

Large, National Writing Conference

Expect lots of classes for a wide variety of writers - from beginner to advanced.

Continuing Classes – these are classes that last for more than one class period and concentrate on one subject. Even though they are continuing, they rarely provide advanced information on a given subject.

Workshops – these are classes that give an introduction to a concept (like dialogue, plot or setting).

Breakouts or Panels – these are groups of professionals giving instruction on a given subject. The information here is usually very basic.

Appointments with Faculty – most large conferences include a private appointment with a member of the faculty. This is where you would pitch a book or article idea to an editor. It can also be valuable to let a seasoned author look at your writing and give one-on-one feedback.

Regional or Local Writing Conference

These tend to have more classes for the beginner and advanced beginner writer, although there are exceptions. Depending on the length of time, the conference will follow the same basic setup as a national conference.

Workshop or Seminar

Many of these are very specific in what they offer. They aren’t for a large number of writers and generally target the intermediate or advanced writer.

Online Classes

Again, they are very specific in what they offer and vary widely in who they cater to.

It’s never a good idea to write in a vacuum. I have always tried to attend one large conference a year to expose myself to the writing industry, both for networking and education. I also try to attend at least one focused workshop or seminar each year I and I try to keep my eyes open for online writing courses and take at least two a year.

Let me know what conferences and events you've attended and how they've helped your writing journey.

Edie Melson is the author of numerous books, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains ChristianWriters Conference and the Social Media Mentor at My Book Therapy. She’s also the Military Family Blogger at Guideposts. Com, Social Media Director for SouthernWriters Magazine and the Senior Editor for NovelRocket.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. Don't miss her new book from Worthy Inspired, WHILE MY SOLDIER SERVES.

To Conference or not to Conference?

by Elva Cobb Martin Yours truly with an agent at BRMCWC May 2015 Many writing conferences are coming up, and all of them look good! See a partial list below. Conferences are one of the best ways to get your writing in front of prospective agents and publishers, and network with other writers and publishing experts. Attending and directing writing conferences has greatly helped me along the path to publication. I feel every conference I've directed or attended has been worth the effort, time and money. And I do believe in "praying in the finances." God can and will provide as you pray. I look on money spent for conferences as an investment in my writing career. I also pray for divine connections to the right editors, agents and new friends. But how can you decide which conference is best for you? Here are some neat questions and to ask yourself presented by our sister North Georgia ACFW Chapter. Ask yourself these questions about any conference you are considering. If you don't answer "yes" a lot, you need to do a bit more praying over it. - Can I afford the conference (including tuition, hotel, travel and food)? - Will it help me take the next step in my career? - Are the publishers/agents I'm targeting for my genre going to be there? - Do the workshops look helpful for where I am in my career? - Am I up for an award? (Don't forget to enter contests so this can happen!)

If you do decide to attend a conference, knowing how to pitch, organize, and present your book is vital. We cover these things in many of our chapter meetings and will share more on the next blog. Good conferences include small classes where you can interact and ask questions of experts. Award-winning author and instructor Yvonne Lehman leads a class in Anderson. Here's a list of some conferences we have posted on the calendar page of this blog. March 11-12 Carolina Christian Writers Conf., Spartanburg First Baptist  www.fbs.org/writers  Tuition early bird  $125, then $145 May 22-26, Blue Ridge Mtns. Christian Wrtrs Conf., Ridgecrest, N.C  http://altongansky.typepad.com/writersconferences/.  Tuition $325  or call 1-800-588-7222 to register. (our VP Edie Melson is co-director of this great conference!) August 25-28, ACFW National Conf. Nashville, TN  Huge Premier Christian Fiction Conf. www.acfw.com/conference  See the web site for full information. Oct. 16-10  Blue Ridge Autumn in the Mountains Novelist Retreat w/Yvonne Lehman and others!   at Ridgecrest, N.C. Tuition $350 but check the early bird discounts! Call 1 800 588-7222 to register. Or go to  http://www.ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/event/novelist#.VqVAm5XSlS What part of pitching, or preparing for a conference, is hardest for you? Do you have a tip for other writers? Leave a comment or question below and please do share this blog on your social media. Blessings on your writing! Elva Cobb Martin Elva Cobb Martin is president of the South Carolina Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have published her articles. She has published a  Bible study, Power Over Satan, available on Amazon.com. She has recently signed a book contract with Prism Book Group for her first inspirational romance, Summer of Deception. She has also completed a second novel, first book of an historical series, In a Pirate’s Debt. Elva is represented by Jim Hart of Hartline Literary. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives with her husband Dwayne and a mini-dachshund writing helper, Lucy, in Anderson, South Carolina. She also leads an internet prayer task force praying for a Great Awakening. Connect with her on her web site www.elvamartin.com, her blog http://carolinaromancewithelvamartin.blogspot.com on Twitter www.twitter.com/Elvacobbmartin, on Facebook and Pinterest

Dollars & Sense for Writers—Guidelines on Where and How to Spend Your Money—Part Four

This is an ongoing series designed to give writers guidelines on where & when to spend your money. 


If you missed the first three posts in the series you can find them here:

• Part One: Which Organizations Should I Join & Why

• Part Two: Which Books Should I Own and Which Should I get at the Library—and What About Magazines, are They Still Relevant?

• Part Three:  How to Evaluate Writing Workshops & Classes

Writing Conferences—When Am I Ready for One & Which One Should I choose

I have my favorites, of course! But just because they’re my favorites doesn’t mean they are the best choice for YOU. I’ve tried to break it all down and give you some things to consider so you can make an informed decision.

The first thing you should consider is your experience level. You need to look at where you are with your writing, that will be the biggest factor in your decision. As you look at the categories realize that your experience may overlap.

Beginner

• Never submitted anything for publication.
• Hasn’t told many people he writes.
• Has submitted a couple of things, but nothing published.

Advanced Beginner

• Has several rejection letters and a couple of acceptances.
• Is a member of a local or online writing group.
• Regularly reads articles or books about writing.

Intermediate

• Has attended a writers event (either a workshop, conference or online class).
• Has an idea of where he wants to go with his writing.
• Has been paid for his writing.

Advanced

• Spends time each day working at the craft of writing and has an income derived from writing.
• Has definite goals and aspirations for his writing.

Once you know which group you fall into, it’s easier to evaluate each individual event. There are 2 reasons to attend a writers event.

• To learn more about the craft of writing
.
• To network with professionals within the writing world
.

Here’s a general breakdown of what is usually offered at each kind of event.

These events vary slightly, so the following information is generalized. You should read all brochures and websites carefully to know what to expect.

Large, National Writing Conference

Expect lots of classes for a wide variety of writers - from beginner to advanced.

• Continuing Classes – these are classes that last for more than one class period and concentrate on one subject. Even though they are continuing, they rarely provide advanced information on a given subject.

• Workshops – these are classes that give an introduction to a concept (like dialogue, plot or setting).

• Breakouts or Panels – these are groups of professionals giving instruction on a given subject. The information here is usually very basic.

• Appointments with Faculty – most large conferences include a private appointment with a member of the faculty. This is where you would pitch a book or article idea to an editor. It can also be valuable to let a seasoned author look at your writing and give one-on-one feedback.

Regional or Local Writing Conference

These tend to have more classes for the beginner and advanced beginner writer, although there are exceptions. Depending on the length of time, the conference will follow the same basic setup as a national conference.

Workshop or Seminar

Many of these are very specific in what they offer. They aren’t for a large number of writers and generally target the intermediate or advanced writer.

The important thing to remember is that it’s never a good idea to write in a vacuum. I have always tried to attend one large conference a year—as a student—to expose myself to the writing industry, both for networking and education. I also try to attend at least one focused workshop or seminar each year I and I try to keep my eyes open for online writing courses and take at least two a year.

Let's share our experiences with specific conferences and events. Leave comments about ones you've attended and how they've helped your writing journey.

Edie Melson is the author of numerous books, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains ChristianWriters Conference and the Social Media Mentor at My Book Therapy. She’s also the Military Family Blogger at Guideposts. Com, Social Media Director for SouthernWriters Magazine and the Senior Editor for NovelRocket.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. Don't miss her new book from Worthy Inspired, WHILE MY SOLDIER SERVES.