The Snowflake Chronicles

Letter from the Editor for June Fantasy Newsletter

Should I attend a writers' convention?

Here are the reasons a fantasy or science fiction writer should attend a writing convention.

'We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.'
Ernest Hemingway

"Read a ton. Take a workshop course so you learn to give and get criticism."
Jodi Picoult

I reviewed four articles in may by an author who attended the Balticon (Baltimore Science Fiction Convention), which got me to thinking about writing conferences, conventions, and workshops. As I read those articles, I realized that I have been missing educational and networking opportunities by not attending any of these conventions. When I encountered these opportunities, I had, or thought I had, good reasons for not attending. Looking back at the reason I did not attend, I realize that all I had to do was make a little more effort and make a few sacrifices. I am placing one of those articles in the Editor's Pick section. I encourage any who has not attend a conference go to the author's portfolio and read all four of those articles.

Reasons to attend end a writer's convention or conference?

1. It is an educational experience because you receive information about plotting, characters, description, etc.
2. Network with editors, publishers, and other authors.
3. You have a chance to interact with other authors through question and answer sessions.
4. You grow as a writer.

If you are looking for a writer's conference in your area, but you do not belong to a writer's group then do an Internet search for "Writers Conference your city". This should give you the information you want. You can also search Facebook or Twitter for a writers conference. If anyone has information about this subject that you would like to share, please submit it to this newsletter.