How to Get the Most Out of Writing Conferences
Writing conferences can leave you feeling invigorated, ready to tackle current and future writing projects with enthusiasm.
Five tips to have a productive writing conference
Here are five tips if you're considering attending a writing workshop.
Think about what you want. There are so many options out there. Ask yourself what you want to take away from this experience. Be honest! Do you want:
feedback on your current writing project?
craft lectures?
to meet literary agents?
to mingle with other writers?
quiet writing time?
I’ve attended conferences that offered many of the above items without set writing time. In fact, the schedule was so jam-packed, I often spent what little downtime we had in a daze. That brings me to the next point.
Know what you're getting yourself into. You're going to be out of your comfort zone. Plenty of people you don't know will be reading your work. Maybe you've come to the workshop from out of town. There might be a (gasp!) mixer. It can be scary. Read the details about the workshop, including the fine print.
How are the days structured?
Will you have "homework," e.g. reading workshop submissions in preparation for the next day?
What is expected of you? What level of participation is needed?
What is the participant-to-teacher ratio? Is it reasonable for this type of workshop?
How many participants will there be? How diverse is it?
Are "big name" authors/agents/editors important to you?
Do you want to attend a venerable workshop (read: very competitive), or are you willing to go for the scrappy upstart (read: possible bumps in the road)?
If you poke around on the workshop's website, you should be able to find the answers to most of these questions. Be wary of vague statements and no contact info.
Get behind the scenes. Once you've narrowed your options, the best way to find out about the workshop is to ask someone who has been. Don't rely on the blurbs posted to the workshop website. Post the question on social media and follow up privately to make sure this is the right workshop for you.
Understand that fellow participants and teachers are there to help you...but not coddle you. If you're seeking a lot of one-on-one attention, it might be better to attend a formal class or hire an editor. If you're seeking unabashed praise, it might be better to ask your mother. (Thanks, Mom!)
Be generous. Most workshops ask that you offer feedback to other writers. This is such an important part of the process, it is not to be taken lightly. I'd argue that you can learn as much or more by giving than receiving. If you're not at the stage where you are ready to give thoughtful comments on another writer's work, consider postponing to a future workshop.
Six ways to give and receive feedback
If you’re attending a writers conference or any writing workshop, here are five guidelines to help make sure you have a productive workshop experience:
Honor the rules. They are there for a reason. Most workshops have formal or informal rules. Submit the required number of pages in the required format. At the required time. Send your comments to other writers as requested. If the workshop leader asks you to remain quiet while others are discussing your work, then remain quiet. That also means no strange faces, no audible sighs, no slumping back in your seat.
It's all about giving and receiving. I'm often amazed when a writer tries to slide by with lame feedback on everyone else's work but expects a dissertation on his or her work. First, this is a two-way street. Second, you learn as much (or more!) by offering thoughtful comments on another writer's work as you do reading comments about your work. You're engaging in critical thinking, rather than passively reading.
Check your ego at the door. Your group doesn't need to be bombarded with comments insisting that they MUST change something or they will be sent to writing purgatory. And no piling on without adding something new.
Addendum: Likewise, check the cheerleading at the door. Writers are there for honest feedback. While I'd love to hear that you think I'm the next Ruth Ozeki, I also need information about how to improve.
Honest feedback doesn't mean brutally honest. Yes, we writers need a thick skin. If you can't take having your work dissected, this might not be the best creative outlet for you. But there is a line between offering constructive criticism and criticizing. If you're not sure where that line is, ask the group leader.
Remember that the character's lifestyle and beliefs don't necessarily match the author's...or yours. And that's okay.
Addendum: Just because you're not familiar with something doesn't mean it's not possible. A long time ago (in a land far, far away), I had submitted a short story for feedback. One woman found my character unrealistic because she lived in an apartment above a hair salon. "Who does that?" the woman asked.