THE REAL VALUE OF A WRITING CONFERENCE by Guest Blogger Penny Hutson

Whether you’ve attended many conferences in the past or none, if you’re on the fence about going to one this year, let me reveal a little secret to you. Although individual writers may have specific reasons for participating, such as searching for an agent or publisher, networking with other writers, learning more about craft or marketing, having their work critiqued or even entering a writing contest; the truth is that the real value of any kind of conference is its power to motivate and inspire us.

Inspiration and motivation are the backbone of every successful writer, artist, musician, teacher, mother/father – you name it. Anyone in any occupation, craft, or endeavor will go further, fly higher and produce more when motivated and inspired. And we all know that feeling when the keys or the pen or paint brush is flowing. We’re bristling with energy or excitement, and we can’t wait to get back to our work. We probably also know that other feeling when our hands or our feet or our brains are like lead, and we can’t get anything done.

So, whether you’re flying high in the zone or in a rut or somewhere in between with your writing, a conference has just what you need. There’s a workshop or talk where you’ll hear that one thing you needed to get out of that slump or fix that issue or finish that draft; or it might take you to that next level or step. You never know what you’ll get until you walk into that room, take a seat, and listen.

So, don’t let that opportunity pass. Don’t let another year go by without refueling your tank. Give yourself that advantage, the edge you may need. And don’t deprive others of the gift of you because you never know who you might touch or who needs to hear exactly what you had to say. I believe the words of the 17^th century poet, Jon Donne, that “No man is an island, entire of itself.” The truth is, we all need each other, and that includes you.

Having said all of that, if you’re interested in finding out more about a local writing conference that’s coming up, please see below.

The Hampton Roads Writers (HRW) are sponsoring their 15th annual Writers Conference at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center located at 5655 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (along the Virginia Beach/Norfolk border) on November 9-11.

The basic conference rate includes 2 plus-day admission (November 9 - 11), daily continental breakfast and lunch, (no outside food permitted), all-day beverages, no-fee writing contests, First 10-Line Critique Sessions, two 10-minute pitches with an agent, 90-minute social, and open mic.

HRW will also host two professional writers as their keynote speakers. Amy Collins is a literary agent (1 of 5 at the conference), an editor and published non-fiction author. Dani Pettrey has sold 800,000 copies of her 17 novels to readers eagerly waiting for the next release.

There will be more than 45 workshop sessions from which to choose, ranging from poetry to short stories to novels and screenwriting, as well as all kinds of nonfiction. There will also be sessions on using the writing software program Scrivener; how to pitch to an agent; using Amazon, Facebook, and social media to market your book and find readers; writing deep dialogue, compelling stories, and authentic characters; creating suspense; writing different forms of poetry; use of plotting and timing; starting and revising a novel, and much, much more.

This conference offers something for the new and aspiring writers, as well as the seasoned writers. There is something for every age group and practically every major genre, including screenwriting for all levels.

If you’re interested, register online at hamptonroadswriters.org/2023-conference/