I started the summer with good intentions. But somewhere along the hectic schedule, I got off kilter. My daily word count dropped. My creativity level plummeted. I could blame it on the heat wave. Or I could face reality and admit that I needed a spark to get my writing back on track.
That spark came when I saw a news blurb about a weekend writing conference sponsored by the Nebraska Writers Guild and since the location was only 90 miles down the highway, I decided to attend. It offered a handful of morning sessions and time to write. (Plus, it was free!)
Now that I've returned home with a bounty of fresh information and business cards, what do I do with this information? Store the cards for later perusal? Put away my notebook with pages of notes and ideas?
Nope. After the writing conference, it's important to make use of the information immediately. I've already typed the notes I scribbled. It's a good practice because it reinforces the main ideas and helpful hints offered by the presenters. When it's fresh in your mind, you'll put the information into practice. That should translate into more sales.
I'm also in the process of sending notes (yes, handwritten) to the writers and publishers I met and traded writing stories with. Such a varied group of writing interests! This personalized detail to attention will help networking efforts. Perhaps a collaboration or publishing contract will result from these introductions.
And most importantly, now that I'm home, it's time to plant rear end in chair and write. It's time to put inspiration into action.
The spark has reignited!
by LuAnn Schindler. Read more of LuAnn's work at http://luannschindler.com/. Graphic design by LuAnn Schindler
LuAnn--You are so right. It's crucial to "use" the information or regurgitate it right away, so it sticks in your memory. I've found it's helpful to have a friend go with me to conferences--then we can bounce ideas off each other later on, and if one forgets a conference point (perhaps) the other remembers it.
ReplyDeleteGood idea to take a friend!
ReplyDeletehi,
ReplyDeleteI am a freelance writer from Pakistan... I just read your post and I feel horrible as we do not have such opportunities in our country. I really crave to attend such conferences, which is impossible. However, what I do to quench my thirst is read posts from pros like you. I wish if I could write notes, discuss and even argue with a friend like sioux.