By Michelle Griep, @MichelleGriep
Whether you’ve attended a writers conference in the past or are a newbie who’s considering one, here’s a little nugget of advice if you’re debating whether or not to attend one: do it. Just do it. Even if it’s simply an online affair, you won’t be sorry, and here’s why…
Networking
Let’s get this horse out of the stable right away. This is the number one reason in most people’s minds to hurtle their fannies across the country and land at a conference. There are agents. There are editors. There are publicists. There is opportunity. Getting your face in front of other publishing industry faces is a great way to make a memorable impression. That impression, of course, is up to you. I suggest you leave your tiara and sequined leopard leggings at home, and even if you are at home Zooming into a conference, try to look professional—and a professional princess is not what I mean.
People
By virtue of its nature, writing is a solitary profession. Only one pair of hands will fit on a keyboard, no matter how hard you try. Stepping away from that keyboard and developing relationships with other humanoids that have hands is a healthy thing to do. Besides, no one understands the freakish quirks of a writer like other writers.
Education
Workshops. Panels. Appointments with editors and agents. These are all prime opportunities to learn first-hand tips and tricks that will benefit your career. Take advantage of gleaning what you can the whole time you’re there.
Fangirling
Okay, so, yeah, I’ve been known to stalk my favorite authors to snag an autograph. Is that wrong? Besides that, though, big names and little names attend conferences. This is your chance to rub shoulders with them.
Taxes
Sure, it costs a lot of coin to go to a conference. Save your receipts. The whole gig is tax deductible. You’ll be glad about that come next April 15th.
And those are just some of the benefits of going to a conference. I speak from experience. My writing career wouldn’t be where it is today without gleaning from workshops and other publishing experts. Do yourself a favor and check out some writing conferences today.
There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint
Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of historical romances: The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, and A Heart Deceived, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.