Lessons from a Writer’s Conference

Jonathan Maberry - Image via Wikipedia

Last Friday I packed up the White Rabbit and drove across the state to attend my first writer’s conference. I’m glad I went.

This trip seemed the next logical step in a process that began last summer when I committed to writing as a potential full-time career. The conference was perfect for what I needed, a brief event with less than 200 people attending and a nice tune up to the next conference which will be much longer and larger.

Some of the info coming at me wasn’t surprising at all. I didn’t need anyone to tell me that nonfiction writers are outnumbered by the fiction crowd big time. Other good reminders include the fact that writers need to write everyday and Kristen Lamb rocks. *Looks at camera 3, winks.*

I was flying solo and enjoyed getting to know a number of folks who just happened to be the next person around the corner. After an uneventful first night, the second day included plenty of good stuff to keep my brain chugging along.

Here are a couple highlights.

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Some of the best stuff of the weekend came from New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry. I’d be better off even without specific takeaway points and strategies to chew on. His persistence in and passion for the craft are as contagious as the zombie viruses he’s written about. I have respect for the respect he shows aspiring authors.

But gravy for me because I did learn some great lessons from him. They include: