Why you should go to a writers convention
Plus events and a contest!
Some people are afraid of annual conferences hosted by writers’ organizations. (Let me back up in case you weren’t aware: all writing genres have writers’ organizations, and most of them host a big annual get together). I get it. Nothing triggers those first-day-of-school-I-don’t-know-anyone fears like going to an event where you don’t know anyone.
For those of you who’ve been contemplating whether it’s worth it, particularly if you’re trying to get published, you really need to go. You need to understand the business and here you’ll get the truth, as opposed to only listening to toxic echoes in the back channels of the internet. You need to build a network of your peers. One day, you may need to ask an author to blurb you, and this is where you break the ice. You’ll have the opportunity to pitch agents and editors. In the dealers room, you’ll meet small presses and get to talk to indie authors, and get everyone’s opinions on which route is best for your goals. You’ll get craft and business advice from the panels. And, going to the readings, you’ll be inspired and find new writers to follow.
Because I write in different genres, I have belonged to a number of these organizations simultaneously and gone to many conferences. I can say without fear of correction that Stokercon, the annual conference of the Horror Writers Association, which I just attended this past weekend, is the best.
Horror people are the friendliest people on earth. Maybe it’s because horror people tend to have been weird kids once upon a time and know what it feels like to be the outsider. Maybe we just refuse to cauterize our feelings and thus we are more empathetic. I don’t like going to most writers’ conferences because they can be competitive and clique-y. Stokercon is neither of these things. It is welcoming and warm and I always enjoy myself even though deep down, I am an introvert.
I got back from Stokercon on Sunday and already, I miss these people. Too many to list here. I got to meet ifolks whose books I’ve blurbed in person, the ones with whom I’ve had many exchanges on social media, the writers whose books I’ve read and admired. I caught up with many old friends and made new ones. All in all, three days was too little time.
This year, Stokercon had nearly 900 registered attendees. That’s double the amount from the last time I went a few years back and a solid indication of the rising popularity of the horror genre. Also heartening: the crowd skewed younger than any writer’s convention I can remember.
I’m cutting this a little short because there’s more stuff to get to (below), but if you have any questions about writers conferences, drop them in the comments.
EVENTS, including Updates
July 5: If you’re in the D.C. area this Fourth of July weekend, I’ll be at the newly reopened Barnes & Noble in Tysons Corners, VA, signing books and chatting with folks from 12 noon - 3 pm.
July 15 - 19: APOLOGIES: I’ve had to cancel my appearance at Celsius 232, the Spanish festival of science fiction, fantasy, and horror.
August 1 - 2: I’ll be at Books & Brew 2.0 in Noblesville, IN, partying with the denizens of the Books of Horror FB page. Many awesome horror writers will be there.
August 19: Release day for the Stephen King-inspired anthology, THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT, will see 13 events at cities in the U.S., Canada, and U.K. with a good number of the contributing authors. This might be some kind of record. The line-up is truly amazing. I’ll be at co-editor Brian Keene’s bookstore in Columbia, PA, with Chuck Wendig, Ron Malfi, Richard Chizmar, Bryan Smith and Somer Canon. You must get a ticket to attend this event, and that includes a copy of the hardcover edition.
August 21: I’ll be part of a virtual panel hosted by Poisoned Pen bookstore for THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT. Details are not yet available; please check back.
August 30: I’ll be signing THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT at the newly reopened Barnes & Noble in Glen Allen, VA outside of Richmond. Again, it’s too early for details, such as which other authors will be attending (though I know the wonderful Hailey Piper will be there), so please check back.
Stay tuned for information on the book tour for FIEND
Share-the-wealth giveaway: I’m giving away a bunch of swag from Stokercon, including the Tor/Nightfire tote bag, tee-shirt (adult medium), the program book and books Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle and Spread Me by Sarah Gailey, some bookmarks and a Nona the Ninth enamel pin from Tamsyn Muir’s series.
To win, leave a comment below. The winner must provide a U.S. mailing address to claim the prize.
I am thinking about attending the Broadleaf Writers Conference in Decatur Ga this year. Creative writing has been a dream that I have never felt capable of achieving, and so I never really tried. Maybe putting this out into the universe will push me forward!
OK, So as a former english teacher, I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to go to a writers convention! Are these open to non-authors? Can the "public" go? I am in Cincinnati and would love to see you if you ever make it to this area!