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!
Broadleaf is awesome! Super friendly people and a little smaller, so it's the perfect conference to dip your toe in. If you go, I'll say hi when I see you!
My fantasy for next year: I do zero panels or other programming, and spend the entire convention just chatting with people (warning: you rank high on that list!). I know it'll never happen, but one can dream.
I'd love to go to writers' conferences, but most are too expensive for me, especially when adding in travel, hotel, and meals. StokerCon would be a dream come true for me.
I completely understand. There are some options you could check out, like the virtual conference, where you get to attend virtually. So no travel or other expenses beyond the ticket. Unfortunately, you miss out on the socializing and networking but you can submit questions to panels virtually, too.
I’ve been to a few writers conventions and a few library conventions. Authors are such amazing people. Of the 5 conventions I attended, the authors were all approachable and gracious people. I retired from our local public library after 36 years to care for my grandchildren. One of my favorite positions was selecting fiction books(all genres) for our adult patrons. Such a thrill to introduce readers to new authors. An added bonus was reading them myself.
Thank you for weighing. Library conventions are among my favorites. It's so nice to be around people who choose to be 100 percent with books :-) and reading.
And thank you for the kind words about The Hunger.
Thanks for the recap and Q&A! I am in a discord group with some authors that attended and The Room of Lamp was a big topic of conversation.
One eventual goal is to get an agent and get a novel traditionally published. Would it best to have that manuscript ready to submit to agents before going to a con and pitching/networking, etc.?
Opinions will vary, but I would say yes. For one thing, writing a novel isn't like writing non-fiction: it's not just the idea that sells a book but an agent has to see that you're able to finish the darn thing (endings being infamously hard). They can't help you fix it or sell it if it's not finished.
Thanks for sharing. I’ve been a fan for a long time and am very much looking forward to Fiend! I’ve never been to a writers convention, is that something that makes sense for someone who doesn’t want to write and is just a fan? Thanks!
Thanks Alma! I write murder mysteries and I thought people who write about killing people were the most fun to be around. Now you've inspired me to attend StokerCon and have even more fun!
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!
I'd never heard of it until now! Looks interesting. Some good speakers!
Broadleaf is awesome! Super friendly people and a little smaller, so it's the perfect conference to dip your toe in. If you go, I'll say hi when I see you!
That is great to hear. Thank you for sharing that.
I'm definitely biased, but I hope to see you this September in Decatur, Doug!
It’s been encouraging to see such a positive response from folks on this feed.
I would love to go to StokerCon! Bring it to the Atlanta area!
My understanding is that the HWA chapters help with planning Stokercons. I see there is an Atlanta chapter: https://www.facebook.com/groups/410717196113888
OOOO, thank you!
Holy smokes, the lineup for the anthology book launch is so stacked!
And I've heard the stories are amazing. Of course: everyone wants to do their best for Mr. King
My fantasy for next year: I do zero panels or other programming, and spend the entire convention just chatting with people (warning: you rank high on that list!). I know it'll never happen, but one can dream.
Count me in.
I'm excited to see that StokerCon is coming back to Pittsburgh next year, as I missed it last time.
TWO years in a row--2026 and 2027!
Oh wow, I did not know about 2027.
And, BookCon is restarting in NYC next year! What a time to be a reader and writer!
There is nothing scary about horror people, unless you’re terrified of friendly people.
Fear of enjoying yourself?
Glad you had fun! Horror people are the best.
Take care,
Troy
So . . . what's the second best conference? ;)
James River Writers for sure!
It was so amazing meeting you in person! Your writing has definitely inspired me in many ways. See you next year 🤞
Great to meet you, too! Thanks for the kind words
Love reading your newsletters. Thanks for keeping us informed.
My pleasure
I'd love to go to writers' conferences, but most are too expensive for me, especially when adding in travel, hotel, and meals. StokerCon would be a dream come true for me.
I completely understand. There are some options you could check out, like the virtual conference, where you get to attend virtually. So no travel or other expenses beyond the ticket. Unfortunately, you miss out on the socializing and networking but you can submit questions to panels virtually, too.
I’ve wanted to go to StokerCon for a few years now…I think your post finally convinced me! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Yay! Pittsburgh next year
A bit of a drive from Philly, but hey—same state! 😄
I’ve been to a few writers conventions and a few library conventions. Authors are such amazing people. Of the 5 conventions I attended, the authors were all approachable and gracious people. I retired from our local public library after 36 years to care for my grandchildren. One of my favorite positions was selecting fiction books(all genres) for our adult patrons. Such a thrill to introduce readers to new authors. An added bonus was reading them myself.
I LOVED The Hunger. It’s on my keeper shelf.
Thank you for weighing. Library conventions are among my favorites. It's so nice to be around people who choose to be 100 percent with books :-) and reading.
And thank you for the kind words about The Hunger.
Thanks for the recap and Q&A! I am in a discord group with some authors that attended and The Room of Lamp was a big topic of conversation.
One eventual goal is to get an agent and get a novel traditionally published. Would it best to have that manuscript ready to submit to agents before going to a con and pitching/networking, etc.?
Opinions will vary, but I would say yes. For one thing, writing a novel isn't like writing non-fiction: it's not just the idea that sells a book but an agent has to see that you're able to finish the darn thing (endings being infamously hard). They can't help you fix it or sell it if it's not finished.
Thanks for sharing. I’ve been a fan for a long time and am very much looking forward to Fiend! I’ve never been to a writers convention, is that something that makes sense for someone who doesn’t want to write and is just a fan? Thanks!
Stokercon tends to be heavy on writers, but I would think fans would be VERY welcome. There are options for attendance, including one day passes.
Thanks Alma! I write murder mysteries and I thought people who write about killing people were the most fun to be around. Now you've inspired me to attend StokerCon and have even more fun!
If you write pure mysteries, you might want to also check out some of the conferences for mystery and thriller. There are a lot of them besides Bouchercon. https://inreferencetomurder.typepad.com/my_weblog/upcoming-conferences.html