It’s none of their business that you have to learn to write. Let them think you were born that way.– Ernest Hemingway
Writing is a gift, it's a talent and a calling, but it is also, like so many artistic forms, a discipline one must learn and practice in order to master.
Luckily for writers there are many ways to hone the craft of storytelling. There is of course the MFA route, but if that's not for you, there are many other options. A writer can join writer's colonies, workshops, courses, writer's groups and attend writing conferences to develop and refine their craft.
Though I minored in Creative Writing in college, that is the extent of my "formal" writing education. I've opted, in lieu of an MFA, to attend workshops, seek mentors, join writing groups and attend conferences so that I may continue my education and develop my writing while maintaining ties to the community of writers around me.
It just so happens that it's almost time for my absolute favorite writing conference- Writer's Work.
I attended my first Writers Work conference in August and the experience was overwhelmingly positive.
Writers Work is created and organized by my good friend, writer and co-founder of the former Brenner Writer's Group, Tracy Sayre.
The Best New York Writer's Conference- Writers Work
At the Writers Work conference last fall, there were workshops on craft, opportunities for participants to network and give each other feedback, there was an agent pitch session, workshops pertaining to getting published, an inspiring presentation by Aryn Kyle (author of The God of Animals) and each participant received a swag bag with the sharpest leather bound moleskin writing journals around (just saying).
Writer's Work is a one day conference packed with the tools to not only develop yourself as a writer, but to help you find an enriching community and work as a writer.
Now in its third year, the Writers Work conference features an impressive line-up:
June 27, 2015 Writers Work Conference!
Registration and Social Breakfast Meet and greet 10am-10:45am
Doors open at 10am. Enjoy a light breakfast while meeting your fellow writers. Don't miss the door prizes!
How to Pay the Rent with Your Writing April Greene 11:45-12:15pm
Have you dreamed of quitting your day job? April has all the tricks for finding freelance writing gigs and she's here to share them with you. Find out how to promote yourself, what to charge, and how to find the gigs.
One-on-One Time with an Agent/Lunch Jennifer Udden 1-2:15pm
A personal connection with an agent is priceless. If you purchase the ticket for one-on-one time, you'll get five minutes to sit with Jennifer Udden and ask all of your questions. Get feedback on your pitch and make a connection that might help with future submissions! Jennifer is an agent at Donald Maass Literary Agency.
What to Expect When You're Expecting to Publish 3-4pm
Do you know what happens after you sign up with an agent? Laura does. Her debut novel, The Summertime Girls (Penguin Random House), is coming out this August and she's here to tell you everything you need to know before you publish.
Get into the Creative Flow Susan Merson 10:45-11:45am
Surprise yourself with your own writing! This is a chance to try something new and share your work in a supportive environment.
Write the Perfect Query Letter Jennifer Udden 12:15-1pm
Literary agents receive 100s of queries a day. This one-page letter stands between you and representation. Find out the dos and don'ts for submissions as well as some tricks for standing out.
Perfect Your Pitch Tracy Sayre 2:15-3pm
Are you caught off guard when someone asks you what you're working on? By the end of this fun exercise you'll be able to describe your writing with ease and excitement.
- Perfecting your pitch
- Social media for authors
- Dos and donts for query letters
- What to expect after you get an agent
- How to get paid for your writing