It seems to be that time of year; a writers favorite time of year mind you. That's right, we have festivals coming out of our book ends. Well Victoria seems to anyway! So why are writers festivals so important and what can we expect to get out of going to one?
Networking comes to mind as being first and foremost the most important reason to head along to a writers festival. I remember my first writers festival experience at Ballarat when I was first undertaking my studies in Professional Writing and Editing. I not only attended the festival, I also participated in one of their workshops conducted by Rhonda Whitton, co-arthor of 'A Decent Proposal,' and 'Mission Possible.'
This experience truly shaped how I was to go about putting together my proposal for my manuscript which now has been self-published as an ebook. Without Rhonda's genuine and invaluable experience as an author / teacher along with her confidence in my concept, I'm not sure I would have pursued my endeavour to get my concept out there as strongly as I have.
I also remember the buzz of meeting newly published authors, buying their books and having them signed.
There is nothing more exhilarating than to rub shoulders with publishers and editors who otherwise don't have a face. You get to see and talk to them in 'real time' - no pressure and maybe, just maybe this personal contact may change your life as a writer as it did me.
Take the opportunity and get along to a writers festival - even if it is just one - but be warned they are addictive. Good Luck!
Some festivals coming up on the calendar:
Words in Winter July 29 - 31 August 2012
Bendigo Writers Festival 10-12 August 2012
Melbourne Writers Festival 23 August - 2 September
Ballarat Writers Festival 1-2 September 2012
Write around the Murray Festival 5-9 September 2012
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
-
Yes, I am dissappointed to say that my manuscript has returned following an enduring 5 months of waiting to hear a verdict. I have to add ...
-
Well here's a challenge! We all need a little push from time to time and so here it is, and if we all weren't already under enough... -
Well here we are once again; the inaugural writing event for thirty days solid with 50,000 words our ambition. Bring it on, I think I rea...
No comments:
Post a Comment