I attended my first writer’s conference over two years ago. Aside from the presenters, not one attendee had published a book. Some were talking about it, others were working on it, and a few were seeking an agent, but no one had published anything beyond an article.
How discouraging. No one had a success story to share; no one had a book deal to show it could be done. It was an overwhelming feeling that cast a pall over the entire event.
I left discouraged.
The second writing conference I attended was the Breathe Christian Writers Conference. The attitudes and atmosphere there was quite different. Although most attendees were in the not-yet-published category, there where an encouraging minority who had. They shared their successes, not in a look-at-me manner, but with an inspiring you-can-do-it-too perspective.
I left motivated. The conference was what I needed. I knew that with hard work and perseverance I could be like them.
Although we write alone, we need others to encourage us on our journey; they can breathe life into our writing.
[I will soon be attending my third Breathe Writing Conference, October 12-13 and hope to see you there.]
Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.
Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.