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“How about some guidance
of spending money to improve our writing?"
“When should a writer
invest money in attending conferences, or getting professional critiques from
writers/agents? When should a writer attend classes or workshops vs reading and
practicing on their own?"
Look at the money spent on conferences, critiques
and classes as investing in yourself. There is no wrong time to invest in you.
If you have the opportunity to attend a writing
conference, I highly recommend you go. These conferences have keynotes and
workshops designed to help you with your writing. You will leave with newfound
ways to improve your work. The same holds true with writing classes.
Professional critiques can go either way. I’ve been fortunate when I’ve done
these. The editor or agent provided thoughtful feedback that helped me to see
where my writing lacked, what would improve the scene, and what worked.
Critiques from established writers are also valuable. Writers know what
elements are needed to catch a reader’s attention. They’re passionate about
their craft and, if they’re doing critiques, they want to pass along their
knowledge.
“What about entering
contests as a way of perfecting their craft, even if novels are their main
interest?”
Some contests do offer feedback to contestants.
Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel Award is one of them. If you make it to round two,
you will be able to see the judges’ comments. I found this very helpful when I
participated in this contest. Not all contests provided feedback, though. If
you’re entering for feedback, then select contests accordingly.
“General guideline
stuff. It's easy to go too much one way or the other.”
The guidelines I use to decide if I’m going to
attend a conference or sign up for a writing class are as follows:
- Does the class/conference offer something that will help me improve my craft?
- Can I afford to go?
- Of my choices, is this the best choice for my current needs?
- For conferences, are there going to be speakers there I want to hear?
- As far as if I’m going to spend extra money on a professional critique, do I have something to submit? Even though the idea of a critique is to get feedback on my current work-in-progress, I know the first chapter of a first draft is most likely going to change. I like to wait until the first draft is done or I’m sure there aren’t going to be major changes to the plot or characters before submitting material for a professional critique.
I hope you find this helpful. I'd like to thank Kim for provided this quesitons.
If you have a tip to share, please share it in
the comments.
It helped me. I've never consider a conference because of the cost. But when I'm ready to attend one I'll be looking for the sign up sheet for all the extras and put my learning cap on. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Shout with Emaginette
Glad it helped =) Local conferences are always nice, because you don't have to worry about travel expenses.
DeleteGreat advice. I've had people ask why I attend conferences if I'm already published, but I think there's always more to learn, no matter where you are in your career. Even if you're only able to do one day at a local conference, for example, it can still be worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I'm attending one this month and can't wait.
DeleteI admit, I've not spent money for a conference or anything like that. If I was going to make a career out of it, I probably would.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy them. I've met a lot of great people and always come back motivated.
DeleteIt used to irk me that the business-around-the business of publishing was a bigger money maker than the business itself. But I have accepted it and realize that these conferences and other paid services were particularly helpful for a beginner. Later you can actually deduct the expense from income. Time and inclination permitting, some writers like to break the isolation and support others.
ReplyDeleteVery true.
DeleteI always learn so much at conferences, and better yet, the fill my inspiration well to the top. It's also nice to be immersed in the writing community face-to-face.
ReplyDeleteI do like being surrounded by other writers and people in the industry.
DeleteI think it's good to ask yourself these questions. I went to more conferences when I was first starting out than I do now. I've found they're not as helpful if you're not a beginner, although I always enjoy spending time with other writers.
ReplyDeleteI always learn a lot, so I enjoy attending conferences when I can.
DeleteGreat post, Cherie! I think RT was too expensive for what I got out of it, though I am glad I experienced it at least once in my career. But I do think it's worth it to pay for editing when I self-publish.
ReplyDeleteGood to know about RT. I haven't been to that one yet
DeleteThis post is really helpful indeed. It's just sad that some people think that writing can easily be done without spending a dime, and while that is possible, the output might not be as good as you expect it to be.
ReplyDeleteSo true. I always learn something at these events and from courses. I'm glad you found this helpful.
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