Prairie Writers and Illustrator’s Day 2018

There are a lot of reasons to go to writers conferences. The obvious one is that you learn a ton and it always reinvigorates me. After the day is over I’m itching to get back to writing.

As someone who struggles with building out character motivations, I loved this “Dungeons and Dragons” themed talk on character building from @WeslieTurner. Excellent talk, excellent advice. “Keep asking What If questions. That’s how you create great characters.”#PWID2018 @scbwi pic.twitter.com/GdaQSttHqK

— Michelle A. Sharpe (@MichelleASharpe) October 27, 2018

It’s also great for networking. When I went to my first Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrator’s (SCBWI) conference in 2015, I knew almost no one. This year, it felt like I couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone I have a connection with: people from my local SCBWI region, new friends I’ve made at other conferences, writers I know from online forums, and fellow volunteers for KidlitNation.

 

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More smiles from yesterday’s conference. Including a shot of all 5 of KidLit Nation’s scholarship recipients. #kidlit #authorlife

A post shared by Christine Mapondera Talley (@mapondera.christine) on Oct 28, 2018 at 1:47pm PDT

And this brings me to another major benefit. Yes, it’s useful to know people in the industry. These are people who can help spread word of mouth about my books or help connect me with work contacts. But even more importantly, these are my friends and community.

Some of the awesome 12x12ers at Prairie Writer’s and Illustrator’s Day today! Thanks @SCBWI_IL for the wonderful day of learning!! #amwriting #pwid2018 pic.twitter.com/B4dI2HyoWw

— Anne Kurisch Young (@ayoung328) October 28, 2018

Writing can seem like a really lonely endeavor – sitting alone at a computer typing away. That’s definitely some of it, but in the digital age, we also connect over the internet. We find support, camaraderie, and friendships with like-minded writers around the country and around the world. I’m so thankful that the internet is able to bring us together, but there’s an extra joy in getting to see people face to face.

This introverts cup was full to overflowing this weekend. Now I’m ready to hide back in my office and get some writing done.