The Motivational Editor

Helping Writers Go from Unpublished to Published

writers conferences

Finding and Choosing a Writers Conference

by

Editor Debra L. Butterfield teaching at a writers conference.
Debra teaching at a writers conference.

Conference season is gearing up, and writers’ conferences are one of the best ways to make connections in the publishing world. Many publishers accept only manuscripts pitched at conferences. Many accept only those that come through agents, and a conference is the place to connect with both publishing house acquisition editors and literary agents.

I realize attending a conference can get pricey, but good affordable conferences can be found. If the one you want to attend is beyond your budget this year, then start right now setting aside the money needed to attend next year.

Costs and Other Considerations

There’s more to consider than just the actual cost of the conference. Add in: [Read more…] about Finding and Choosing a Writers Conference

The Payoff for Determination and Application: How One Writer Did It

by

Editor Debra L. Butterfield
Debra teaching at a writers conference.

Determination and application of lessons learned must be part of a writer’s repertoire. These occur behind the scenes in the daily grind of the writer’s life. Today, I bring you a guest post that shows us how that paid off for a new writer.

Earlier this year, I taught at Wordsower’s Christian Writers Conference 2018 (#WCWC2018). Many new writers often ask “why attend a conference?” A host of benefits can be gained:

  • Meeting and making friends other writers
  • Learning the craft of writing/screenwriting/fiction/nonfiction
  • Learning the ins and outs of the publishing industry
  • Connecting with acquisitions editors
  • Pitching your work
  • Receiving critiques
  • Encouragement, inspiration, and motivation

The first night at WCWC2018 Dean Skoglund greeted me while I perused the conference bookstore. He was excited to tell me how much my critique of his work last year had helped and that he now had a published book. I did what lots of business owners do, [Read more…] about The Payoff for Determination and Application: How One Writer Did It

Nurture Your Heart

by

Nurture Your HeartAs I write this, I’m sitting in my son’s living room, located in beautiful Colorado Springs. This past weekend, I attended PenCon, a conference for editors. Yes, editors need conferences just like writers.

I can’t say enough good things about this conference organized by Kathy Ide and members of The Christian Pen. I heard terrific speakers, made new friends and connections in the editor world, and learned so much. I’m going home a better editor and a better person. Success all the way around for attending a conference.

Part of what I learned was to nurture your heart, to do things you enjoy and that refresh you.

And I planned this conference well, because in addition to the conference, [Read more…] about Nurture Your Heart

The Conference Is Over, What Now?

by

This past weekend I was at the 2016 Wordsowers Christian Writers’ Conference where I taught on Scrivener, and also heard pitches from authors.

During the opening session, the conference director, Kat Crawford, asked how many were attending their first writers conference. I was pleasantly surprised to see nearly half the attendees raise their hands.

Kudos to you for taking that first major step toward honing your craft and getting your words out into the world.

Now that you’re back home, you might be wondering what to do now. [Read more…] about The Conference Is Over, What Now?

The Making of a Writers Conference

by

With conference season upon us, I thought it would be interesting to learn what goes into creating those conferences, so you can better evaluate the conference(s) you choose to attend (and pray for their organizers).

Hiebert interview

I asked Julane Hiebert, chairwoman of the Called to Write Writers Conference held in Pittsburg, Kansas, to share her experience and advice.

I first met Julane at last year’s Called to Write conference and wish I had had more time to get acquainted with her. Conferences are wonderful places to make new friends who are walking the same journey and understand the joys—and frustrations—of writing!

When and how did the Called to Write conference get started? [Read more…] about The Making of a Writers Conference

7 Writers Conferences to Attend

by

Writer’s conferences are one of the best places to get your work in front of agents and acquisitions editors. While you can find conferences happening the year round, spring and summer have the most to offer.

Now, while you still have time to rearrange your work schedule and purchase plane tickets at a reasonable price, is a good time to look at what’s ahead, and what will meet your needs.

Here are several questions to consider as you study the conferences. [Read more…] about 7 Writers Conferences to Attend

5 Upcoming Writers Conferences

by

Debra L. Butterfield
Photo courtesy of Carol J. Sharp

Writers conferences are not only great places to learn, but they are a lot of fun to attend!

I enjoy teaching at conferences as much as I enjoy attending them. That’s me in the pic above, teaching at the Called to Write Conference in Pittsburg, Kansas, this past April.

At conferences, you’ll learn about writing and the world of publishing as well as be able to present your work to agents and editors. You’ll also be able to network with other writers and make new friendships.

Upcoming writers conferences [Read more…] about 5 Upcoming Writers Conferences