It’s the middle of summer, and even though school’s out of session for most kids, I know so many of us are focusing on building our skills and our networks. I was thrilled to attend the Writers League of Texas conference in Austin a little over a month ago and was inspired by the aspiring writers, the folks from the League, the other agents and editors, and the wonderful speakers Joshilyn Jackson and Jeff Abbott. One of the best things for me about conferences is meeting writers and expanding my horizons. But I also love doing panels with agents, editors, and writers where we can learn from each other, as I did from David Hale Smith and Michael Signorelli.
I also had the great fortune to “visit” a Mediabistro class taught by the very smart Caitlin Alexander, to answer questions and hear what’s on aspiring writers’ minds. I’m trying to say yes to every invitation I get. Trying, mind you. I also went bookstore hopping this weekend, and went to a gem of a used bookstore over an old mill in Montague, MA. Bookmill is not only beautiful, but full of treasures. I found another copy of one of my favorite books on writing, Eudora Welty’s One Writer’s Beginnings, and a brand new writing book I’m excited about called You Can Write a Mystery. I also visited Northampton’s Booklink and had such fun checking out the new books and imagining my clients’ books on their shelves some day.
There’s so many opportunities out there for those of us who are passionate about writing and books and publishing and we should reach out for them with both hands. Listen to critique partners, be mentored for Pitch Wars, soak up everything on Twitter and on blogs, take a class, go to a conference! Visit bookstores and libraries. It’s like prospecting for gold.
