Over here, we’re gearing up for PNWA in Seattle next week (7/17-20). We will be making quite a showing with myself, Gordon, and Emily in attendance! Conferences are an excellent way to develop your craft through how-to sessions and workshops, pitch appointments, networking with professionals, and meeting fellow authors.
But what if you can’t spare the time or travel funds just now? Well, look no further than your computer! The wonderful thing about being a writer these days is that an endless array of resources to help you improve your craft—online critique groups, author blogs, online conferences and contests, etc.—are just a few key clicks away. If you’re looking to get writing tips, or maybe get your work in front of a professional (without the jet lag!), why not check out some of the following online events. Some of these I’ve participated in myself, and others I’ve just heard about. Check them out for yourself and get your write on!
Writer’s Digest University – features workshops on specific topics covering most all genres, hosted by various publishing professionals.
Cupid’s Literary Connection, Blind Speed Dating Contest – a pitch contest for various genres where agents (disguised as undercover cupids who bid on your work with arrows) review entries and pick their favorites.
Brenda Drake’s Pitch Madness – Another pitch contest where agents bid on their favorites—featuring fun themes that change regularly!
WriteOnCon – a large and reputable online conference exclusively for kidlit writers, held yearly.
And finally, one of the best places to find out about upcoming online contests and events is on Twitter. Follow bloggers, writing organizations, authors and publishing professionals to stay in the loop!
Have a favorite online contest or event? Please share it in the comments section!
Hope to “see” you at an event soon!
Sara
