The League Of Utah Writers Quills Conference...Helping Writers

I returned to the hilltop this morning, to the writing conference that began Thursday and ends tonight. I wasn't sure which panels I would attend, or with whom I would converse. Having not sure if I'd even attend until this week, I hadn't planned my schedule or done my homework to know which panels I'd like.

I ended up attending no panels.

I ended up just talking to friends.

I had a great time.

As I walked around the lobby of the University Marriott (a place where, exactly twenty-six years, eleven months, and two days ago my wife and I had our wedding reception...), I chatted with a few people I know, when I heard someone call my name. I scanned the room and saw a friend.

That, in and of itself, is not unusual. After having gone to several of these each year for the past six years, I've gotten to know many people. But, this was the first time I saw him at one of these events. As always, it was good to see him, but it was place I didn't expect to see him. He's not a writer. At least, I didn't think so.

I was wrong.

He is.

In fact, he's written a couple of novels and he wasn't quite sure what his next move should be. 

We had a good talk. He was feeling down because he felt like he didn't belong at the conference. He wasn't sure how he fit in with everyone there. Listening to him talk, his words took me back. Because six years ago, I was in the same boat. In fact, going to writing conferences many times turned out to be an exercise in making me feel terrible. 

We spoke for twenty or thirty minutes, then he joined me and another writing friend for lunch where we continued talking about what writing is and what it isn't, how to "make it," and what the definition of "a successful writer" actually is. Hopefully, the couple of hours we spent together and chatted helped him realize, he's actually doing great and he shouldn't feel like he doesn't belong at the conference. Actually, he's the perfect person a conference like The Quills Conference was made for.

I left early, not having attended one panel. But I felt great as I climbed in my car and drove home. No, I didn't take advantage of all the wisdom found at the conference, but what me and my friend did was help a new writer understand some of the secrets and things we both learned when we first started out. After all, isn't that what a writer's conference should be?

Thank you League of Utah Writers for putting on a great event. You have affected people's lives, mine included.

LUW, The Quills Conference...A Wonderful Event!

Years ago, I attended a League of Utah Writer's bootcamp. I attended for only one day. We spent the time critiquing a first chapter of a work in project. I thought my story was pretty good. They kind of ripped it apart. And that's a good thing. 

That was the last experience I has with LUW. Until today. Thanks to a good friend, I was given access to the LUW The Quills Conference, held above the University of Utah. It's a three-day affair. I missed the first day.

But I'm glad I went today.

It was great!

Over the past several years, when I've gone to writing conferences, the only panels I've attended were the ones I've been on. When not on a panel, I could usually be found in the vendor room trying to sell books. Today, I attended four classes and learned a great deal on many topics, all centered around making me a better writer.

At all these events I run into friends. One of my fondest memories when I think back on all the conferences I've attended is hanging out with friends. We talk writing, families, life, whatever comes up. This afternoon was no exception. It was great chilling with Jay and Glen.

The first panel I attended focused on how to better market yourself as a writer. The presenter is from a publishing house. They had stats and information about the different social media platforms. It's important information because as good a writer you are, you almost need to be better at marking what you wrote. 

After, I attended a first-page critique panel. They critiqued four story beginnings. I learned a lot even though I didn't have a story to critique. Getting immediate feedback from experts was invaluable information. I wished I had thought ahead and brought the beginning of my latest story.

Next, I learned about ten tips for writing by the much-respected Michaelbrent Collings. I've heard Michaelbrent speak numerous times. He's never disappointed. His advice is not only for writers, but he provides a way for you to enjoy your life, your progress, and where you currently are.

Finally, I sat in on a class where a few of us sat around the table and just talked about writing, the business that it is, and how to circumnavigate the confusing world of publishing, hosted by the badger-hat-wearing Dave Butler.

I don't know if I was able to absorb so much information because I'm excited about a new writing project I've recently begun, or because the presenters were great and I needed the information. Whatever it was, I learned, and found a renewed desire to write. I've got one more day to enjoy the event. Day One was a definite success.