Thoughts on a Writing Conference from a Newbie

So. Last weekend I attended the LDStoryMakers writing conference. It was my very first writing conference - ever!

In a word I Loved It! - okay three words.

Over the next few Mondays I will be sharing some of my impressions from the conference. Today I would just like to share a few thoughts about the conference in general - see through the eyes of a newbie.

1. If you like to write and you can - attend a conference.
I loved going to the writing conference. I learned so much. Met a few people (As an introvert I was overwhelmed by all the people so did not break out of my shell very much). And generally had a great time.

2. It is exhausting.
Since I live a mere 1.5 hour drive from where the conference was held I carpooled down and back both days with a group of ladies from my writers group. It was two very long days!

3. Your first time - go with friends.
If you can go with friends your first time - I would. Especially if you are an introvert. It is less intimidating.

4. Choose your sessions wisely.
I went into the conference with one goal - to learn things that would help my writing. So I looked over the offered classes and tried to pick ones on subjects I was weak in. I also went to a few fun ones just because I wanted to.

5. Take good notes.
Take lots and lots of notes. I got so much information thrown at me that there is no way I could have kept all of that in my head.

6. Be prepared to be inspired.
I got an idea for a new writing project in the middle of one of my classes. It was a good thing I had paper and a pencil near by so I could jot down my ideas. Then on the drive home I bounced them off my writers group buddies. Sigh, so wonderful.

Have you ever been to a writing conference? What did you think?

The Mighty Pen #45

The Mighty Pen flash fiction contest is a just for fun writing contest (inspired by my wonderful husband). I post the beginning of a story – and you post an end! I will choose a winner and several honorable mentions. The contest is open until Sunday night and the winner is announce on Monday where I feature them on my blog. Check out past winners on the tab above.

Note: This is a family friendly blog – so please keep it PG rated. Thanks!

The Beginning

"It all started last week..."

Three Words #45

One of my favorite writing games is something I call three words. I post three words and encourage you to write a flash fiction piece containing those three words. If you would like to challenge me – post three words for me and next week I will post a piece of flash fiction using your words. Enjoy!

Three Words

• Green
• Star
• Length

Flash Fiction

Using the three words: Blue, Frame, and Loop (from last week.)

I took the brush and dipped it in the blue paint. Without really paying attention I looped the brush along the unfinished frame. The result looked more like blue splotches then blue swirls.

Nanny Marsel looked over my shoulder. She clicked her tongue and shook her head. "You really should pay attention to your painting, deary. Sloppy work reflects a sloppy mind."

Prompt Tuesday #46

Every Tuesday I post a writing prompt and my response. It gives me a chance to exercise my writing muscles outside of my WIP, and hopefully inspire you to write. So enjoy my flash fiction piece and post your own in the comments!

Prompt

Source: Writing.com

"A new store in the mall attracts some unwanted guests."

Response

The door chime sounded. I sighed. Open five minutes and already our first customer.

The tall lanky man with scraggly gray hair approached the counter. He looked around the store and then leaned closer to me.

"I hear you have," he paused and looked around again, "rock candy."

I closed my eyes so that he could not see them roll. "Yes, we have seven flavors. They include cherry, grape, lime, and strawberry. Over there." I pointed to the back of the store.

The man sauntered off down a different aisle and started working his way over to the rock candy display.

The door chime sounded again.

This time it was a large woman dipped in pink. A broad pointed hat perched a top her head.

She waddled over to me. "Do you have any...boxed chocolates?"

I nodded and pointed to the glass display case I was leaning on. She smiled without looking down. "And what about cookie mixes."

I pointed to the display behind her. She turned, and then whirled back around. "Oh and you would not happen to have rock candy?"

"Back of the store."

Before the pink pom-pom could waddle away the door chime sounded again. This time it was a young man with black hair and a tuxedo. Morning was a popular time for weird people to go shopping.

The pink pom-pom and the skinny magician dude looked each up and down and sneered.

Just then the old man came up to the counter with his arms full of rock candy. I glanced over at the display to see that he had completely cleaned us out.

"It's mine. All mine. I want it, I want it," he repeated over and over.

I started counting the packages of rock candy while the three customers erupted into an argument. Each of them pulled out a long slender stick and pointed it at one of the others.

Who did these people think they were? Characters from Harry Potter?

I sighed and reached under the counter to press the security call button. It was going to be a long day.