The power of connection: How to find conferences and writers’ groups to help you grow as a writer
Writing is a solitary business. Long stretches alone at a computer, punctuated by the occasional happy email. To make sure it isn’t a lonely business, it helps to gather with other like-minded writers. These people can offer both encouragement for the tough times and critique to help you hone your craft. They can also be an important source of encouragement in the good writing times, as well as the bad. The two most common ways to connect with other writers are through conferences and writer’s groups.
Conferences
Writer’s conferences can be a way to both hone your craft and fellowship with other writers. They offer writers the chance to focus on relevant industry subjects, as well as the chance to network with others and pitch to editors or agents. Writers conferences often centre around a particular genre of fiction (for instance there are big conferences for writers of romance, historical novels and speculative fiction held each year) or topic of non-fiction.
Tip: Your state based writer’s centre can point you in the right direction to find a conference that suits your needs.
Since the pandemic, many writers conferences have moved online or offer digital tickets to participants who can attend from anywhere in the world. This allows Australians to access content from overseas writers conferences that were previously limited to those who could afford to travel and provides exciting opportunities for learning.If you are buying.
Tip: If you are looking for connection through attending an online writer’s conference (not just the learning provided in the sessions) make sure your ticket includes networking sessions and be proactive about introducing yourself in online forums.
The Omega Writers conference alternates between an in person and an online conference. It is designed around the needs of Australian Christian writers and caters for both brand new writers and established authors, no matter their genre. The conference provides ample opportunities to network with other like-minded and supportive colleagues. Our next conference is coming up in Sydney on 20-22 September. Click here for details.
Writer’s groups
While big conferences can give you huge bang for your buck, if you are looking for a regular catch up with writing colleagues, you might like to try a local writer’s group. These are often run out of state-based writer’s centres, local council arts programs and sometimes the local library. They may be organised around genre, or sometimes, experience level. Some groups have guest speakers. While some run writing-related events or even writing ‘sprints’ to help keep you focused. Some offer critique and feedback on current writing projects.
Tip: Your state-based writer’s centre may be able to help you find a suitable group.
Members of Omega Writers run smaller writing groups (called chapters) all across the country. These chapters usually meet for two hours every couple of months. These groups are a great place to get Christian encouragement for your writing. Find more information about each chapter here.
Did you know?
Prayer is one powerful source of encouragement and connection that we have as Christian writers. To find out more about the Omega Writers prayer meetings, connect with us on Facebook!
