I’m back from the 2024 Pacific Northwest Writers Conference, and this time I had an entirely different and interesting view of the event–not as an attendee, but as an exhibitor!
My publishing journey began two years ago at this Seattle-based conference when I pitched The Byzantine Cross to agents and publishers. I am happy to say I was able to get two groups interested; a traditional publisher and a literary agent. I chose the publisher because I felt it was better to get closer to the process with my first book because I knew there would be a lot I could learn from them. That decision gave me a good informal education of the publishing process and now I have a better overall view of the literary world.
Last November, I took another step into the literary world when I accepted a job at a book review company. I work with authors every day and have amazing access to the knowledge and experience of authors, publishers, book marketers, and leaders in the publishing business.
A Community of Writers and Publishers
I’ve attended a few different author conferences over the years and each time there is a tremendous supportive energy that is shared between the attendees. This year I met people from all backgrounds who have thought about writing, have written novels, and many who are already published authors. We swap stories and talk about what we’ve experienced, recommending helpful websites and warning against obstacles.
Some familiar faces stopped by the booth, many of them new friends, and the day was filled with fun, imaginative, and interesting conversations. I even had the opportunity to speak with an airline steward on a layover who’d written a book and now he believes he’s on the right path to publishing!
Time flew by!
Writing conferences have always acted as fuel for my writing career. I go to a conference, meet people, learn some new information, and before I know it, I find my writing accending to the next level.
So, to all the interesting people I spoke to last weekend at the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference–thanks for the great conversations!