Lessons learned at the ACFW writing conference I went to last week:

1. Don’t stay up till 4am when you have to get up at 6am the next morning in preparation to wedge yourself into the middle seat on a long flight home.

2. I get massive energy being around other people insane enough to write novels.

3. Karen Ball (my editor) could be a stand-up comedian if she chose to.

4. John Olson (one of my critique partners) is a stellar teacher on how to write fiction.

5. Writing conferences are about contacts, not contracts.

Had a tremendous time at the conference. Saw many old friends, made some new ones. Was reminded once again, if you’re serious about the craft of writing, go to a conference. Fiction, non-fiction, magazines … whatever you’re writing, the investment of going to a writers conference will be a rocket ship for your career.

But get some sleep before you go.

Tags: contracts at writing conferences, Writing conference lessons