Writing conferences or book festivals with conference components offer opportunities for writers of all levels of ability and experience. However, not all writers understand how to make the most of a conference, how to receive the most benefit.

         Let’s examine some benefits of attending a writing conference, and, yes, I include myself because I’m a writer. We learn. No matter how much we know, how long we’ve written, how many books we have published, we can and should continue learning and improving our writing abilities. Sessions and workshops at conferences and some book festivals give us the opportunity to hone our skills, to learn, to improve.

         We are professionals, if we take our writing seriously, and we should act as if we are. Teachers, doctors, nurses, business people attend professional conventions and workshops to stay abreast of new techniques and technology in their fields. As writers, we should do the same as other professionals.

         At many conferences, such as OWFI (Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc.) conference, we rub elbows with New York City agents and editors. In fact at OWFI, authors can make appointments to pitch their books to agents and editors from some of the major agencies and houses. Often small publishers are invited to take pitches from authors, too.

         We network with other writers at conferences, discovering that others not only do what we do (write), but they also understand the struggles and the rewards. We meet and connect with everything from writers who are newbies to bestselling authors. At conferences, I met J.A. Jance, Debbie McComber, Steve Berry, Steven James, the late Tony Hillerman, Dave Lieber, Jordan Dane, Merline Lovelace, Tess Gerritson (creator of Rizoli & Isles), and Margret Daley, just to name a few. Not only do those famous authors meet attendees, they visit and share with us.

         Another way to benefit from a conference is to participate by volunteering. For example, shepherds at the OWFI conference get to interact with special speakers one on one. Imagine picking up someone like J.A. Jance at the airport, having lunch with her, knowing that her attention is yours for those times. Ohhh ...

         Also anyone working the registration or information desk meets everyone. Volunteering allows attendees to become part of the inner circle. Volunteers help keep online conferences working, too. The Muse Online Writer's Conference (October 20-26, 2014) is one conference that is free and offers much a physical conference does, and volunteers are always needed.

         Conferences offer even more than discussed here. Some have writing competitions (such as OWFI). Some offer an opportunity for editors to read the first few pages of a manuscript.

         To learn more about any conference or book festival that has workshops or sessions, search the internet. Find websites and read. Oklahoma Writers’ Federation‘s website is http://owfi.org, for example. The Muse Online Writer's Conference site is http://themuseonlinewritersconference.com/.

         Personally, as I stated earlier, I participate in two or more conferences a year, and I learn something new at each as well as meet the most amazing people.