Maintaining our competitive edges as writers requires effort. Some people say that if you’re standing still, you’re really losing ground, so it’s essential that we continue to learn as writers. Nina Amid agrees and highlights several reasons why in her article about why authors need training. The eighth and most essential is that it equips authors for success, which is exactly what successful writers have told me.
Workshops and Seminars
There are many ways to improve our skills as writers. One option is through face-to-face training developed and delivered by regular facilities, such as colleges and universities, and by non-profits. For example, The Writer’s Center in Maryland has a wealth of programs they offer writers. Some of their topics include: introduction to the novel, building your writer platform, and creating characters in fiction. They aren’t presenting any face-to-face programs now, but their schedule included twenty-six programs for the month of June, 2020 alone. Writers looking to improve their craft or learn the basics of other genres are sure to find valuable training through The Writer’s Center. They’re worth a look if you’re in Maryland.
Another option I’ve been using lately is training being offered either by the Maryland Writers’ Association and by Sisters in Crime. I’ve attended three such webinars in the last three weeks, many of which were free. There are sure to be webinars and other online training being sponsored by other national organizations, as well as by state associations.
Conferences
Another option is a writers’ conference, particularly those that offer lots of workshops and seminars for aspiring authors. Conferences allow not only the direct learning that comes from the planned sessions, but adds to that learning with the camaraderie and informal learning that takes place during meals and between sessions. I was told quite specifically at my first Creatures, Crimes and Creativity (C3) conference that much of the learning and networking takes place in the bar. So even I, a teetotaler, spent most of my evenings in the bar engaging with other writers, while sipping on ginger ale.
All of these experiences, be they formal learning opportunities, or engaging informally with more experienced writers have elevated and informed my writing. And they’re worth it!
