My first writer’s conference was interesting. I met many interesting writers, struggling with their craft like me, and so many awesome ideas. I honestly hope I can buy many of the book ideas I heard about one day in print. The Atlanta Writers Club staff that hosted the event were awesome and kept everything on time and running smoothly. No, I didn’t secure an agent but that wasn’t my intent walking. My goal was to receive feedback on my query, synopsis, and story idea from market professionals and I got that. I also learned a tremendous amount of the market from editors, agents, and published authors that I thought I knew but didn’t really. Some of the speakers were amazing and I’ll post information about a few of them separately, with their permission.

Here’s how it could have been better. In my defense, I didn’t fully understand how important it was to talk with agent’s that truly focus on my genre. Had I known then what I know now, I would have signed up to the conference the moment it was open and picked only Science Fiction agents. Hindsight, right? If I get the opportunity to go to the Writer’s Digest Conference in NYC in July, it will only be because I am able to secure conversations with the right agents.

Finally, repeating my book synopsis over and over again to different people, answering their questions, and getting their feedback was also a great experience. I know my own book better now. I must admit, my first conference was a wonderful learning experience that I honestly believe has made me a better writer.