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Three Writers' Conferences: Takeaways
In the past six weeks, I attended three different, but excellent writers' conferences: Biographers International Conference in June, Center for Plain Language sorkshop in May, and Books Alive in April.
(Please see below for a fourth conference, coming up in September.)
Some highlights from each:
 BIO
BIO featured amazingly accomplished and published authors throughout the day, including a funny and inspiring lunchtime talk by Pulitzer-Prize winner Taylor Branch.
Yes, the focus was biography, but many points related to all topics and types of writing. From an on-stage discussion between Douglas Brinkley and Evan Thomas:
 Plain Language This half-day workshop conducted by the Center for Plain Language focused on clear communication, whether in developing infographics, providing feedback, or relating to your audience. I liked the suggestions from Chip Crane, a writing consultant and trainer, on "artful critique." They are variations on "teach a person to fish, don't just give them a fish"--don't just make changes, but rather explain and suggest for long-term improvement.
Next time someone asks for feedback on a piece of writing, whether an email or a book chapter, consider some of his tips:
- Aim to convince the writer you are on his or her side (be collegial and kind, not harsh);
- Explain style changes so they don't seem arbitrary
- For grammatical and other less subjective revisions, explain the rule, don't just make the change.
He also warned, "Don't become the writer." Other writers may not express a thought exactly as you would, but it's their creation, not yours.
 Books Alive!
Last but not least, Books Alive! is an annual conference that covers both nonfiction and fiction. A highlight is a panel of agents, followed by "speed-dating" in which participants can pitch ideas to three to five agents.
Last year, I approached the agents for my five-minute pitch with an idea for my book. I received mild encouragement. This year, I came prepared with a proposal, based on a recommended format from the book Thinking Like Your Editor by Susan Rabiner. Much more positive reception.
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 I hope to both teach and learn at a fourth conference, coming up September 25 and 26 in Rochester, NY: Communication Central's Be a Better Freelancer.
My workshop is a hands-on session on "how to get--and keep--your ideal client." A few sessions focus on skills (editing across devices, working with Word); others focus on building a successful business and career (resilience, new niches). I am honored to be a presenter and hope you will consider the (short) flight to Rochester to attend.
Read about the conference here.
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A Fourth Conference: September 25-26