Learning Tools

This past weekend, I attended a free writing conference called, “Life, The Universe and Everything”. I’m sure many of you were there. Every time I attend something to do with writing, I’m surprised at the large attendance. In a way that seems exciting and then again it scares me when I realize how stiff the competition is.

On Friday, I attended panel discussions about writing romance, principles of suspense, writing for the young adult and middle grade market, and dialogue tag and speech patterns. I enjoyed each one of them and gained something from the opinions of the many panelists. I especially enjoyed listening to comments by Tracy Hickman. Most of the classes were very full so I’m sure many of you chose to listen to the same ones I attended.

I then went to a two-hour workshop taught by John Brown called, “Three Things You Must Learn to Write Killer Stories.” I don’t know what the rest of you thought, but I learned more there than I had imagined was possible. I hope it will change the way I write. I was finally able to understand what I need to do to make my stories better. As I look at the stories I’ve written, I can see the pattern there, but I can also see how I can improve.

For those of you who aren’t taking advantage of the learning tools offered in your community, I hope you will consider joining with the rest of the crowd and see what you are missing. I’m a firm believer that you can always learn something new, no matter how good you already are.