Tips

Tips for Making the Most of the Conference

Choose Your Activities Carefully

• First identify your "must do" choices. Then schedule around them.

• Check whether the conference provides more than one way to study a topic. If two workshops are offered at the same time, you might find that another workshop offered at a different time includes a fair bit on the topic you want.

• To get different perspectives and viewpoints, you might want to attend several workshops on similar topics.

• Choose sessions for your level. You would probably be welcome at any session that does not have prerequisites. But if you are a dabbler, a session for experienced people might be over your head. You might be equally disappointed if you choose a class that is too elementary for you.

Come Prepared

If you come with enthusiasm and willingness to turn strangers into friends, to share ideas and be stimulated by others, to ask questions and answer some, you will have a much more fulfilling weekend than if you come expecting only to receive. Bring a manuscript and the courage to let others read it and offer feedback. Be ready to give others feedback during the scheduled reading sessions and informally during free times.

Beware of Overload

Instead of overloading yourself, feel free to opt out of some things. Sometimes it's better to go for a walk or try out something new than sit through another workshop.

Use It or Lose It

The most important step is to act on what you have learned. Make a commitment to yourself to write regularly. Set aside time in the week after the conference to go over your notes and organize the freebies. That will solidify much of what you absorbed. If you set some writing goals during the conference, make a pact with a writing friend or someone you met at the conference to check with each other on a specified date to check on how that commitment is going.

We highly recommend joining The Word Guild, if you are not already a member, in order to become part of a nation-wide Canadian writing community of people with similar interests and passions. This will enable you to get support from the Prayer Team, and advice and encouragement from peers through services such as the email listserv, Revision critique group, etc.