#amblogging: Writing in Isolation? Attend an Event!

Those of you who’ve been writing a while know how lonely it can be. You can feel like you’re living in a strange void with no clear end in sight. Even if you’re surrounded with great how-to books and support from friends and/or family, it’s a tough haul at times.

Over thirty years of writing has taught me the value of stepping out of my fictional world to attend events and network with others. Autumn is an incredibly busy time and there are many opportunities for workshops, conferences, festivals, library readings, and book signings, so pick a few and get out there if you can.

For those who live here in the Metro Vancouver area, there are a number of great events happening this fall, but to keep this blog short, I’ll focus on just three of the big ones. First up:

WORD Vancouver, Reading & Literacy Festival, from Sep. 19-24. The big day is Sunday, Sept. 24 when magazine editors, publishers, authors, illustrators, organizations, and non-profit groups all gather at, and around, the main library on Georgia Street. There will be plenty of handouts, people to talk to, readings, panel discussions, and so forth. This free event also offers musical entertainment, face painting, and all sorts of fun stuff.

I’ll be taking part in a panel discussion called “Mysteries Set in BC” – Local Authors, Local Settings,  at Perspective Point from 4:10 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday the 24^th. You can find more info about the festival at https://www.wordvancouver.ca

The second is the Surrey International Writers Conference from Oct. 17 – 22 at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel in Surrey, British Columbia. Authors, agents, and editors from all over the world attend this friendly, informal event. This is a writers’ conference rather than a fan-based conference. I’ve attended five times and always learn something new. For more information visit, https://www.siwc.ca/ You don’t need to register for the entire conference, but can do only one day if you live nearby.

Third is the Vancouver Writers Fest from Oct. 16 – 22^nd on Granville Island in Vancouver. This event boats over 110 authors and 95 events. They have some really big author names appearing this year, and there is a fee. Check out their website at http://writersfest.bc.ca/ for more information. It’s going to be a fun fall!