Saturday, April 5, 2014 was a great day for me. I went to hear Donita K. Paul share at the local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers meeting. She informed and entertained us regarding presentations as authors/speakers. We need to know our topic, our audience, the facility, ages, etc. We need to structure our talk and have a strategy for sharing our experiences so the audience really understands what we’re saying.
Saturday afternoon I attended the Pikes Peak Library District Mountain of Authors conference. Twenty-four Colorado authors were present (selected) to share their books, to sell and sign copies. There were two panel discussion groups and one featured speaker. It was free, an annual event and worth it.
Because I’m a published author and was excited to be present, I was able to offer signed copies of my books to several people as well.
Personally, getting the message of my books out into the ‘reading world’ is more important than earning money. At least this is my initial take on ‘professional’ writing.
One of the authors present today at the East Library in Colorado Springs was Mara Purl, former actress on ‘Days of Our Lives.’ She impressed on us the importance of knowing our readers, caring about them, writing to their needs, and being truthful and authentic in our writing. She stressed the importance of writing with excellence and accuracy, with which all of the other authors agreed wholeheartedly.
The library staff reminded us that they have many resources for new and experienced writers. I encourage you to check your local libraries for similar resources, critique groups, writer’s groups and more. Get involved and stay involved as a ‘becoming’ writer.