Saturday, August 20, 2011

The Generous Writing Community




Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. -- Mark Twain

As many of you know, WriteOnCon, the free writing conference, took place this past week. I'm still trying to absorb the vast amount of information that was handed to us on a silver platter. My head may explode, or I might become mushy with gratitude, so keep some tissues nearby.

First of all, I'm amazed at the brilliant concept. Writers, agents, and editors spent their time sharing valuable information with kid lit writers around the globe who sat in jammies and bunny slippers, gobbling it all up.

We learned about queries, synopses, revision, marketing, online etiquette, and so much more. I've only absorbed half of the information, and will spend time in the next few days reviewing the transcripts. Which is another clever idea...keeping the information up, blog style, for all time.

For writers who don't have the cash or opportunity to attend national conferences, this is such a fun way to collect advice and inspiration. And what amazes me is that each of these industry pros donated their time and expertise. Wow.

From the moment I set off on my writing journey, I've noticed how generous people in this community are. Whether their genre is kid lit, sci fi, romance, or nonfiction, each person shares what they know and helps others.

And talk about supportive--this community is like a comforting hug when writers need it, and a crazy mosh pit of excitement when someone shares good news.

So I'll use this blog post to plant a squishy wet kiss on your cheek, send a HUGE thank you to the creators of and contributors to WriteOnCon, and a big fat drunken "I love you man" to all you writers out there.

Were you able to attend WriteOnCon? What was your biggest takeaway from it? And what's your opinion of the generous writing community? Feel free to share your love in the comments.

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36 comments:

  1. Loree HuebnerAugust 20, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    I find the writing community very kind and generous.

    Since I started blogging, I've found social networking author newbies like me, debut authors, as well as writers with multiple books, agents, and editors, taking the time to give tips and encouragement at different stages of the journey. It's just awesome.

    Great post!

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  2. JessAugust 20, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    I really loved WriteOnCon and how nice and supportive everyone was!

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  3. ShandaAugust 20, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    I didn't hear about it until it was over but would love to attend next year. Hopefully those of you who went will share tidbits in the coming weeks.

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  4. Miranda HardyAugust 20, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    Yes, the writing community is amazing. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. I can't begin to express my happiness to have found it.

    Writeoncon is great. I've already read through some of it, but I have more to go. I love it.

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  5. Sarah TokeleyAugust 20, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    I was a little shy about participating, but I've been looking at some of the posts and it's brilliant. It's great that so many people are prepared to give their valuable time and knowledge to help others.

    I love the writing community, it's so supportive. I hope that one day I'll be in a position to give something back.

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  6. PK HREZOAugust 20, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    Right on, sister! Um, I mean ... Write on, sister! Sheesh, I wish this conference had been around when I was just starting out writing a novel. So so amazing! I did a post on some of my fave quotes during the conference....

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  7. Alex J. CavanaughAugust 20, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Sorry, I didn't attend.

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  8. Katie DunnAugust 20, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    I loved WriteOnCon! I did more lurking than participating, but I look forward to next year when I plan on getting in there and actually saying something or asking something.
    You're right about the writing community too. It's amazing how supportive everyone is! And I think it's because other writers are the only ones that really know how hard being a writer is. I'm thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful group of people=)

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  9. Julie MusilAugust 20, 2011 at 8:50 AM

    Guys, I was a total lurker in the chat rooms. Thankfully braver writers than me asked such important questions.

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  10. HeatherAugust 20, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    I wasn't able to attend it this year but I did last year! It is amazing, I couldn't agree more. The outpouring of generosity and support is what makes this community so special. :-)

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  11. Jemi FraserAugust 20, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    WriteOnCon blows my mind with its generosity - absolutely blows my mine. I read tons of posts and watched vlogs & lurked at chats - it was awesome!!! So many generous, talented and hard working people! :)

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  12. ShalleeAugust 20, 2011 at 9:14 AM

    This is one thing I LOVE about the writing community. We're all fighting for similar goals, and we all help each other. I love the support! That's one thing I loved about WriteOnCon, too.

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  13. Lisa Gail GreenAugust 20, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    And you're one of those generous and genuine people, Julie! (and I'm not even drunk or anything). Writeoncon was awesome! And so are the people that put it on.

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  14. Leslie S. RoseAugust 20, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    Yay, for WRITEONCON. I can't wait to languish in the transcripts. As far as generosity - Julie you are the poster girl.

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  15. Julie MusilAugust 20, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    Ok, my critique partners are waaay too nice :D

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  16. Corey SchwartzAugust 20, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    Yea, Write on Con was AWESOME! (and love that Twain quote :)

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  17. AnonymousAugust 20, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    I found you through twitter and yes, I agree, writeoncon was one great give away conference. And to those of you who couldn't go - go now. All the info will be up on their web site for the taking. All the chats and vlogs and forums are still there for you so click away and enjoy.

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  18. Carol RiggsAugust 20, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    YES, WriteOnCon is good stuff. Last year I participated in real time, and this year by reading the posts more belatedly (cuz I have other stuff going on). Valuable info!!!

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  19. Laura PaulingAugust 20, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    So true! I love being part of such a great community!

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  20. Joanna AislinnAugust 20, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    First I'm hearing of WriteOnCon and first trip to this blog. (I'm subscribing and following on Twitter.) Looking forward to getting to know this site and hope to contribute any way I can.

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  21. Joanna AislinnAugust 20, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    Got sidetracked! Wanted to comment that the writing community seems to be comprised of some of the most generous-hearted people I know. Love being part of it and being able to give back or pay forward when I can.

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  22. Casey McCormickAugust 20, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    The writing community continually astounds me. WriteOnCon wouldn't work without the generosity of the faculty and receptivity of the attendees. Such an amazing group! I'm so glad you enjoyed the conference.

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  23. erica and christyAugust 20, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Christy and I met at last year's WOC. So, yeah, big sloppy kisses to those folks. This year, I'm still sifting through the info. And giving more kisses.
    erica

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  24. LynNerdKelleyAugust 20, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    You're right, Julie. RightOnCon is quite amazing, and I think it's awesome that it's online for us to catch up with what we missed, and we can go to last year's, too, and check that out.

    Oh, "big, fat drunken I love you man," hilarious! Right back at ya!

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  25. AnonymousAugust 21, 2011 at 3:48 AM

    I wasn't able to attend this year. I will go and check out all the different posts when I get the chance. Glad to hear you had such a great time!

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  26. Catherine JohnsonAugust 21, 2011 at 4:30 AM

    I'm going to share titbits on my blog over the next few weeks for those interested in highlights.

    It was so brilliant. Loved the talks about chapter books and MG.

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  27. trumpAugust 21, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    Id like to invite you folks to come to Amish Stories for a recipe for "Famous Pennsylvania Dutch Sticky Cinnamon Buns" along with a book signing schedule for Amish fiction writer Wanda Brunstetter for Pennsylvania and Ohio as well as a contest to meet her. I hope everyone so far is having a great weekend. Thanks everyone. Richard from Amish Stories.

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  28. S.P. SipalAugust 21, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    Maybe I'm insulated, but I don't know of another professional community that gives out its "secrets of the trade" as easily as writers do! All the writers I have known do their best to help others out along the way. And WriteOnCon and Julie's blog are two great examples! :-)

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  29. Jeff KingAugust 21, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    I didn't attend, but I plan on doing so next time... hopefully I will know where I am headed with my WIP by then.

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  30. UnknownAugust 21, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    I feel like you do!! This writing community ROCKS! <333

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  31. Alleged AuthorAugust 21, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    The creators definitely deserve HUGE kisses for the conference. It was fab!

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  32. cleemckenzieAugust 22, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    So glad you had such a fulfilling writing/learning experience. Congratulations.

    BTW wanted you to know I've left a little award over at the Write Game for you. Hope you'll stop in and pick it up.

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  33. Ghenet MyrthilAugust 22, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    I completely agree! I still need to catch up on the majority of the WriteOnCon posts but what I've read/viewed so far has been awesome. This community seriously rocks. :)

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  34. LTMAugust 22, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    squishy wet kiss right back! I know WOC is a fantastic resource. It's just amazing the level of participation and the information. Too cool~ :o) <3

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  35. Theresa MilsteinAugust 22, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    I enjoyed Write On Con. The generosity of the authors and agents astounded me. It was even bigger than last year. Beth Revis's vlog brought tears to my eyes. Her sincerity shone through.

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  36. Rachna ChhabriaAugust 23, 2011 at 5:03 AM

    I missed Write On Con. Wish I had attended. I wasn't even aware that it was being held.

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