Today is one of those nights. Because in about ten hours, I head off
for THE Midwest Writer’s Workshop. I have been to this conference for the last
four years, and my “fifth year senior” trip is looking to be the best yet.
Why? I’m so glad you asked! This conference is like none I
have ever been to, and I am a bit of a conference tramp. I’ve been to big
conferences and little ones. Ones that take place in enormous hotel empires and
ones that are held in a state park lodge. And they all have their outstanding qualities.
But there is something about MWW that keeps me coming back. And, since you
asked, I’m going to share a few of them with you.
1. Jama (and the Committee): It doesn’t take long to for
even the newest newbie to realize that the heart of MWW is Jama. Don’t get me
wrong, the Committee works their tails off and they deserve every ounce of
credit they get, but you’ll be hard pressed to find someone more dedicated to
fostering writers than Jama Bigger. Don’t believe me? Dude, she has her own fan
club! Check this out: http://jamasfanclub.wordpress.com/
2. The faculty: OMG. Not only does MWW deliver first rate
faculty, but the conference is set up in such a way that it is so easy to
actually TALK TO THEM. And you should talk to them. Because someday, they may
be reading your book to blurb for you. Or at the very least, giving you a shout
out to their legions of fans when you land that agent you’ve been hunting for.
Plus, they seriously know what they are doing! I can’t say for sure, but I’m
pretty sure award winning authors don’t pick Muncie, Indiana as a vacation
destination. Let’s face it. There really is only corn in Muncie in July. (Watch
out for wrong turns or you might find yourself in a field of it!) But these
authors and professionals show up, ready to hand out knowledge to anyone who
will take it. TAKE IT!
3. Agents: As we all know, a lot of agents make their living
in New York City. It is the publishing mecca of the US, if not the world. But
this little conference in the middle of a cornfield has gotten such a well-deserved
reputation in the Big Apple that agents actually beg to come back, on their own
dime. In my humble opinion, I think that’s because when they get to MWW, they
find an intense group of writers who are serious about their craft and intent
on being the best writer they can be. And, let’s be honest… there’s something
to be said about watching a New Yorker indulge in their first taste of fried
pickles.
4 & 5. This last one is so important that it warrants
two spots on this list. (And my laundry is ready so I need to finish packing.)
But the biggest reason why this conference rocks is the people who come to it. Five
years ago, I attended MWW by myself. I didn’t know a single soul. I had no idea
what I was doing (although I did know better than to pitch an agent in the
bathroom) and honestly, I was nervous. When you meet me, and if you are coming
to MWW, PLEASE come up and say hi, you probably won’t guess this, but I am a
seriously shy person until I know you. Then, good luck getting me to shut up,
so I’m getting ready for the opening session and out of the corner of my eye I
see a flash of red. Thank God, another Ginger. I sit down and something amazing
happens. We start talking and it was serious insta-friend. Before the end of
that weekend, that duo would merge with another group of writers and before I
left, I had found my tribe. My tribe who hails from 3 different states and meets
twice a year to recharge our writing batteries. We have endured heart breaking
losses, unbelievable professional setbacks and wonderful highs. All because we
met at MWW.
To sum it up, say hey to Jama, listen to the faculty,
remember agents are people, too and don’t BE FEARLESS when you approach a
stranger. By the end of the weekend, they may become your people.
