Lessons From an Online Conference
A second year of creativity in imperfect conditions has lowered my expectations, but improved my output and outlook.
I’m once again preparing to attend the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association Annual Conference, Sept 15-19. And, just like last year, I’m thinking, surely things will be different next year. But if ‘20 and ‘21 have taught us anything, it’s that there are few guarantees.
Last year, I kept my writing practice afloat by picturing the final horizon of the pandemic and a return to the way I’d lived and written in the past. It gave me hope, and I told myself I could practice creativity in interrupted, imperfect bursts for just another month, just another month, just another month… until regular life resumed, when I would again attend in-person classes and conferences, and write without home-bound family members pounding on my office door every three minutes.
This is the year I had to adjust my expectations. In 2021, I gave myself permission to lean on the structure of more writing classes than ever before, questioned my goal of completing the novel rewrite in a single year, and dove into Application Season! The efforts and modifications paid off, and I recently received word that The Butcher’s Apprentice has once again been nominated for the PNWA’s unpublished literary award for mainstream fiction. Award winners will be announced at the conference on Saturday, September 18.
Earlier this year, where other writing conferences planned live, in-person events, or went on hiatus, the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association nimbly began promoting and planning their second virtual conference. It was a bold move, given the desire for in-person contact and video fatigue; the complexities of pulling off multiple, synchronous presentations; and a huge, virtual volunteer effort. Like me, the organizers scooped up what they learned from the previous year, and carried on to bring you the 2021 event. This year’s PNWA Conference is more robust than ever, now spanning five days. It features literary names like Julia Quinn and Terry Brooks. The PNWA’s website says:
Our conference provides opportunities for you to meet other writers, attend classes focused on the different aspects within the industry (craft, business, marketing), and pitch your ideas to agents and editors if you're ready.
I volunteered as a virtual conference moderator last year, adding to my knapsack of technical skills: from running large-scale Zoom classes with breakout rooms, to navigating tech support in Discord. I look forward to volunteering again this month! To learn more about the PNWA, email pnwa@pnwa.org, or visit their website for details.
When I submitted my second-draft novel to the PNWA Literary Contest earlier this year, I considered it imperfect—just like some things about attending a virtual conference. My writing practice and output are different than they were pre-pandemic. However, each class, revised chapter, and imperfect submission moves me forward in my journey as a writer. Like the PNWA, I’m forging ahead through my wishes for ideal conditions. I’ve come away with something different than my original expectations, but still creatively satisfying. Here’s to writing—and attending writing conferences—in imperfect circumstances, making the best of the situation, and gaining what we can from the uncertainty. May we be as successful and dauntless as the PNWA!
I hope to see you at this year’s Pacific Northwest Writers’ Association Conference! Register at https://www.pnwa.org. Agent pitches are still available, although filling fast.
Check out all the classes and conferences I’m attending on my WriteGuide Calendar.
-Wendy
