In Two Weeks: the 2022 Wine Country Writers’ Festival
Live and in-person! It’s the 2022 Wine Country Writers’ Festival, coming this September 23rd and 24th, at the Penticton Lakeside Resort in British Columbia. Look forward to all-day workshops, Q&A panels, free pitch sessions, free blue-pencil sessions, readings, marketplace merch, live-action slush, and more.
Pulp Literature is delighted to be a festival sponsor. And our editors-in-chief will be there! Join Mel and Jen for their presentation on overcoming writers’ block, and visit us at our merch table. We’ll also be taking pitches and offering blue-pencil sessions. And everyone attending the festival is going to get a free print issue of Pulp Literature. Yes, that’s right, literary swag for all!
Find out more at wcwfestical.com, or follow @wcwfestival on Twitter and Facebook.
We are delighted to have Faye Arcand, co-director of the festival, join us here to share with you the many advantages of attending a writers’ festival!
Five Reasons Why You Should Attend Writers’ Festivals
by Faye Arcand
Greetings from the South Okanagan! My name is Faye Arcand and I’m a co-director of Wine Country Writers’ Festival (WCWF).
Have you ever attended a live writing event?
If not, why not?
If yes, then I hope you’re already registered for the WCWF.
I love writers’ events! They allow you to bathe in the creative energy of so many like-minded individuals. This is invigorating and exhilarating, and a source of insight to writers at all stages of their career.
The concept of WCWF actually started in early 2019. I went back and forth … Should I or shouldn’t I? To build a festival from scratch is a lot — and I mean, a lot — of work, but I wanted to create something different than I’d seen before.
I wanted WCWF to be accessible to all. A boutique event with affordable prices, first class presenters, and a mission of building community.
I partnered up with a friend, Jim Jackson, who had a similar vision. And, boom, we were off and running! Straight into our first obstacle — Covid.
Ugh. We cancelled 2020, went virtual in 2021, and now, this September, we’re finally live for 2022 — and already planning 2023.
Going to a writers’ event is about immersion, community, and connection. In fact, a writers’ event is all about you, the writer. And that is why, whenever you are able, you should go!
And, if that isn’t reason enough to convince you, here’s five more:
1. To Learn
Whether you’ve been writing for six months, six years, or sixty years, there’s always something new to learn.
The world is not a constant. It morphs. New ideas and technology, and changes in the industry, all impact the writing world.
A writers’ festival is the perfect place to catch up. Writers should always be open to expanding their current knowledge and constantly striving to improve in their craft.
At WCWF, you can learn first hand about Scrivener (you can even win a subscription!), or about self-publishing from Friesen Press (one door prize is for a manuscript edit valued at $499!). And even if you don’t win the prizes, you’ll still win big because of what you’ll learn at the festival.
For beginners, it may mean learning the lingo, appreciating the differences in style, and absorbing the basics, such as the how-tos of writing.
Even seasoned writers like — and sometimes need — to be reminded of the basics. Of the exercises and memory work, of the different strategies.
Whether you’re learning or re-learning, there’ll be something for everyone at the 2022 Wine Country Writers’ Festival.
2. To Share
Whether you’re sharing your thoughts, expertise, or advice, it helps to stay in a positive space and not get sucked down the proverbial rabbit hole of negativity or self-doubt.
You all bring something different to the table, and sharing what you’ve learned could offer valuable lessons and encouragement to others. To witness or participate in discussions with writers who are sharing their experiences, stories, or anecdotes is an invaluable source of connection.
Always keep a notebook handy to scratch down a name or email. Write extra notes to describe who you were with and where you were because, believe me, you will forget. I speak from experience on this one.
You know, there’s nothing more satisfying than chatting over a cocktail with someone who *gets* you. They understand your need to write, and can empathize with the challenges and be supportive in the triumphs. At WCWF you can share a glass of wine as the music plays. You can share your name, share a memory, perhaps give out a business card or two.
Sharing could also come in the form of contacts, freelance work, or advice. Take it as it comes, and filter out what you don’t want. At one conference I attended, a fellow guest suggested where to send a freelance query. It panned out, and I ended up with the gig. You never know.
Remember, though, that when you share with one, you’re sharing with all. If you don’t want something repeated, it’s best to keep it under wraps. Just sayin’.
3. To Network
Attending a conference is the perfect time to meet industry professionals. And networking gives you that personal connection that may someday open doors.
One great example of this is when you later query an agent or editor you’ve met at a conference. Keep their card and any notes you have. When you send your query letter, mention where you met them. This could garner a bit more attention toward your submission.
At WCWF, we’ve kept the numbers low enough that you’ll be able to mingle with everyone. There will also be an open Q and A panel, where you can ask any question you might have about the industry. Don’t miss it. You could learn a lot.
Networking with your peers is also important for writers. You may meet someone in Penticton at WCWF only to learn two years later that their book is being turned into a film. WOW! So cool and kinda neat that you *know* them …
You did keep in touch, right?
Always try to stay in touch. With today’s tech it’s easy to tweet or Insta each other once a week and catch up. Consider it part of your writing work.
Look at who’s presenting at the festival. They’re attending because of you. How often do you get the opportunity to ask an editor something, or approach an agent or best-selling author? It’s all a part of networking.
Networking in the writing world is invaluable.
4. To Find Your People
Writers are often notoriously introverted — sometimes to the point of isolation — while they create new worlds, invent intricate characters, and weave diabolical plots.
It’s amazing when you meet others who share common interests and writing goals.
Imagine finding someone who’s also into dragons, horror, or poetry — you could be kindred spirits at first glance. Finding your people is both exciting and validating.
5. To Ask Questions and Be Seen
This is probably one of the toughest things to do for many festival goers. But it’s important for you to learn how to be the whole package.
Imagine: you’ve written a best-selling book and your local TV station calls you up for a chat… Are you ready? Have you learned to speak up and not hide in the back of the room? Festivals offer a safe place to practice your social skills, talk about your work, and connect with others.
This may be difficult for some, but you can work to overcome the shyness, insecurity, or whatever it is that holds you back.
I know you can do it.
Join Us!
Registration is only $179, but get $20 off with the code BLOGGER. See you there!
Faye Arcand is a writer and author under contract to IMGLM. Follow her popular blogs: My Twisted Writer Brain for writing or Auntie Says for life advice. Visit her at fayearcand.com.
Meet Faye at the 2022 Wine Country Writers’ Festival, September 23rd and 24th, at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.
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