Thanks to freelance writer Heather Legg for this guest post!

For those serious about writing, a writing conference holds huge value.  Through a conference, you can explore more about writing, learn different aspects of the craft, and network with a whole list of people – from other writers (both published and those getting started) to publishers, literary agents, and editors. You can form relationships and work on your writing; conferences are a great way to boost a writing career.

Check out these upcoming conferences – one of these may be just the right one for you, and you never know where it may take you!

Aloha Writer’s Conference, Kapalua, Maui

From January 18-21, new and experienced writers of all genres will gather to share four days of the love and art of writing. Featuring keynote speaker Kaui Hart Hemmings and other authors, this conference provides tine and opportunity to explore your work and perhaps make a connection with an agent or editor. You can stay in any of the many beautiful Hawaii hotels for these enlightening four days.

San Francisco Writers Conference:
A Celebration of Craft, Commerce, and Community

This conference, running from February 14^th through the 17^th, will feature the bestselling author of the Goosebumps series, R.L. Stine, and includes both pre-event and post-event writing sessions. Over 100 agents, authors, editors, and other publishing professionals will be in attendance, so this is a fabulous opportunity for any writer at any level.

2013 AWP Conference, Boston, Massachusetts

The Association of Writers & Writing Programs will hold its annual conference March 6^th through the 9^th in Boston, MA. This large conference will allow over 10,000 writers and readers to explore the world of writing, including panel discussions, forums, and informal gatherings as well as keynote speakers and featured readers.

Santa Barbara Writers Conference

For writers looking for inspiration and passion, this is the conference to attend. Published as well as unpublished authors can attend this conference (which occurs from June 8^th through the 13^th) and learn through workshops, panels, and mingling with other writers. Covering all genres of fiction as well as non-fiction, screenwriting, playwriting, poetry, and marketing, there is something for every writer to learn here.

Words & Music: A Literary Feast in New Orleans

This five-day conference is produced annually by the Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society and takes place in November (dates TBA). With a focus on memoir/autobiography, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and marketing, there is also time devoted to those interested in publishing and screenwriting. It’s a chance to meet other famous and award-winning writers, be involved in master classes, and have your work critiqued by A-list agents and editors.

Writing conferences are a great way to not only enhance your craft, but to get a look into the world of writing as well as the world of editing and publishing – those areas that may be very important if you are looking to become a published author.

This is only a sampling of some of the upcoming 2013 conferences, and there is sure to be one in your area if these don’t work. If you are looking to grow your writing, a conference is a great step in the right direction. Watch for more writer’s conference announcements as they become available, and on our Events Calendar.

Heather Legg is a freelance writer who enjoys dabbling in fiction.

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