Many writers sign up for writers’ conferences in hopes of getting published. Once that has been accomplished, they don’t see the need to attend more conferences. We completely disagree with this mindset.

Here are the five top reasons you should continue to attend conferences, even after you’re published:

1. Networking with other published writers. Being around like-minded writers for a few days or a week is incredibly inspiring and fulfilling.
2. Discovering what others are doing to successfully market their books. Two heads are better than one, and the creative ideas other authors use may work perfectly for your situation.
3. Improving your craft. If you think there’s no room for improvement, you probably shouldn’t be writing! You never know when you may feel called to write a sequel, or to branch out into a new topic area. You’ll pick up lots of practical tips for improving your craft during continuing courses and workshops.
4. Learning how to write articles. We recommend writing articles as a means of promoting your book. Articles provide a great way to spread your message to a larger audience. What better way to learn to write articles effectively than participating in an article writing track or workshop?
5. Attending marketing workshops. You can never have too many ideas for how to build a platform, brand your business, or market yourself. If you utilize Internet marketing (you are doing that, aren’t you?), it’s critical to keep up with the latest developments in the ever-changing landscape of cyberspace.

Here are six of our favorite conferences:

Florida Christian Writers’ Conference (near Orlando, Florida)
Feb 26 – March 1, 2009

Mt. Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference (Mt. Hermon, California, near Santa Cruz)
April 3-7, 2009

Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers’ Conference (Blue Ridge, North Carolina)
May 17-21, 2009

Northwest Christian Writers’ Renewal (formerly SPU Writers’ Renewal; Bothell. Washington)
May 1-2, 2009

Write to Publish Christian Writers’ Conference (Wheaton, Illinois)
June 3-6, 2009

Oregon Christian Writers Summer Coaching Conference (Canby, Oregon near Portland)
July 27-30, 2009

WinePress representatives attend and lead workshops on custom publishing and marketing at about ten conferences a year. We find the conferences beneficial on a personal level; we glean new training and information on writing, marketing, and publishing through workshops and networking. We hope to see you at an upcoming conference!