Busy writers don't have to go it alone in planning and doing an author event. Nor does an event have to be all work. Here are ways to plan your next author experience to help build your audience, enhance your skills and foster your enjoyment of the writing life.
Consider existing events that are reputable, innovative
and enjoyable. One of my friends is a documentary filmmaker who educates emerging
and established creatives in the art and industry of film. This busy artist uses
his time and energy to select events whose planners, participants and attendees
he can partner with on future projects. To that end, he chooses venues with workshops
and panels that allow him to share his skills and familiarize others with his
work.
Tip: When considering your next event, don’t reinvent the wheel. Research
existing events to see how you might participate, for example, as a planner,
reader, workshop leader or panelist.
Collaborate with artists in other
disciplines to enrich the event experience. One of my colleagues is a
multidisciplinary painter whose interests in poetry, music and architectural
engineering inspire her colorful multimedia abstracts. When she does an event, often
at an art gallery, she invites artists in other disciplines to enrich the
experience for attendees and participants alike. Writers can use this approach to
expand their audience and share the stage with others so that the success of an
experience isn’t solely on them.
Tip: Think outside the writing box. Look
for events that include various artists, including performers, whose works complement
yours.
Plan for the event as you would a writer's conference. Before
committing to participate in an event, research the topic, offerings, participants
and target audience. Reach out in advance to event planners and participants
with whom you have common ground, and seek them out when you arrive. Meet and
greet attendees as if you were at a writer's conference. Bring promotional
materials tailored to the experience. When following up with your new contacts,
think long-term. Suggest ways you might work together in the future. Look for events
that offer personal growth opportunities. Schedule downtime so that you can
recharge and enjoy the experience.
Tip: When selecting an event, consider your
writing goals and see if the venue offers ways you can grow as a writer.
Evaluate
the event for future participation. During and after an event, it’s
tempting to just go on to the next thing. As you do, make notes on the event,
such as number of attendees, venue, organization, cost-effectiveness and
outcome.
Tip: Ask yourself whether you would attend the event in the future,
and answer why or why not. Also consider whether you would be involved in the
same opportunities or pursue different options.
Whether you’re an emerging or established writer, are taking a traditional or hybrid approach to publishing, you know how much time, energy and financial resources go into writing and the writing life. Why not look for ways to maximize your event experience and enjoy it, too.
Happy writing!
Adele Annesi is an award-winning writer, editor and instructor. Her bestselling cultural heritage novel is What She Takes Away (Bordighera Press, 2023). Adele coauthored and coedited Now What? The Creative Writer's Guide to Success After the MFA. Her MFA in creative writing is from Fairfield University, and her long-running blog for writers is Word for Words. Her podcast is Adele Annesi on Writing.
