A group of writers gathered together has a very particular feel to it. There is a physical presence that lives on in the mind, long after the event itself is over. Why is this? Perhaps because the time lived out (as opposed to the time planned) is always unexpected; you cannot predict how it will work.
You may book speakers to take part but cannot predict what they will say, how they will interact (with each other; with the audience) or what questions they will be asked. And then there is the sheer creative energy of so many writers gathered together than never fails to have an impact.
And so as I prepare for the next Kingston Publishing Conference (this time on self-publishing) I am aware that in addition to organising the programme, I am also a major beneficiary. Looking back, many of my books have begun at a writing event - the sudden synergy of energy, enthusiasm and good ideas multiplying many fold. It's exciting to think about what may be just around the corner...
If you have not yet booked, it's not too late - see Kingston Publishing Conference (3-4th September 2010).
All best, Alison
Alison Baverstock is the author of Marketing your book, an author’s guide (A&C Black) and is course leader of the MA Publishing at Kingston University.
Alison, you inspire a very intriguing idea. I can’t help thinking what would happen if writers, artists and even industry pros got together and worked with each other. Individually, they might not have all the pieces needed to assemble a crafted work. But together, they could accomplish things that alone would be either too difficult or downright impossible. There are writing groups everywhere, but I don’t believe there is any place yet which can pair a writer to collaborate with another writer or say, an artist or comic book designer and combine their skills. Have you heard of any, Alison? How about everybody else, if there were such a place, would you want to be part of it?
Xean
10/28/2010