Jots from Jody
Conference
by Jody Michele Powers
Hey Everyone!
I recently attended a writers’ conference, and it was great! The Midwest Writers Workshop is held annually in Muncie, IN. This is cool because I live in Muncie, so I didn’t have to sleep in an uncomfortable hotel bed. Woo-hoo!
During the three day event, I met other writers, agents, and editors. I learned about my craft and was refreshed. And of course, I wanted to share all of this with you.
First, I want to mention how important it is for us artists to gather. Artists understand other artists. We share similar frustrations and we accept one another. After all, we artists usually are a bit more odd and quirky than the average population. I heard writer after writer say that they love getting together because in the real world, people don’t get them. It was nice to be in a group without having to explain one’s self. (This is why I loved going to camp for kids with disabilities!)
Regularly meeting with artists is also important because it can provide the accountability that most of us don’t have. We usually don’t have an employer who hounds us to create that painting or poem. From what I gathered from the workshop, successful writers meet together on a regular basis.
This is why I intend to form a writer’s group in my area. I need others to keep me on track. So, if you know any writers in the Muncie area, please direct them my way! Tell them how witty and charming my writing is! If this doesn’t work, ask if a cookie would help.
All joking aside, the second useful concept that I grasped is being an artist is more than creating art. It has a definite business side. If we want to have a career in the arts, we must understand this. For example, in the writing world, one doesn’t just send work off to publishers. No, we must first ask them in what is called a “query” if they would like to read our work. Publishers don’t have the time to read all the works that are out there. This is why they want us to pitch our ideas first. We may not want to follow the rules, but that is how we will be respected. Then once we hit it big, we can do what we want! Not!
Your Turn:
How can you meet up with artists? Can you do it in person? Through email? On the internet?
What is the business side of your art? Example: if you are a visual artist, what is the proper way of getting your work shown in a gallery?
Email me and tell me what you think of this column! What do you wanna read about?
Until next time, keep expressing yourself…
Jody
www.jodymichele.com
posted 8/9/2010
Read Jody's Previous Jots: Column #11 | #10 | #9 | #8 | #7 | #6 | #5 | #4 | #3 | #2 | #1
Return to Home Page