Over the weekend I presented a workshop at the Oregon Christian Writers Spring One Day Conference. These things are always great opportunities to see old writing buds, listen to some motivational speeches and learn a thing or two.
Writing Tip for Today: Why should any writer attend a conference like this one?

• Easy Does It. A one day conference eases you into the conference experience. “Big” conferences can be overwhelming to first-timers, so a mini-conference helps you feel less intimidated. Most writing organizations either have quarterly conferences or monthly meetings where you can get to know other writers before you go to the BIG one to pitch.
• Network, Network, Network. Whenever I attend one of these events, I always plan to schmooze my way through. This OCW conference, I met in person several writers who follow my blogs or whom I have helped online. You never know where a connection will lead. Bring plenty of business cards to hand out.
• Nourish Your Writer. A conference is a great way to connect with other writers–the only other people on the planet who really really get you! You can swap stories, form a new critique group or ask experts the questions you’ve been dying to ask.The keynote at Saturday’s conference was Karen Ball, an editor and literary agent. She gave a nurturing and entertaining motivational talk that inspired me to rush home and write. And her fiction workshop was very helpful. I’ve sprinkled in a few pix of the day’s events.