1. Debrief with another writer after the conference.

Sometimes you may feel like you’re drinking from a fire hose attending one workshop after another during an intensive conference.  

One way to address this problem is to debrief with another writer after the conference.

I am thankful for a good friend, who suggested that we meet after my first writers’ conference. Although we didn’t have time during the live conference to meet, calling each other afterwards was very valuable. My friend was a longstanding member, and when she shared her past conference experiences with me, that helped me immensely as a new writer. 

Reflecting on the conference with another writer solidified key concepts for me and how to apply them specifically to my writing. 

2. Plan at least 1-2 hours a month in your calendar to continue to follow up with new writers in the first quarter following the conference.

• Be intentional and schedule time a couple weeks after the conference to debrief with new writers you meet at a conference, either individually or as a group. We all have such a diverse network of friends that can lead to broader community connections. In these conversations, I have connected new writers to someone I knew that could help them with their manuscript, answer their writing questions, or even promote their project. Others have suggested helpful resources that have aided me in my research or offered to be a sounding board as I bounced around different book ideas.

• Utilize technology to connect with other BIPOC authors, especially if you don’t have a diverse writers’ group in your local community. I find having this diverse network makes me feel less isolated when I write because I have a team of people supporting me. A critique group can help hone your craft, provide accountability, and guide you in setting goals and deadlines.

3. Have a posture of service.

• Consider helping with a book launch for another author. You will learn so much from the experience and it will provide new connections. This is one way you can take time to show your gratitude to your mentors. 
• Write book reviews and recommend their books on social media. 
• Remember that service helps foster a spirit of collaboration instead of competition.
• Pray for and with other writers. With writers who share my faith, I have gained so much encouragement from praying together during our post-conference meetings that give me strength to complete my projects. I am grateful for these new friends who cheer me on my writing journey.

How have you built connections with others after a writers’ conference? How have those connections helped you grow as a writer? Comment below.