Writer, Educate Thyself

Last month we talked about the basic steps involved in getting your manuscript ready for submission. This month, I want to talk about something I struggle with, and that’s keeping up.

I don’t mean keeping up with laundry or keeping up with the neighbors’ fabulously maintained lawn. If those are your things, high fives to you, but what I mean is the constant challenge to stay current in an industry that’s always changing.

I’m by no means an expert at this. I feel like I’m just starting to get my head around it, so don’t be shy about commenting here with suggestions or corrections.

I’m always curious about a) who/what is getting published, b) what are my readers reading? c) are there any new hints/tips/tricks for writers I need to know about?

You might be thinking, yes, but I can get all this at a conference, shouldn’t I just go to a conference or two and call it good? Why do I need to spend precious writing time on industry info?

Yes, you can and should get yourself to as many conferences as possible. They are an excellent and much needed resource. However, conferences can be expensive endeavors. My budget doesn’t allow for me to attend nearly as many as I’d like. Plus, working parents can’t always get time away from day jobs or find appropriate child care.  

And guess what happens when the conference is over? The industry keeps moving. If you rely only on conference info, you may find yourself out of touch sooner than you’d like. That’s why you need to invest a little time and energy each week.

How do we do it? How do we supplement the education we get at conferences?

As I mentioned, I am figuring this out as I go. I have found three resources (aside from Almost an Author, which obviously I love) that consistently turn up new, reliable information.

1) SCBWI – Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. My local SCBWI chapter has been a fountain of information, connected me with critique groups (whom I love dearly), and hosts local quarterly events where we can meet other writers, editors, and agents, and exchange ideas.

2) PODCASTS – What better way to be productive during your commute than listening to podcasts about writing? I’ve recently discovered a delightful middle grade book review podcast hosted by a pair of Australian children’s authors called Middle Grade Mavens. A few others that I like are the SCBWI Conversations Podcast, Matthew Winner’s Children’s Book Podcast, and the Middle Grade Ninja Podcast by Robert Kent, and The Manuscript Academy.

3) SERIOUS WRITER – I subscribe to the Serious Writer Club, which I highly recommend for the access to content and frequent Q&A sessions. The SW Club is only open for enrollment a couple of times a year. Check out their website and subscribe to their mailing list for open enrollment dates.  

Whether you spend a little time each day or a little time each week, the point is the same: immerse yourself as much as you can in your reader and writer life. Staying as connected and current as possible will help you step closer and closer to your goals.

Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.