Pennwriters Conference
I can honestly say that by the end of this year’s Pennwriters Conference in Grantville, PA, I was exhausted. Friday I conducted two workshops – one entitled, Breaking Into Business Writing, and the other was an off the cuff Blogger’s Workshop. Both enjoyed small but respectable attendance. The intimate groups gave me the opportunity to answer one-on-one questions.
In Breaking Into Business Writing, we discussed the various avenues available to start a career or gain freelance work in the realm of business writing. Attendees asked about technical writing, corporate writing, public relations, and policy writing. Attendees asked impressive and challenging questions.
The Blogger’s Workshop discussed blogging basics – how to build one, how to gain traffic, how to increase hit counts, and how a blog can be used (personally and professionally).
Friday evening I spent time with fellow Pennwriters at Fabio’s, an eclectic family owned restaurant. This Pennsylvania Dutch barn housed a restaurant that served Italian fare. The interior décor reminded me of the chic restaurants in the Philadelphia area.
Saturday I moderated a blogger’s panel in the morning. Discussions were lively and the answers detailed and varied. One gentleman asked, “What is a blog?” while other questions related to the future of blogging and if it will take over mainstream media. General consensus – no, blogs will not overtake mainstream media but will continue to act as a compliment and address niche areas.
Saturday evening, I enjoyed dinner with my fellow Pennwriter’s Board Members, Judith Evans Thomas, and Evan Fogelman, an agent and entertainment lawyer. We had a great evening as we discussed how authors are now approaching their careers as if they are brands. Similar to statements made by Madonna, Brittany Spears, and Pamela Anderson (all have acknowledged or referenced themselves as brands), upcoming writers are now creating platforms by identifying the core of who they are or what they are representing and building a strategy and plan surrounding that core. This actually maps back to a Marketing Workshop Ron Hogan conducted earlier in the day. Ron advocated a similar approach and specifically recommended the audience to read Purple Cow by Seth Godin (or anything by Seth Godin).
Overall an interesting and informative weekend, but I must admit it’s nice to be back to my usual routine.
What conferences have you attended recently? Any memories that you’ll carry with you for posterity?
In Breaking Into Business Writing, we discussed the various avenues available to start a career or gain freelance work in the realm of business writing. Attendees asked about technical writing, corporate writing, public relations, and policy writing. Attendees asked impressive and challenging questions.
The Blogger’s Workshop discussed blogging basics – how to build one, how to gain traffic, how to increase hit counts, and how a blog can be used (personally and professionally).
Friday evening I spent time with fellow Pennwriters at Fabio’s, an eclectic family owned restaurant. This Pennsylvania Dutch barn housed a restaurant that served Italian fare. The interior décor reminded me of the chic restaurants in the Philadelphia area.
Saturday I moderated a blogger’s panel in the morning. Discussions were lively and the answers detailed and varied. One gentleman asked, “What is a blog?” while other questions related to the future of blogging and if it will take over mainstream media. General consensus – no, blogs will not overtake mainstream media but will continue to act as a compliment and address niche areas.
Saturday evening, I enjoyed dinner with my fellow Pennwriter’s Board Members, Judith Evans Thomas, and Evan Fogelman, an agent and entertainment lawyer. We had a great evening as we discussed how authors are now approaching their careers as if they are brands. Similar to statements made by Madonna, Brittany Spears, and Pamela Anderson (all have acknowledged or referenced themselves as brands), upcoming writers are now creating platforms by identifying the core of who they are or what they are representing and building a strategy and plan surrounding that core. This actually maps back to a Marketing Workshop Ron Hogan conducted earlier in the day. Ron advocated a similar approach and specifically recommended the audience to read Purple Cow by Seth Godin (or anything by Seth Godin).
Overall an interesting and informative weekend, but I must admit it’s nice to be back to my usual routine.
What conferences have you attended recently? Any memories that you’ll carry with you for posterity?
posted by Lisa Diane Kastner at
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
1 Comments:
Hi Lisa,
This is an interesting review of your conference. I was intrigued by the Blogger's Workshop - i didn't know people were lecturing on blogging !!!
Well - to answer your question regarding conferences I've been to - I attended a life-changing conference about 11 years ago - but, I am not writing about it, someone else is, at: http://tearsandrand-phaedrus.blogspot.com - I hope you get a chance to visit her page.
As for me, I opened a blogger account 2 years ago, made one post that day, then another post a year later, and as of June -1 this year, I started posting poetry regularly... Mr. Frank Wilson has been kind enough to link me on his site, as well as someone named "Minx" has linked me..
I hope you get a chance to visit my site also at your convenience - and of course - any feedback is appreciated (good or bad).
So, when is the next Blogger's Workshop? I would love to attend !!!
Thank you...
Majnuun
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qaiz, at Monday, June 05, 2006
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