I just finished reading Savvy by Ingrid Law. It's such a cute and clever book with a strong voice. It's a fun read! The hubby and I have also been talking about being able to work into our budget either a trip to the SCBWI LA conference or a Chautauqua writing retreat. The problem is that I can't decide which one. Part of me thinks the retreat would be more beneficial for me at this stage in the game, but then again, there are so many potential contacts at the LA retreat, not to mention I'd be able to see so many of my blogging and writing friends face to face. So, what do you think? If you could only pick one, which do you think would be more beneficial for an author wanna-be?
20 comments:
Wow! That is a great quandry! You will get a lot of either one, so I think you can't lose whichever one you pick!
I'd go for the conference, good potential contacts plus classes, and I've never been to LA! I wish I could go!!!
Good luck on your decision, Christy!
I'll be at the conference in LA. My parents live nearby so I've already warned them that they have babysitting duty while I attend this summer. Maybe I'll see you there?
thanks Kelly! Maybe one day we'll both get to go!
That would be fun Sherrie! I'll let you know if that's what I decide.
Christy
Wow ... what a great decision to have to make ... I don't think you'd lose either way! I know a couple people who would vote for Chautauqua hands-down, and others who would say go for the LA SCBWI conference. That conference is a BIG one ... I'd probably go for that ... so many potential contacts. Then, instead of going to Chautauqua, head to the beach for a few days of writing! :-)
I'd go with LA SCBWI, but my family lives in Malibu so it's a no-brainer...
I second going to the beach for a few days of writing.
Hmmm.
I'd love to go to either, but that whole living-in-Canada thing gets in the way...
Savy was a great book. I love to be suprised, and this one did with the way the concept was developed and delivered. Can't wait for the movie.
Wow...what a choice...I mean you can't go wrong with SCBWI, but a writing retreat...more of a one on one type of learning...quiet time to write...For me, I would have to take the retreat...it would give me a chance to slow down which means I would be able to take in more...
Good luck with your choice...I guess you could always flip a coin...grin...Hugs...
im going to LA so I say LA but it depends on where you are at in the process. :)
Neither one is in our budget right now, but I've wondered that same thing! I think you can't go wrong whatever decision you make.
Thnx Kelly and SL. A few days of writing on the beach does sound nice. :0)
I agree about Savvy. Very clever and fresh. I wish I had read it before I knew anything about it though. It would've heightened my sense of surprise. But it was still good, even though I already knew a little about it.
Hi Shelli! I'm getting really tempted to go to LA now that I'm seeing all the awesome peeps that are going to be there. Hmmm. . . it's still a toss up though. I like the idea of having the one on one mentoring time at Chautauqua because I really need that. But all my buds in LA . . . Oh! I need to sell a book so I can afford both! :0)
Hi Adrienne! This is the 1st year that we've been able to make that sort of a choice. Hopefully we'll both be able to have the "choice" problem next year!
Christy
I loved loved loved Savvy.
And either one sounds fabulous, though if you go to LA you can play with MOI!
I say LA because I'll be there and I'm dying to meet everyone from cyberland in person. But that's a selfish suggestion then, isn't it?
*shields eyes from Savvy comments* I've not read it yet, but plan to!
-As to the conference thing...hmm...I'd probably pick LA, just because it's something I really want to experience. But...whichever one works for you! I might look at it as the retreat if I need to write/polish more; LA if it's ready to go and be submitted.
I have no advise for you except to say, whatever you decide, HAVE FUN!
I've heard the Chautauqua retreat is amazing! I've never been to the LA conference, but I have been to the NYC one and I found it to be TOO big. I find networking easier at smaller conferences.
It probably depends a lot on your personality. I haven't been to either of those conferences, but I would choose Chautauqua. I just think it would be a better fit for me and I wouldn't feel lost among the hundreds. But the beach DOES sound fun!
Good luck.
If you need to work on the manuscript, I say Chautauqua. If you need to meet editors and agents, then pick LA.
Personally, I would pick Chautauqua because LA is mostly a party pep rally kind of thing. Not a lot of craft.
Have fun Christy!
awwww man! Just when I think I'm leaning toward Chautauqua, then I find out that I could get together with all kinds of cool peeps in LA! ohhhh! I'm so tempted. Nothing is in concrete yet! Still thinking.
I've heard marvelous things about Chattaqua. I think that large conferences are almost too big...I like the more intimate atmosphere of a smaller conference where a new writer can make more meaningful contacts rather than get lost in a big sea in LA. Just my opinion--and I'm an East Coast girl! ;-)
Post a Comment