tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post114445777341296949..comments2024-03-18T23:15:13.800-07:00Comments on THE MFA BLOG: Summer Conferences: Great Advice from a ReaderTom Kealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11913868167191023096noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-1145732917296544282006-04-22T12:08:00.000-07:002006-04-22T12:08:00.000-07:00I too was interested in finding a workshop or writ...I too was interested in finding a workshop or writers' conference or two last summer. This was before I decided, in January, to go for an MFA or MA in Creative Writing.<BR/>I really didn't know the difference between a workshop and a conference, but finally figured it out from their materials. I wanted, needed a short fiction workshop.<BR/>Thank goodness money was an issue, because it kept me close to home! Since I wanted to save $ I looked only for events that were driving distance.<BR/>I attended a workshop at UW-Madison for five days, and wrote a new short story, and my first query letter. Met some interesting people, and had fun. I'm returning this summer for the last time---I believe I might have "outgrown" it--before starting at my writing program this fall.<BR/>I will also be going to a writing workshop at the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, driving distance from home, which sounds more demanding in tone.<BR/>I foolishly applied to the Sewanee Writers' Conference, but now realize I don't belong there.<BR/>I thought anyone could go, but now I know there is a rigid selection process.<BR/>Several people have told me it's for folks who are further along in their writing careers and need to schmooze w/publishers and agents, etc. to publish their manuscripts. I'm not there yet.<BR/>Anyway, I doubt I will get in.<BR/>Just wanted to let you know about my experience.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com