No matter what your career path, conferences are a wonderful way to meet others and recharge. It’s a chance to make new friends who understand your world, your way of thinking. It’s a great way to meet industry people who can take you to the next step in your career. And, for writers, who are introverts by nature, all this face-to-face time is even more important.

Writers spend a lot of time alone. They talk to each other on social media. They communicate with agents and editors by email. You might say that their characters are their closest friends. But give them the chance to go to a conference and the whole world opens wide.

By the time you read this I’ll be at RWA’s annual convention in Denver. I’ve attended one-day workshops and two-day conferences at the state level, but never before have I taken the opportunity to go to a national convention; four days with thousands of men and women from all over the country who share my passion. There will be agents, editors, and publishers there. I have appointments set to pitch “Mary Bishop” to several of them. Industry people offering editing and cover graphics services will be available for writers who self-publish. If I was looking for a personal assistant I would have a chance to talk to them, too. Winners will be announced, honored, for the two big annual competitions. Some names I will recognize, but I will only know a handful personally. Attendees will range from the highly successful to those just starting out.

As an introvert, I’m a little nervous. Talking to people I don’t know is difficult for me. But, as a writer with a goal of publication, I’m excited about all the opportunities. And I look forward to the inevitable recharge. My “battery” has been flashing low power and could use a good boost. I expect to return ready to write, write, and write some more.