Fostering a Community of Writers at Storymakers

Every year, writers from all over the western United States and beyond gather at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, Utah. Wearing name badges and carrying tote bags, these writers come to celebrate, learn, and connect with their fellow creatives. What began as a few writers bonding over shared experiences grew into a multi-day event featuring vendors, guest speakers, and various classes geared toward all genres and backgrounds. The conference spans three days in May and provides opportunities for writers and published authors to come together to celebrate their craft. 

Built by writers for writers, the conference provides education and support for individuals of all skill levels and all publishing paths. That means everyone is welcome, whether self-published, traditionally published, or still working on their first draft. This fosters a unique opportunity for beginner writers to connect with publishers, agents, editors, and successful authors on equal ground. Interacting with their favorite authors in a welcoming environment has helped many new writers overcome their fears and take steps toward reaching their dreams. 

How Writing Conferences Make a Difference

Writing conferences are held throughout the United States as a way for new writers, veteran authors, and other literary professionals to learn from each other, improve their craft, and network with other talents. These annual events typically welcome both published and unpublished writers. They also provide a great opportunity to socialize and talk about writing with equally passionate writers. Participants can attend a variety of workshops and lectures, or submit their writing to contests for the chance to receive feedback and win some fun prizes. 

Not only are conferences a chance to network, but they’re an invaluable learning experience. Participants can learn about the field from experienced writers and editors, ask questions, and strengthen their writing skills. Writing conferences are also an opportunity to dip into the vast world of publishing. Writers looking to get published can start making their hobby into a career by talking with agents, getting professional advice, and even pitching their manuscripts. This invaluable learning experience is why many writers come to these events year after year. 

What Makes Storymakers Different

Part of why so many are drawn to this unique event is due to its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. At its core, Storymakers is founded on the idea that “there is room for all on the mountain”. Their singular focus on building a strong community makes them stand out from the hundreds of conferences available to writers. Many participants mention a noticeable difference in atmosphere compared to other conferences they’ve attended. While some conferences harbor a sense of haste and competition to reach the top, Storymakers encourages writers to celebrate the successes of others. The conference committee puts in extra effort to provide support to every writer, no matter where they are in the publishing process. Even during the first chapter content, where writers compete among hundreds of submissions, the room fills with cheers and laughter for every person who comes to the stage. 

What Storymakers Offers

Storymakers opens its doors to all who wish to attend. The conference features nearly a hundred classes. Their Thursday workshops provide writers with hands-on instruction and feedback from experienced authors and publishing professionals. Participants gather to listen to keynote speakers from inspiring names such as Brandon Sanderson, Lois Lowry, Jennifer A. Nielsen, Shannon Hale, and Brandon Mull. The first chapter contest and agent consults offer opportunities for non-published writers to share their work and receive valuable insights. Yet for many, the highlight of the event is the annual Whitney Gala Ball, where authors are nominated for the Whitney awards. 

There is Room for All on the Mountain

Writers and authors who come to Storymakers will find themselves amidst a crowd of passionate book lovers. This all-inclusive community is a place of education and support for writers of all types and backgrounds. Here, there is no great divide between traditional, indie, and self-published authors. Whether by learning together, listening together, or celebrating together, Storymakers offers a place of refuge and reunion. Every writer who attends will find encouragement to keep writing, keep trying, and be brave enough to put themselves out there.

Twelve Tips for Writers

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Over the years, some fellow writers have asked me for advice. While I'm flattered that they view me as someone who can impart such wisdom, I sometimes feel inadequate. In the moment, I start to question if I even have the right experience to give other writers advice. Yet after meeting some of my favorite authors face to face, I’ve quickly learned that almost every successful writer has had similar doubts. We all start on the same path, slowly climbing our way up and learning the skills we need along the way.

If you’re here and you’re writing, you have the same potential to become the published author you want to be. So while I may not be as far along that path as I think I should be, I’m here and I’m striving. Like you, I’m slowly but surely working towards my next goal. As I look back, I see how far I’ve come and how much I’ve learned. Every writer’s journey will look different, but we can each learn a little from the experiences of those around us.

Without further ado, here are my twelve tips for writers:

The Twelve Tips:

1. Write often. The more you write, the more natural writing will feel.

2. Sometimes the best way to beat writer's block is to do it together. Meet up with some friends, set a timer, and write!

3. Never compare yourself to another writer. Ever.

4. As frustrating as grammar can be, it is important. Educate yourself on the basic rules for punctuation, sentence structure, etc.

5. When possible, cut back on things that drain your creativity and productivity, even if it's something you're hesitant to let go of.

6. Get rid of your writer's ego. You're not the only one who thinks they're writing a masterpiece, and you're not the "next J.K. Rowling".

7. With that said, don't cut yourself short either. You're a writer, and that's awesome. Be the next you.

8. Take care of your mind, heart, and body. It's hard to write when you don't take care of yourself first. Instead of the "tortured artist", let's romanticize having our basic needs met.

9. On this: Struggles with mental health and disabilities are real and valid. Care for your needs, and find ways to make writing happen.

10. Learn from the pros. Go to writing conferences. Read outside your favorite genres. Explore classic literature. This will help you learn to master language to your advantage.

11. Expand into other forms of writing besides novels: write poetry, short stories, essays, journal entries, etc. Widening your writing abilities will help increase your skills.

12. Lastly and most importantly: Just writing fluff isn't enough. Figure out what life means to you, and write about it. 

One Year as a Copywriter

What I've learned after working as a professional writer for an entire year.

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I recently reached one year as a copywriter at the company I work for! While this is a small milestone, stepping into the world of professional writing has been an exciting and eye-opening experience. This past year has been filled with learning experiences as I've put my skills to good use beyond writing poetry and novels.

What is Copywriting?

When I mention I’m a copywriter, sometimes people get a little confused as to what that means. I’ve had some people think I work with copyright laws while others assume I write computer code. Essentially, the term "copy" refers to professional written content. As a copywriter, I write marketable web content for business websites, blog posts, and more. I work in a word document which is sent to the content team after I’ve finished writing and editing to be incorporated into the website dev.

Learning New Skills

Copywriting is a skilled profession that requires creativity, versatility, and the ability to craft compelling messages that persuade and sell. I’ve always enjoyed learning, so that is one aspect of my work that I’ve come to appreciate. Being adaptable and open to learning new things has helped me find greater success. Some of the essential copywriting skills I’ve honed include:

• Research

• Writing Skills

• Communication

• Storytelling

• Attention to Detail

• Editing

• Marketing Basics

• SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Picking Up the Pace

Working in a professional field means deadlines are important! In order to meet my page count quota each month, I learned to implement some strategies for better time management. Pacing myself and taking breaks at routine intervals helps me stay focused and work at a more consistent rate so I can meet my page count for the day. I set small goals to strive for during my work day, such as finishing a site and picking up a new one by the end of the day. These smaller goals help me reach the bigger goals.

Working as a Team

I work remote as part of a team of dedicated writers. Although working remote means I’m not interacting with my coworkers directly, our team collaborates to create stunning websites for a wide variety of clients. My work as a copywriter is only one part of an entire process of different teams that puts the product out into the world. From working with project managers to sending writing to the content team and receiving back edits, we all work together to make the magic happen. Our managers also take efforts to make us feel like a team and boost morale during our zoom meetings each week.

Balancing Work and Life

Avoiding burnout as a full-time writer is definitely a challenge. With reading and writing as my hobbies and side hustles, spending eight hours a day staring at words on a computer screen has made it difficult to keep writing on the sidelines. There are many days after work where the LAST thing I want to do is read a book much less write one. Yet because my author career is so important to me, I’ve made the time and space to write and enjoy reading every now and then.

The best way I’ve found to avoid burning out is to take time away from writing. As obvious yet counterproductive as that sounds, if I try to force myself to write creatively every day outside of my work as a full-time copywriter, I’ll quickly get tired of it. Going outdoors, spending quality time with friends, working on a soley-for-fun art project or sewing project gives me the mental space needed to get back to writing again.

Looking to the Future

Although this position is not my dream job, it has been a unique opportunity to see the other side of professional writing. Until I can get established as a writer and content creator, this job is an excellent way to support myself while continuing to stretch my writing skills. If you’ve been following my writing journey, don't fret! I am slowly but surely continuing on the path to publishing.