What do attendees say?
"I live in Mountain Tops, and am former owner of Blue Ridge Bird Seed Company in downtown Blue Ridge. I’ve been in the Blue Ridge area since 2000. Now that I’m “semi-retired,” I’m writing a book on birding – my experiences, advice on how to improve your bird identification skills, and how to attract birds. It’s a blend of personal memoir, advice and how-to. First attempt at serious writing and I hope to have it in completed first-draft stage by June. I attended the conference (first time) to learn about self-publishing, finding an editor and agent, and how to market the book when it’s ready.
The conference was VERY well organized, with an excellent panel of speakers, and well worth the cost of attending. I learned a lot about getting a book to market and am confident that I have a book that will be of interest to some of the 81 million people in the US that feed and watch birds.
My daughter attended as a first-timer as well. She has a number of children’s books underway, and she has a gift with storytelling with kids. She learned a lot and her confidence was boosted by the conference and the personal interaction with some of the talented speakers.
Blue Ridge is blessed with a strong Arts Association, sponsor of the event, and the Writers’ Conference has become a must-attend event for people throughout the southeast. Thanks for taking the time to cover the conference!"
- Tom Striker, Conference Attendee (2018, 2019)
The conference was VERY well organized, with an excellent panel of speakers, and well worth the cost of attending. I learned a lot about getting a book to market and am confident that I have a book that will be of interest to some of the 81 million people in the US that feed and watch birds.
My daughter attended as a first-timer as well. She has a number of children’s books underway, and she has a gift with storytelling with kids. She learned a lot and her confidence was boosted by the conference and the personal interaction with some of the talented speakers.
Blue Ridge is blessed with a strong Arts Association, sponsor of the event, and the Writers’ Conference has become a must-attend event for people throughout the southeast. Thanks for taking the time to cover the conference!"
- Tom Striker, Conference Attendee (2018, 2019)
"The Venue (Art Center) was such a great backdrop for a Writers Conference. Surrounded by the beautiful exhibits was such an inspirational environment and lent itself well to the creative minds poets and writers have... Invite me back anytime!"
- Diana Flegal, Conference Presenter (2018)
- Diana Flegal, Conference Presenter (2018)
"Thanks for having me up as part of the conference, and a hearty hat-tip to you and the other organizers. As recent president of GA Poetry Society, I know what an enormous effort is required to make sure everything goes well. You made everyone feel welcomed and wanted, both participants and speakers, and that's a valuable (and oft-overlooked) skill. All best to you and everyone else."
- Michael Diebert, Conference Presenter (2018)
- Michael Diebert, Conference Presenter (2018)
