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# 8 Tips for Thriving at a Writers’ Conference
- URL: https://andilgregory.com/adventuring-through-life/-tips-for-thriving-at-a-writers-conference/
- Published: 2024-07-03T19:18:33.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-01T02:31:56.000Z
- Author: Andi Gregory
- Tags: Conferences & Events, realm makers, writingconferences, writing conferences, conferences, conference tips, tips for writing conferences, thriving, Realm Makers 2024, realm makers writing conference, realmmakers, realmies, how to survive writing conferences, writing conference tips, #Migrated-1787683573322, #sqs, #Import 2026-08-25 14:46, conferences and events, Adventuring Through Life, blog

It's writing conference season, and we've stepped into July—[**Realm Makers**](https://www.realmmakers.com/?ref=andilgregory.com) **month**! This is a conference I've been to several times, and converging on the conference hall with these people honestly feels like coming home every year. 💙 

But for writers new to conferences, **it can be an overwhelming experience**—especially if it's a large conference with lots of people. People you don't know. And if you're an introvert, the exhaustion of being surrounded by people the majority of the day is real. And it's okay.

So as conference season kicks off for me, I thought I'd share my 8 writing conference tips:

1. Before you get to the conference, **know the one thing you want to get out of it**. This can be information from an offered class, networking with other writers, etc. Make sure it’s something *within your control* though. Getting a publishing contract from that editor you pitched to isn’t entirely in your control—even if you gave your best pitch ever. (There are a lot of factors with publishing I won’t get into on this post, or it’ll be a novel. 😂) But connecting with other authors? It’s entirely within your control to approach others and strike up conversations. Getting information from a class? Within your control to ask questions during or after the class. **Just know going in what you expect to get out of the experience.**
2. **Be flexible**. Your ideal conference experience isn’t always what things will look like. *Be spontaneous* with your time, especially if you get the chance to go deeper with a new friend. Taking the chance of missing that one class to chat more with an author you just connected with is far better than what you would’ve learned in class. You never know who you’ll meet or get the chance to talk to, or where that spark of relationship can go in the future. (Also, specifically for Realm Makers, all attendees have access to the class replays, so you can always watch later. 😉)
3. **Be mindful of your energy.** Don’t wear yourself too thin or push through exhaustion to get every bit of worth out of the conference. Burnout after the conference isn’t going to help you, especially if you’ve been asked to send a proposal or your novel to an editor or agent. *Networking well only works if you’re able to be present for it.* In my experience, when I’m running on an empty social battery and pushing through exhaustion, I forget who I talked to or what we even talked about. **Know your limits, and stick to them.**It’s totally okay to spend an hour in your room in the middle of the day instead of going to a class or lunch with everyone if you need to. Take that time so you can recharge and enjoy the time you have at the conference.
4. **Take time to prepare**, especially if you’re pitching your novel. Have all of your materials ready, and leave your class or lunch or chat earlier than you’d like. Take those extra few minutes and prepare for what you’re going to do—tamp down those nerves, because you’re going to be amazing. It’s going to go well, and you’ll be fine. Take time to pray over your appointment. If you’re an introvert, make sure you take time before the conference and each day before heading into the day’s events to prepare yourself for a lot of people, interaction, and information.
5. **Eat energizing foods and drink lots of water.** These feel like a given, but once you’re in that conference atmosphere, it’s easy to be swept away by the excitement and all of the things going on. Be sure you’re *listening to your body* and what it needs—whether that’s food, hydration, or a moment of quiet rest.
6. **Get enough sleep.** Another “given,” but conferences and making new friends you’re not ready to stop talking to can do funny things to your sleep schedule. So make sure you get enough sleep to face each day well, without exhaustion knocking at the door.
7. **Have fun.** This is the most important tip. Enjoy the time you have with like-minded writers, especially seeing them in-person and getting the chance to chat about books and writing and life together. If you’re enjoying yourself, networking is less of a chore and more along the lines of making friends. Enjoy the short time you have and *soak in the moments*.
8. Lastly, when you get home from the conference, **rest and give yourself time to reflect.** This is always an essential part for me. Conferences typically only last a few days, and with so much happening, it’s hard to really take it all in while I’m there. So *give yourself a few days to reflect on the conference* before diving back into writing and harnessing that wonderful and inspiring conference high.

Writing conferences are such a fun and wonderful experience, and they’ve been instrumental to me in my networking with authors, editors, and agents over the years. I’ve found many of my best friends and critique partners at conferences and through the online communities surrounding those conferences that last all year. They’re also wonderful for inspiring and encouraging you while teaching you the tools to help you reach your writing goals.

For me, Realm Makers will always feel like home—a community of like-minded speculative fiction writers who lift each other up, encourage each other, and learn together. And every year, I learn something new, meet someone new, and reconnect with old friends. Every year, I learn something new about myself and my own publishing journey.

If you’ll be attending your first conference this year, what’s something you’re nervous, scared, or unsure about? Let’s chat about conferences and help each other make the most of them, and above all—thrive. 💙