Writing is a lonely enterprise. We sit behind our laptops/computers/tablets or with notebooks, pens and pencils, creating worlds and characters, lives and deaths and we do it all alone. Some may have a support network in place. You may have a supportive family and great friends, but they can’t put those words down for you and putting those words down can be isolating. Even if your family and friends are supportive of your writing, do they really understand what drives you to sit alone in your head with the new people you are bringing to life? Probably not. In that aspect, you are alone.
So how do you find a support network of people who can talk books and writing from a place of genuine understanding. People with a real enthusiasm for made up worlds and people who don’t exist?
Book Festivals!
Who else is going to pay to go to a book festival than someone with an utter love of all things books?
There are so many festivals out there, so which one should you go to?
You go to the one that suits what you’re writing and what you’re interested in. That’s where you will find your like minded people. And these are people who can end up being real friends who will be your writing support network and you theirs. I have met many crime writers at the Theakstons Crime Writing Festival I attend at Harrogate every year and I am lucky to be able to call some of them friends.
So, if you are a crime fiction writer or just a crime fiction fan, what festivals are about?
There is of course;
Theakstons Crime Writing Festival at Harrogate.Â
If you write in another genre, there are festivals about for those. I know Harrogate festivals have recently started an historical fiction festival. So you just need to use your internet browser and search engine and look up your genre along with the word festival and see what is out there. You will have a ball!
Prashant C. Trikannad says
Rebecca, I rarely come across anyone who is into creative writing and that goes for book reading too. I discuss books with my wife and children who read books in different genres. Writing may be a lonely business but I like it that way though sometimes I share my thoughts via blogging.
Rebecca Bradley says
That’s what I love about blogging, being able to communicate a be a part of a community from the very seat where we sit and feel isolated 🙂
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
There are a lot of cons for science fiction, although they are for all things in the genre not just writing. Otherwise there aren’t too many general book festivals around here.
Rebecca Bradley says
I would love to go to a science con in the US! It would just be such great fun.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Thank you! That’s a great reminder to have a look at the various festivals going on and join in. There’s almost always something happening.
Rebecca Bradley says
I am also aware Margot, that there are also, so many more than the ones I’ve listed, just that they’re smaller maybe and just starting out, but you’re right, there is nearly always something happening that you can go to.
diannegray says
Thanks Rebecca. I’m going to have a look around my area now for book festivals. It’s something I haven’t thought of doing before 😀
Rebecca Bradley says
I’d love to hear if you go to any that you find! 🙂
D.A,Cairns says
Our book festivals are few and far between, and a little exclusive and costly. I’m not sure about them either. It’s good tip though, and I’m glad they have been helpful for you.
Rebecca Bradley says
They can be costly, but there are also options for doing them on the cheap – only buying in for a few of the talks etc. Well, they do here anyway. They have been great for me. I absolutely love the one I have been to. I hope to try others in the future.
Jacqui Murray says
Wouldn’t that be fun to go to a book conference overseas.
Rebecca Bradley says
I would absolutely love to go to an overseas one! Bucheron is a big crime one I’ve heard great things about. There’s also a new Icelandic one started. I would love to go to either of those one day 🙂