“Unquestionably the best of all writers conferences, this two [three]-day annual conference has leaped to the top with its emphasis on quality, not quantity. There are no formal pitch sessions. Instead, you’ll have the opportunity to attend quality workshops and mingle with some of the best editors, agents and other publishing professionals in the industry in a comfortable, non-aggressive atmosphere.” – Bibliobuffet

New York City, 6th Avenue near Radio City Music Hall

In the last week, I’ve traveled from Prague to New York City and back. And while it’s so good to be home, it’s even better being home with the new bundle of information I gained from the writing conference I attended in New York City. BackSpace Writers Conferencefilled my mind with a well of new ideas.

Out of all of the writers conferences I’ve attended over the years, BackSpace was by far the best.

Empire State Building, New York City

Most writers conferences specialize in one area. But at BackSpace, writers learn from and engage in a balanced program.

On the first day, the conference covered small group workshops on cover letters and the first two manuscript pages with actual literary agents interested in your novel’s type. The second day of BackSpace focused on panels with agents and published authors and publishing house editors, on learning the business of writing, with an option of a ten minute-ten pages manuscript critique one-on-one with a literary agent. The final day of BackSpace offered two half-day writing seminars, and on the craft of excellent writing. The first workshop, taught by novelist and creative writing professor, David Robbins, focused on the writing process. The second workshop, taught by the Breakout Novel specialist and literary agent, Donald Maass, centered on deepening and enhancing a novel manuscript. BackSpace offered every element of the various angles on writing a novel: critique and workshops, interactions with literary agents (40 attended the conference), classes and panels of instruction, interviews with bestselling authors, and world-class novel writing seminars.

Bryant Park, New York City

I came home with a notebook full of notes and a head full of ideas. I met other writers and authors, literary agents interested in my work, and, more importantly, gained an investment in my writing that will stay with me for the duration of my career. I am so glad I took the leap and attended BackSpace.

A huge thank you to the wonderfully gracious Karen Dionne and Christopher Graham, as well as a whole lineup of stellar agents, writers, authors, and instructors who invested much time and energy into the experience. It was an experience I highly recommend, and one I will look forward to participating in again. BackSpace is simply outstanding.

Have you attended a Writers Conference, or another learning opportunity in your field of work? What did you gain? What was your favorite part?