It’s true–my last post was about attending the Florida Writers Conference, too.
But bear with me: this is going somewhere pretty cool.
The Florida Writers Conference is held near the end of October every year in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Over the course of four days, hundreds of writers swarm to the Hilton to attend 80+ workshops, commune with like-minded keyboard junkies, and receive one to one instruction from successful authors in a wide range of genres, as well as helpful critiques from agents.
This year, I was encouraged to attend the conference by my good friend and critique partner, Dan Alatorre. And I’m glad I did. Because, as an added benefit to the conference, I could actually meet the other two-thirds of our YouTube runaway sensation (critically acclaimed by our die-hard viewer, Aunt Shirley), Writers Off Task with Friends.
It was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up. So, I boarded not one, but THREE germ infested planes (Charlottetown to Montreal, Montreal to Toronto, and Toronto to Orlando) to arrive at my destination. And do you know what happened? I didn’t get sick. I got to hang out with over seven hundred writers and geek out completely. I got to talk about writing from the time I woke up till the time I went to bed.
And alligators.
We talked a lot about those, too.
They’re everywhere.
Attending the conference was especially fun because, being Canadian, I got to enjoy lounging by the pool in my down time (in OCTOBER), check out various restaurants nestled between palm trees, and sample food and wine from around the world at the Epcot Food and Wine Show, which–coincidentally–is the EXACT same time as the conference.
No, Oprah, just me. I have a point.
So, what’s my point? (you may wonder)
Well, something pretty exciting just happened, and if you start planning now, you could be a part of it.
My writerly partners in crime: bestselling authors Dan Alatorre and Allison Maruska, have recently been accepted into the FACULTY of the Florida Writers Association.
And you know what? I got in, too.
That’s right! If you’re looking for the perfect excuse to escape your family soak up the spectacular Floridian sunshine next year, check out the Epcot Food and Wine Show, commune with hundreds of other writers, partake in a plethora of writing workshops, meet agents, and hang out with me, Dan, and Allison–you’ve found it.
The three of us will be returning to the conference to teach. And THAT’S pretty cool.
For more information about the conference, check out these handy-dandy posts:
Three Things to Know About Writers Conferences
The Teacher Has Become the Teachee
10 MORE Things to Know about Writers Conferences
The Florida Writers Association
So, keep this destination in mind when planning your vacations for the year. We would love to see you there!
J. A. Allen 