Writers and Librarians celebrate relationship at Writers Conference!

Saturday December 1 was an amazing day for everyone who attended the Winter Words Writers Conference.  We had 22 presenters, 5 writing coaches, 3 editors, 1 agent and over 100 registrants. Members of the Friends of the Library, the Library Board of Trustees, Fairfield Library Staff and librarians from other librarians hosted this unique event.  We are starting to post podcasts of some of the sessions on the library website www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org so if you missed the conference or a particular session you can hear it now!  Not all sessions were audible so please bear with us as we experiment with this new service.

The success of this event reflects the special albeit rather quiet relationship between writers and librarians. Writers and librarians often become allies during the writing process. Librarians enjoy helping writers find information about publishing trends, writing genres, authors, and anything else asked of them. We especially like to welcome people who regularly seek quiet in the library as they write.  We also celebrate when we see a writer get published and then we welcome them back to present at book talks, book launches, and conferences.

Thank you to everyone who made the day such a success. Friends Board Member Maureen O’Rourke along with staffers Mary and Susan welcomed registrants and presenters tirelessly.  Barb posted the information to the website, Judy took photos, Sue got up early and made our breakfast coffee, and Valerie researched for moderators. Volunteers Pat and Korshed directed people and trouble-shooted beautifully.

The creative energy during the Keynote address by PW Editor-in-Chief, Sara Nelson, was palatable! Nelson shared her insider knowledge of the publishing industry with the standing-room audience. Authors shared their experience with aspiring writers. Freelance editors Marcela Landres and Eileen Robinson as well as author William Martin met with writers and discussed their manuscripts.  Landres and Robinson have reported a few writers are ready to find agents!  Borders Books sold books and authors signed books. Volunteers Catherine and Joan wrapped books ready for holiday giving.

We are planning to hold our Second Writers Conference next year about this same time. In the meantime we are also exploring hosting some writers programs during the year.  A workshop for people interested in writing mysteries, another one possibly about finding an agent as well as script writing are possibilities.  The possibilities are endless — isn’t that inspiring?