Writing conferences in Utah

Years and years ago, I wrote an LDS romance. I thought it was pretty good, so I decided I needed to figure out where to send my amazing manuscript to have it published. I read about a writing conference close to where I lived and decided that is where I should start. After all, the conference title had 'LDS' in it.
The conference was smaller back then. We fit in one of the ballrooms at the Marriott hotel in downtown Provo. I'm not sure how many were in attendance, maybe 100? I got to meet so many amazing people! I'm still friends with most of them today.

I soon learned I didn't write the perfect book. That hurt my ego a little bit, which was good. I'm still learning the craft. I'm still learning I can't write the perfect book in one setting.
There are quite a few writing conferences in Utah. My favorite is LDStorymakers. I think this year there were over 800 participants and it runs for three days in May.

Life, the Universe and Everything is a fun conference full of panels of writers, comic strip makers, screenplay writers and lots and lots of science fiction and fantasy. You'll catch sightings of lots of writers, like Brandon Sanderson!

LTUE is usually in February.

WIFYR or Writing for Young Readers is held in June. There is a lot you can choose from in this conference. You can go in the morning, afternoon or evening. All week long, or just to a couple of classes or workshops. I haven't been able to go to this one yet (because of moneys) but every single one of my friends who have gone, have loved it and benefited from it.






Book Academy is held at UVU. A one day conference with a keynote speaker and amazing teachers.

There are also many writing chapters throughout Utah that host their own conferences. Plus, writing retreats.

Read dangerously, Write dangerously

A few months ago I bought a ticket on a whim to see Stephen King. I almost didn't go. When the day came I was tired. I almost gave the tickets to someone else. I mean, I haven't read too many of his books. Well, I've only read one of his books and it was the writing book. I tried to read CARRIE in eighth grade but didn't get far. I have seen quite a few of his movies though and my favorite is The Shawshank Redemption. It's probably one of my top five favorite movies.
Do movies count when buying a ticket to see Stephen King in person?

Lucky for me, someone (Emily King!) offered to carpool and someone else wanted a ride too (Annette Lyon) .and I felt obligated to go. haha. In the meantime, another friend came down from Idaho (Gina Larson) and offered to save us seats since she was in the very front. We took her up on the offer and after waiting in a very long line to get in we marched up to the front and found out seats.  We were right in the front. When I realized how close to Stephen King I would be, I got a little excited.

Did you know?

Stephen King came to Utah.

And he was funny and clever and swore and apologized for swearing.

He talked about how a little seed can be planted through storytelling. Then he told us to check the backseat of the car when we drive home. Yes, we were all creeped out. He's good at that.

He also told us to read dangerously.
Think about that for a minute.
What does reading dangerously mean to you?

Writer friends took it one step farther. If we are to read dangerously, shouldn't writers write dangerously?
BOOM
What does writing dangerously mean to you?

I think he's watching me. Scaring me. I'm going to have to check the backseat of the car now.