Book People are the Best People!
In our latest Season 5 bonus episode, we decided it was finally time to clear out our "insanely long" laundry list of burning topics. From the magic of local book swaps to the shifting landscape of digital hangouts, we’re diving into how to find your people—and how to protect yourself while doing it.
Finding the Magic in "Low-Lift" Events
Sometimes, the best antidote to a dark news cycle is a simple gathering of "book people." Lisa recently hosted a brewery book swap on Reading Street, and the results were restorative.
The takeaway? Community doesn't have to be complicated. You don’t need a high-stakes gala to foster connection. A low-lift event—like a swap or a casual meet-up—can provide the exact spark of joy your local writing community needs without the organizational burnout.
Navigating the New Digital Frontier
The Kidlit community is on the move! If you’ve been looking for those monthly chats that used to dominate Twitter, here is where you can find the conversation now:
Blue Sky: Join the Kidlit chat every first Tuesday of the month.
Threads: Join the Kidlit chat every first Wednesday of the month.
Whether you're looking for craft tips or just a bit of solidarity, these spaces are the new hubs for the digital writing world.
Conference Due Diligence: Buyer Beware
On a more serious note, we dug into industry safety. We’ve all seen "dream" conferences get canceled or fall short of expectations. Before you drop your hard-earned money on a professional class or retreat, follow our buyer beware guide:
Vet the Organizers: Research their track record. Have they successfully pulled off events before?
Define Your Purpose: Are you there for networking, intensive craft study, or pitching? Don't book until you know if the event aligns with your specific goals.
Protect Your Investment: Check the refund policies and search for independent reviews from past attendees.
Join the Conversation
Want more "well-rounded" writing advice? Join our private Writers With Wrinkles Facebook Group for the latest publishing news. Just be sure to answer the entry questions so we know you’re human!
Author
Beth McMullen is the author of the Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series , the Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter series, and The Secret of the Storm series (Aladdin/S&S).
She is also the author of the Spy Mom series (Hyperion).
Beth lives in Northern California with her husband, kids, and very grumpy cats. She's obsessed with podcasts and might give up writing in order to have more time to listen. Could happen.
First Pages!
