WriteOnCon:
A Super Resource for Young Writers
By Lauren, age 16, California
Sweet Designs Featured Writer
Working with young writers for most of my high school years, I've discovered a number of great resources for anyone seeking publication. WriteOnCon holds my top recommendation for any serious writer, both for its accessibility and its information. WriteOnCon is short for online writing conference, and occurs every year in the middle of August. The conference is free to attend and hosts a variety of editors, published authors, and literary agents, all of which offer advice and answer questions. If you've ever considered writing for children, check out their archives - it's a gold mine waiting to be explored.Novel publication is a great mystery to most teens. I pursued it before I was ready (though 12-year-olds have written some great books), learning the ins and outs of the query letter, synopsis, and platform branding, but the industry is constantly changing, especially with the rise of e-books. That's where WriteOnCon comes in. There's no price tag, no driving anywhere, and if you miss an event you can still catch every character. Other writers can show you the ropes in the forums, and the live chat sessions will answer any other questions that may arise. This year the conference took place from August 16th to 18th. Check their website, www.writeoncon.com, for future events. They host guest speakers every month, so check the site often. You might even hear from one of your favorite authors!