Networking with Other Writers

By Val
@valmnz (17099)
New Zealand
September 9, 2017 1:17am CST
Writing can be a lonely, solitary occupation. We sit at a computer writing our hearts out, rarely talking to other writers about what we're doing. Because of that, events such as the five day Manawatu Writers' Festival (NZ) has become an exciting place for writers here in New Zealand. There are many writing festivals in New Zealand, but this one is based in a small rural township in the provinces, an area in what is referred to as Heartland New Zealand. So far, two days into a five day festival, I have been privileged to meet writers in all genres who are passionate about what they do. Some are published writers, some blog writers and some simply writing because it's what they love. If ever you get the opportunity to attend a writing festival such as this I say go for it! This festival is one of the most exciting writing events I've ever attended.
14 people like this
13 responses
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (325818)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Sep 17
That's great that you're able to attend this festival. I hope you get a lot out of it. I'm sure you will.
2 people like this
Val
@valmnz (17099)
• New Zealand
10 Sep 17
Three days down, two to go and I don't want it to end!
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (325818)
• Rockingham, Australia
13 Sep 17
@valmnz A whole week! What a buzz that would have been.
Val
@valmnz (17099)
• New Zealand
18 Sep 17
@JudyEv it was one of the mpst amazing things i've ever been to.
1 person likes this
allen0187
@allen0187 (58444)
• Philippines
10 Sep 17
Sounds like a good time and a good way to network and recharge your writing batteries so to speak. What activities were lined up for the participants? Is it open to everyone or is it by invitation only?
1 person likes this
Val
@valmnz (17099)
• New Zealand
10 Sep 17
There are workshops, discussions , book conversations about a whole range of topics and yes, it has been open to the general public.
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allen0187
@allen0187 (58444)
• Philippines
10 Sep 17
That is good to know. I attended an arts and book fair over the weekend @valmnz . Didn't attend any workshops or discussions but I went around their selling area looking for new books to read. Ended up getting two new books plus a couple of stickers and key chains. Over-all a good and inspiring experience.
celticeagle
@celticeagle (159058)
• Boise, Idaho
9 Sep 17
Sounds like a great time. Meeting other writers is really great. I don't meet them except online.
1 person likes this
celticeagle
@celticeagle (159058)
• Boise, Idaho
10 Sep 17
@valmnz ......I bet it is.
Val
@valmnz (17099)
• New Zealand
10 Sep 17
Talking with other writers is definitely an inspiring experience.
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Anna
@LadyDuck (458212)
• Switzerland
9 Sep 17
I am sure that it would be an interesting event to attend. I have heard of nothing like this in our area.
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Val
@valmnz (17099)
• New Zealand
10 Sep 17
We are very lucky that similar events are becoming quite popular in New Zealand.
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Anna
@LadyDuck (458212)
• Switzerland
10 Sep 17
@valmnz Indeed you are.
Fiacre Banks
@xFiacre (12598)
• Ireland
9 Sep 17
@valmnz I hope you get a lot out of it. All the writing days I get interested in either get cancelled or clash with my day job. Today however I'm off to another intensive Irish course. I'll be exhausted afterwards but I love it.
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Val
@valmnz (17099)
• New Zealand
10 Sep 17
Soon you'll be babbling away here in Irish and we won't be able to understand you!
Fiacre Banks
@xFiacre (12598)
• Ireland
10 Sep 17
@valmnz I'll be doing well if i can understand my own uttering! Irish word for English literally means mouth-noise!!
Kandase
@Kandae11 (53679)
•
9 Sep 17
It sounds like a wonderful experience for writers and those who aspire to be.
1 person likes this
Val
@valmnz (17099)
• New Zealand
10 Sep 17
The festival has certainly attracted a wide range of experiences.
Marlina
@marlina (154166)
• Canada
9 Sep 17
Great that you are able to attend this festival.
1 person likes this
Val
@valmnz (17099)
• New Zealand
10 Sep 17
It certainly is.
susan
@sueznewz2 (10409)
• Alicante, Spain
10 Sep 17
i'm glad you are enjoying your get together with other writers... it's good to get together with like minded people....
Gary Marsh
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
9 Sep 17
I know you enjoy attending such events. I don't think it would be for me but I must say I think it is great to meet like minded people.
1 person likes this
Val
@valmnz (17099)
• New Zealand
10 Sep 17
Attending such evets definitely adds another layer to one's writing.
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DianneN
@DianneN (246838)
• United States
12 Sep 17
I have no idea what writers say or do at such festivals.
Valerie J. Routhieaux
@just4him (306266)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
19 Sep 17
That is an awesome experience for you. I'm glad you had the opportunity to attend. I've been to a couple writing conferences and enjoyed them immensely. My first was in 1983, and my second I was privileged to attend was in 2003. I'm always looking for an opportunity to attend a conference because there is so much to learn in the craft. However, timing hasn't been on my side.
Margarita
@Meramar (2695)
•
10 Sep 17
It must be great experience being able to share some time with persons who have got the same interests. To share and exchange personal experience makes growing the own motivation.
Mildred Tabitha
@mildredtabitha (16053)
• Nairobi, Kenya
9 Sep 17
I will look out for such opportunities in my country too. They help strengthen the bond between writers. :)
1 person likes this
Val
@valmnz (17099)
• New Zealand
10 Sep 17
The woman who organised this did so because she wasn't able to attend other similar festivals. She has done an amazing job.
1 person likes this