Last month, I went to the Black Writer’s Conference and Reunion (http://www.blackwriters.org/) in Las Vegas, Nevada.  My first writer’s conference ever!  Thanks to fellow writer and co-worker, Dasaya Cates, I am making my debut in the writing world.

In the past, I simply wrote for fun.  I was not concerned about editing, finding an agent or getting published. Then, one day, I had an ephiphany - I could write for a living.  At the conference, I learned if I wanted to make writing my career, those things I was previously not concerned about needed to be added to my game plan. My prayer life and overall life philosophy changed as a result. Here are a few things I learned while gleaning from other writers at the conference.

1. You must be able to get along with people if you want to sell your books.

2. You must know how to write a query letter and book proposal.

3. You can advertise on your blog and earn a little extra cash on the side.

4. Weak character development equals a weak book.

5. In order to write full-time, it is a good idea to have multiple streams of income.

6. Self-publishing is hard work, yet can be lucrative if you properly market your book.

7. Publishing companies do not necessarily provide you with a marketing budget.

8. Editing and copysetting and keys to success.

9. Write everyday.

10. You must be a reader to be a good writer.

11. All writer’s conferences are not created equal.

12. N. Kali Mincy has a great Fiction Writing Toolkit (http://www.coachgreatwriters.com/).

13. Tia Ross is the hardest working woman in event planning and editing (http://www.tiaross.com/).

14. William Patterson is a marketing genius (http://www.baronseries.com/).

15. ReShonda Tate Billingsley (http://www.reshondatatebillingsley.com/), Sophia Simmons (http://www.sophiasimmonsonline.com/), Monique Mensah (http://www.moniquedmensah.com/) and Donna Deloney are great writers.

After leaving this conference, I no longer see myself as a training consultant. I now see myself as a writer. I was born to do this and I plan to fulfill the dream. I am a writer on a journey to destiny. How about you?

Update: This article has been published on the Black Writers Reunion and Conference website.