On Wednesdays, I share my thoughts on Learning and Professional Development.

I’m going to a conference for the next six days. I will network with other writers, have the opportunity to "pitch" to agents, attend workshops taught by top authors, and learn the basics of contract basics…and I won’t leave the comfort of my own home. 

Oh, and one other thing - it’s all free!

Sounds pretty great, right?  I’m excited about the prospect of learning so much this week, but I also realize that I’ll need to put some effort and planning into the event to ensure that I make the most of the opportunity. 

Here are some thoughts on making the most of Online Conferences:

• Register early - Don’t miss the opportunity by missing the registration deadline.
• Plan your schedule - Unlike a conference you’ll leave home to attend, you will have to fit learning into your regular schedule.  Be aware of the class times and formats (chat/forum) and plan accordingly.  Take into account time zone issues.
• Network in advance - Check out the presenters and your co-participants at Facebook, Twitter, on their blogs and sites.  Let them know you’ll be attending and pose specific questions in advance to be sure that your areas of interest are definitely addressed.
• Treat it seriously - If you’re going to invest time and money in an online learning experience, treat it seriously and professionally, or don’t bother.

I’ll report back in two weeks to let you know how the experience went and what I learned.

Best of the Blogs:
(recent posts related to today’s topic of Learning and Professional Development)

• Top 10 Memory Hacks
• Web Apps Offer Easy Site Spell Checking
• 10 Life Lessons from a Child

Home-work for Today:

• Check for online Conferences in your areas of interest and make plans today to register and attend.

On the Bookshelf:

• 2008 Writer’s Market Deluxe Edition (Writer’s Market Online)