In this week’s Ask Jane shortie, we’ll explore the relevance of writing and reading in our lives post-pandemic.
I discuss how the act of reading continues to be a fundamental part of our lives, be it physical books, e-books, or audiobooks.
I also delve into the importance of writing conventions, offering personal guidance on how these events can be invaluable for networking—especially for new writers.
I close out the shortie by emphasizing the everlasting value of writing, expressing my belief in its importance regardless of the circumstances, and encouraging you to find fulfillment in the art of writing.
Hello, Jane Cleland here.
With the world opening back up after the pandemic, is writing relevant? Writing conventions relevant?
Yes, yes. People like reading. Reading is, I don’t think, ever going to go away. I don’t think it’s ever going to be replaced by other media options. I think the way people consume stories clearly has changed. But you know, physical books are still popular, not only e-books. And audiobooks are popular, but so are physical copies of books. Different ways of consuming literature. That’s okay. That’s all good. It’s still all writing.
In terms of conventions, I find conventions enormously valuable. And by the way, the first time you go, it can be lonely because you don’t know a lot of people. One of the best ways to get to know people and do it quickly is to volunteer. Become one of the volunteers. They’re always looking for them.
And that will immediately connect you with a group of other volunteers.
What you do as a volunteer is you guide people. You serve as timekeepers for the panels. You help register people and so on. If you can find a few people that you now can call friends, well, that unto itself makes what is a lonely business—writing—more valuable. But you also will meet booksellers. And, depending on the conference or the convention, you’ll meet agents and editors. The panels are educational and entertaining. And, you’ll meet people who organize events and perhaps they want to include you in the lineup. I think they’re enormously valuable.
Writing itself? I, of course, I think it’s valuable. I don’t understand how people live without writing. Good luck with it. I bet you’re going to find it fulfilling whether we’re in the midst of a pandemic or not. I know you can do it.
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