a website & community for women who write & blog
Southbound Food Festival brought ten days of culture and culinary delight to Birmingham, Alabama from September 19-28. Because I’ve been such a busy bee lately, I was out of town for most of this year’s activities, unfortunately. But I couldn’t miss Rooted: Women in Food, which was held on Saturday, September 20 at the Market at Pepper Place. Not only was the market packed with female artisans, but there were cooking demos from female chefs, book signings, panel discussions and more.
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You’ve signed up for a writing conference. Now what?
Whether you’re polishing your first manuscript, building your freelance career, or just craving some quality time with fellow writers, a conference can be a total game-changer. Attending a writing conference can be one of the best investments you make in your writing career, as they offer opportunities to learn, network, and find inspiration. But how do you make sure you walk away with more than just a tote bag full of handouts?
I recently attended the 2025 Alabama Writers Cooperative Conference in Orange Beach, Alabama. This was my second time attending. I had the honor of being the keynote speaker at last year’s conference. Each year, I’ve left with a journal full of ideas!
Here’s how you can make the most of the first or next writing conference you attend.
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Dear Kennedy Ryan,
You are coming to Birmingham — my hometown — for the first time ever this weekend, and I won’t be there. You’ll be in town on Saturday, September 13, for the Behind the Ink book festival hosted by Me Time Book Club. But I’ll be in Orange Beach, Alabama, for the Alabama Writers Cooperative Conference. The irony is not lost on me that I’m missing a chance to meet one of my favorite writers because I’m attending a writing conference.
I wrote an article about the event that’s bringing you to the Magic City and the woman who worked hard to make all this happen — K. Reshay Williams. But I also wanted to write this blog post, which is really an open letter, to say all I would try to say if I had a chance to meet you this weekend.
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