I have heard many writers and would-be authors question whether the sizeable investment required in travelling to and attending a writing conference is really worth it.

Of course, the answer in part depends on the conference itself; the organisers; the location; the line-up of presenters and speakers invited to the event.

Having never attended such an event before, I recently took the decision - despite the considerable outlay in air fares, hotel accommodation, conference fees, and sundry expenses - to attend the 2015 San Francisco Writers' Conference - an event held annually in mid February. http://sfwriters.org/

Although the true value of attending this event may not necessarily reveal itself immediately, I can safely say that the calibre and breadth of guest speakers, presenters, professional advisers present in all fields relating to literary representation, editing, publishing, craft skill coaching, and social media support for authors, was very high indeed.

What astounded me even more was how many of the 300 + author delegates that were present this year had attended the same event, often on more than one occasion in past years; considering it a fundamental reunion of kindred spirits as much as a place to learn new skills for an ever-changing marketplace.

Writing may be a solitary occupation, but you are not alone. Collaboration and cooperation as exemplified at this event are clearly the hallmarks of most successful authors whether traditionally or self-published.

So in summary, whilst recognising that every writer and would-be author has his/her specific annual budget in which to operate; judging how to spend that budget in terms of getting as much bang for one's buck as possible is not immediately clear.

What is clear is that a sizeable investment as in attending a writing conference should not necessarily be discounted out of hand, just because the rewards may take a little longer to come to fruition.