Attending writing seminars/conventions is a lot like going to church. Early on, it appears focused on knowledge–hearing lessons from professionals, and learning tricks of the trade. As time goes by, however, you realize that the advice doesn’t really change (especially when the panelists are repeatedly drawn from the local pool of authors). But even after hearing the same words a thousand thousand times–people don’t stop going to church.
That’s because church really isn’t about knowledge at all. It’s not as though people continually forget the difference between good and evil. Usually, people who attend church go in with a full understanding of the life they want to live. They know the scriptures, the rules, and the reasons. They’ve learned, though, that knowing how to be a good person, and actually being that person are two separate things. If they truly want to improve themselves over time, they require a never ending source of motivation. They need a support group. And every once in a long while, yes, they might even learn something new.
Likewise, knowing how to be a good writer, and being a good writer are far from the same. Even experienced authors get discouraged from time to time, and it helps to be reminded that we are not alone with our challenges. LTUE reconnects us antisocial types with a social group. It renovates our desire to press on. And it reminds us that writing is much more than just a job, but something to be enjoyed.