When Words Dance With the Waves

Key Takeaways from the Kauai Writers Conference

When I finally checked into the Royal Sonesta after a six-hour flight and a half-hour wait for the shuttle, I was too tired to think about the week ahead. Already drained from the shock of the election results and overthinking them, I decided to leave everything to fate for a while, cradled by the serenity of the atmosphere and the gentle hum of the Pacific. What was meant to be would happen, I told myself.

As I mentioned in a previous post (read here), this was my third year attending the Kauai Writers Conference. I hoped the experience would feel familiar enough to help me navigate introductions and conversations with confidence.

On the first day, I overheard someone describe the event as “like coming back to summer camp.” That rang true. Seeing familiar faces and being greeted with “Nice to see you again” smiles felt like a warm welcome. I had come to immerse myself in the diversity of voices and experiences that the conference brought together—writers from around the world sharing a love of books and storytelling. Under the swaying palms, surrounded by vibrant hibiscus blooms in red, yellow, pink, and white, I sought feedback on my story, forged connections with like-minded individuals, and embraced the magic of this gathering.

As the days unfolded, I found myself reflecting on some key lessons and insights that shaped my experience this year. Here are three takeaways that stood out:      

Three Takeaways from the Kauai Writers Conference

1. Choosing the right master class tailored to your needs is essential for achieving your goals.

The conference offers over 20 four-day master classes, making the choice both exciting and overwhelming. Last year, I signed up for two: one taught by the legendary Christopher Vogler in the mornings and another by acclaimed author Joshua Mohr in the afternoons. By the end of each day, my mind was overloaded.

This year, I decided to focus on just one, a morning class with publishing guru Lisa Sharkey, who taught us how to define our author brand. It was exactly what I needed, offering actionable insights and tools to strengthen an area essential for promoting my upcoming book.

Key lesson: It’s never too early to define and build your author platform. Reaching your target audience takes time, so start building while writing your book. One piece of advice I’ll carry forward: showcase your unfiltered personality—video is the best medium for authenticity. So, who’s ready to embrace reels?

2. One-on-one sessions are invaluable for gaining personal insights and clarity.

The path to publishing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing, the right approach depends on your goals and values. One-on-one meetings with industry professionals provided invaluable guidance on choosing the next step for my book. These 15-minute sessions with three agents and a publishing consultant of my choice were not only worth the time and money but also transformative.

The feedback reinforced my belief that my story matters. I left with a renewed conviction to amplify my voice—and the voices of neurodivergent individuals—to reach a broader audience while fostering understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.

Next on my list—besides finishing my memoir—is starting a Facebook group to connect with my target audience and collaborate on navigating autism and life from the margins.

3. Building meaningful connections is at the heart of growth, learning, and inspiration.

Conferences are about so much more than sessions and workshops. It’s the spontaneous connections that leave a lasting impact—meeting people while strolling through lush gardens, over breakfast, browsing books, or searching for a place to sit at lunch.

One day, unable to find a seat on the crowded lunch patio, I wandered into a quieter conference room. Crossing a room divider, I found myself among a close-knit group eating lunch. I hesitated for a moment before asking, “May I join you, just for a couple of minutes?” Their warm welcome turned into introductions, and I discovered that two of them lived in the same city as me. What are the odds? Later, meeting with a Turkish-American author (I recognized the Turkish language she spoke on the phone) in the hallway topped my list of unexpected encounters.

Never underestimate the power of little moments. Even when all the seats seem taken, new opportunities are always just a step away.

Before I go,

The Kauai Writers Conference isn’t just about improving your craft—it’s about embracing your identity as a writer, finding your community, and taking tangible steps toward your goals. It’s a place where stories come to life from people who started where you are now, navigating rejection and self-doubt but refusing to give up. The lush, inspiring setting fosters connection, courage, and creativity, reminding you that the writing journey is as much about resilience and growth as it is about the stories we tell.

I came home energized and with a refreshed perspective. Every session, conversation, and discovery added depth to my journey as a writer and advocate for the invisible and unheard. The destination matters, but so does the journey—and the company you keep along the way.

Happy Thanksgiving!