Who’s Scared of a Little Ole Conference?

         This week we are talking about conferences. I love conferences as much as taking classes. It’s like classes on steroids for me. There are workshops for learning about the craft of writing and the business of getting published. There are agents and editors and published authors just hanging out. There are late night get-togethers and meal-time conversations with people who think like me and act like me and get thrilled about words just like me. The conference experience is like no other. (I just wish I could afford to attend more than one every 10 years. LOL)

         For the first-timer, though, they can be scary expeditions. There is an entirely different culture embodied in a conference. I doubt I would have ever gone to my first if I hadn’t been a part of a wonderfully supportive writer’s group. As it was, when they started talking about “preparing” for the conference, I had no idea what they meant. I kept my mouth shut and listened, though, and imitated enough so it I think it looked like I knew what I was doing. (Kitty? Shonna? Did you all ever realize just how clueless I was that year?)

         Well, even now, I feel as though I don’t know nearly enough about the publishing side of writing. That I will make some unknown faux pas at an agent or editor appointment (if I ever get to another conference, that is!). I’m like that. Ask Kitty and Shonna. I doubt that I know what I know and I think I’m a novice when I’m almost an intermediate. That’s why I bought an ebook a year or so ago called “Writer Conference Survival Guide” by Meredith Efken.

         I’ve actually not read the entire book. Soon after buying it, I realized I would not be able to attend a conference, so I set it aside. Being a true ADD person (long before that diagnosis had a name), I promptly forgot it until I was writing this blog.

         What I have read, though, is an excellent introduction for the newbie conference attendee. The book is divided into four parts: Getting Ready, Packing For the Conference, At the Conference and After the Conference. It is full of helpful information and advice and even has worksheets to help you through the process.

         I had planned to link to Meredith’s site so you could check it out, but there is no reference to the book on her site. Maybe it is no longer for sale. Or maybe I just don’t know where to look. I’ve sent some requests to her and where I bought it and will put that info into a comment when/if I get it.

         You don’t need a book to get a lot out of a conference, though. I didn’t have the book my first time. Just remember to be courteous and respectful to everyone, talk to those you meet but don’t monopolize the conversation, listen a lot and absorb all you can. As Meredith says in her book, the courteous and respectful impression you make on editors, agents and other authors is invaluable. If you have friends attending a conference, pick their brains before you go. Ask them questions or just listen in while they talk about their plans. That’s how I learned. Above all, don’t let fear keep you from an amazing experience.

         Hope you see you at the next conference I attend!