I’m At A Conference…Now What?
Ciara and I at RWA Conference in Orlando, Florida
The first writer’s conference I attended was Moonlight & Magnolias in Atlanta, Georgia. I walked around in circles. No kidding that’s what I did. I went from my hotel room to a workshop to the Goodie Room, grabbed swag and hurried back to my room. I was like a squirrel preparing for winter.
The entire time, I was too scared to talk to anyone, the multitude of people and activities overwhelmed me and my feet were throbbing. A great thing did happen at this conference, Ciara Knight noticed my inner beauty took pity and talked to me. Maybe she needed me to stop circling because I was making her dizzy, but nonetheless her kindness helped me make it through the conference.
Ladies and gentlemen, after attending several more conferences, I am still walking in circles, but now I know to wear comfortable shoes so my feet are not hurting as much.
While in no way as qualified to give conference attendance advice, I will share what I have learned.
Guess what? Everyone is also walking in circles. It’s best to find a good spot somewhere in the hotel, make that the safe place you and your friends can rally whenever someone feels overwhelmed and needs a break. If you are going solo, this is especially helpful, go to a corner and name it yours. Believe me it helps to find a ‘favorite’ familiar spot to rest.
Networking is the name of the game. Classes, workshops, book signings…yeah, yeah. What you get the most out of at writers’ conferences, is getting your name out and meeting people. SO talk to people. What? You’re shy? Then wear a button that says “Ask me about my hero’s fetish” or “Ask me who I just killed.” You get the gist, believe me writers are nosy people, they will ask.
Bring tons of business cards with your name, latest book title, web/blog site address and email address. Give them to everybody, even the lady whose toe you run over with your luggage in the elevator. If you attach a mint or gum, they will love you! They are super inexpensive at VistaPrint.com
Write! Yes that’s correct, I’m telling you to make time to write. The best thing about a conference is that you are surrounded by writers and the air is charged with creativity. It seeps into you and energizes the urge to write! So take time to write before crashing for the night, or during a break. Keep you centered.
Lastly, Take Pity. If you see someone walking around in a circle, invite them to your ‘safe place’ and have a cup of tea or a diet coke with them. Share with them, you may just make a friend for life, like I did.
Any advice y’all want to add?
Ciara and I at the Romantic Times Conference in Chicago
Hildie McQueen And Ciara Knight attended Romfest 2012 in Gatlingburg, Tennessee and will be attending Moonlight and Magnolias in Atlanta, Georgia
Hildie will also attend Authors after Dark, in New Orleans and Put Your Heart In a Book in Iselin, New Jersey this year!
The Romance Reviews
OMG I love your photo’s. Conferences are always an experience where you get to meet so many and you are inspired. You also get nervous because you are meeting so many but once you start talking it all goes so well. You are among people who share a passion with you. Enjoy it.
I’d love to go to a conference one day. And I WILL! It looks like fun.
Haha! Conferences look like so much fun–especially if it’s filled with characters like you two.
I can’t wait to start hitting the cons next year. I’ll be sure to look for you and Ciara!
We’re easy to find, we usually have people laughing at us! Oh and you can’t miss hearing my annoying loud self!
I’ve only been to one RWA Conference and agree how overwhelming they can be but energizing too. Another time I wouldn’t try to cram in as many workshops – I filled every hour of each day until my head was spinning! Pick those which really interest you and fit in some down-time breaks.
I love attending conferences. This year will be my tenth RWA conference. The first time I did go alone, but like you have said, writers are friendly people and they love to talk. Me, too. Go figure!
I love to grab hugs from friends I’ve met over the years and only get to see at conferences because of all the miles between us. It’s fun to put faces to names, especially for me being membership chair for From the Hearts for the past 8 or 9 years. I always stop anyone with a pin on that I recognize as one of my online groups.
You can’t be shy. You’d miss too much. One more month….
I would love to attend a writers conference with you guys – you make it sound so fun! *Hopefully* I’ll make it to one sometime soon
Now I know why you were so familiar at M&M!
Ps I didn’ realize that you too were in Orlando!
Good advice, Hildie.
Great advice, Hildie!! While I have been to one of the WR conferences, at other conferences I’ve attended,I either write a note on their business card or in a notebook to help me remember the person I met and why they interested me. The only thing I have *not* yet mastered is not losing those notes. Good luck and have fun!! <3
oops — I meant to say I have *not* been to one of these conferences, don’t want to be called a liar…
M&M was the best conference because I met a squirrel, I mean my WBFF.
You are awesome, and conferences just wouldn’t be the same without you! Love ya, girl!! You are the best.
Back at ya!!
Squirrel
I think networking is key. I take a deep breath, walk up and start talking!