Motivated from attending Olde City New Blood in St. Augustine Beach. Wow, let me just tell you that inspite of some quirks like the loud parrots in the lobby, most of us who attended had a Ginormous Blast!
I have a list of things that I learned from attending events to share with you today!
#1 – Don’t front. Writers are great people. Honestly even the ones I had to mentally prepare to approach *cough* Pamela Palmer, turned out to be the sweetest ones! (eeeek, she came to my pool party)
I was blessed to hang out with “NY Times Bestselling Author” C.J. Ellison – (hee hee, I can see her cringing, but giggling at her new title) who showed me that everyone just wants to have fun, be part of the fun crowd and hang out! i.e. Damon Suede and Lucienne Diver here hanging around.
#2 – When in doubt throw a party! Yep that’s right, you’re not sure what to do for your meet and greet? Pick a theme, throw food, drinks and music in, stir the pot and guess what? It becomes a party! Everyone has fun and never realize you were not sure what the hell you were supposed to do! It really works, just ask Laura Kaye and Rosalie Lario!
#3 – Don’t forget to give swag to Hotel staff, restaurant staff, gas attendants, the homeless person on the corner, well he actually got a hamburger and some candy, but you know what I mean. Everyone is a reader!!
#4 – If you don’t remember anything else I’ve said. Go with the mindset that you are going to have lots of fun, make new friends and if you’re lucky, they will remember you fondly in return. I loved these girls from Literal Addiction! I am so throwing some fun colors in my hair girls!
#5 – MUCHO IMPORTANTO – yes that’s not real spanish! Just understand how important this is. Always thank the planners who host the events. It’s a lot of hard work. Just look at their poor little dazed faces during the event. If something goes wrong don’t bitch, just roll with it. Sometimes mistakes make unforgettable moments.
#6 – Lastly…Take lots of pictures so that the people that didn’t make it can visually participate in the fun.
Where are you going next?
The Romance Reviews
Looks like you had tons of fun! So wish I could have gone to that one.
I enjoyed reading your blog. I am going to the EPICon Convention in March. I will take you advice.
Oooh I’ll have to look up EPICon! Or maybe not!
RT Booklovers in KC. Are you going?
I have been convinced to go, so I think I will be there. I’d love to hook up with ya!
Glad you had a good time! I’ve never been to a writer’s convention or anything.
Really!? Wow, it’s so much fun, you should go to one!
It looks as if you had a great time. Love the photos and your advice is spot on.
Very good advice, Hildie. I can tell by the photos that you and everyone else had fun.
GREAT post! Comments are so common sense, but many at these conferences forget them. One to add, go with a plan. The first couple I attended, I wandered around like a deer in traffic. Make a plan, write it down and set goals for what you’d like to accomplish. Of course, that plan should be subject to change, just sayin’. Thanks Hildie.
Good pointer Linda, I agree, a plan is needed!
Looks like a fun time, Hildie. Good advice delivered with humor.
I love all the kindness I see in your post.
Oh, and fun. Lots of fun.