Last June I was awarded a scholarship to attend my very first writers conference via Wyoming Writers, Inc. I was nervous, unsure of what to expect, and completely alone when I arrived at the hotel hosting the conference. I knew of only one person who would be there, John Nesbitt, but I knew not where he was or when he would be arriving.
On a dare to myself I had signed up for the first evening's critique tables where I shared the first chapter of my paranormal comedy. It was terrifying, exhilarating, and everything I needed to start my experience off in the right direction. My table partners were informative and kind - filled with great ideas and their own intriguing stories. I made my first friends here and we were rather inseparable throughout the rest of the weekend. This table gave me the confidence to go boldly into seminars by myself because I knew I was on equal ground with all in attendance. It was perfect... and addicting. I have my eye on next year's conference and I cannot wait to participate in many others in the area.
Below, I have compiled a list of fifteen things I learned from that first conference. I hope they help you along your way:
1.) Go to as many conferences as you can! Not only will you be surrounded by like minded people, but you're also likely to learn a thing or two. It's a great place to network, learn about your craft, and stretch your comfort zone.
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| The Tall Mom, blogger and writer. |
2.) Write every day. This wasn't
said so much as what I observed the successful people around me did out of
habit. Write a poem, an essay, a letter to your mother, a review of a recent
dining experience. Anything! Just write.
3.) Editors are very approachable
and most will be eager to help you along your way. They understand this is a
numbers game and eventually the right person at the right time will reach your
manuscript. Keep moving forward. Don't be afraid to ask questions, form
connections, build a network.
4.) Submit to contests all over the world (but don't worry about the ones who ask you to pay an arm and a leg to participate. $20 is a good max.)
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| Patrick Thomas of Milkweed Editions |
5.) Read books from all genres - even the ones you don't like very much and especially the ones who carry a similar theme to your own works. You'll eventually need someone to compare to when pitching.
6.) Do NOT begin your sentences
with participles - it leads to telling rather than showing the reader the world
and is much weaker, even lazy, writing. "Walking into the room she turned
on the coffee maker." vs. "She walked into the room and turned on the
coffee maker." Be direct, stop skirting around the subject!
7.) Connect with editors,
authors, and writers outside of your genre. Even if they are unable to buy your
idea, they may know someone who can! Networking without boundaries is vital.
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| Tiffany Schofield, editor of Fivestar Publishing |
8.) Sleep is not as necessary as
you might think during a conference. Attend every event, even the 7am
breakfast. Every minute spent within the community is a benefit.
10.) At every opportunity, share
your work. Open mic, paddle panels, critique tables, everything! The more
comfortable you become reading your work the more confident you will become
speaking about it. You never know who will be listening and what advice you can
glean from your audience.
11.) You don't always need a
filter like "she saw" or "he heard." You can simply state
the action observed. "She saw the cat jump into a bag too small for its
mass." vs. "The cat jumped into a bag too small for its mass."
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| Open Mic Night - terrifying, but incredibly liberating. |
14.) Pitch the synopsis of your
book to strangers. "Hey, just real quick can I get your opinion on a
book?" *break into pitch* See how the individual reacts, ask for quick
feedback.
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| Tina Ann Forkner, author |
15.) Whatever you are afraid to do
at a conference - GO DO IT! If you do not feel confident in your introduction
take the seminar that will tear it apart. If you are intimidated by public
speaking, jump in front of a mic. If pitching makes you sweat go pitch to as
many people as you can whether they represent your genre or not!
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| My treat for participating in the critique panels. Yes, Dove, I really am. |
Now go! Do! Get signed up for your first conference and have fun! I'd love to hear about some of the tib-dits you've picked up along the way.
