Happy Tuesday!
Today's post is about conference time. There's a lot of buzz about going and whatnot, so thought I'd talk about that today. Another question that keeps coming up in conversations is.. If I'm not published yet, is it really necessary to attend one? Along with several other questions regarding conference season. Well, basically the answer is both yes and no. Sorry, thought you'd get a clear cut answer didn't you? ;) I'm not a fan of disappointing anyone with an answer, but because this really is a pro and con situation, and based on 'you' and where you are with writing, finances, etc., there is only the answer 'you' can give for yourself. But..
I can give reasons on both sides that may help in deciding whether it's time for you to go, or wait a while and maybe tackle conference season next year, or the year after. Let's start with the biggie, I feel anyway, on the con side.. expense. Unless you're fortunate to live close to the conference venue you'll have traveling costs, and you'll have to have a place to sleep, and don't forget food and drinks, and if you have small children you'll need to secure a sitter for the time you'll be away..and the list just grows bigger with what your specific needs may be. So, if you're not published yet, or recently published, and it will be your first time actually seriously considering attending one, please add some of the items mentioned here to your decision-making list.
Another factor you'll want to think about if it will be your first time going, are you going alone? I'm not a huge fan of going to big gatherings alone. For me, until I can absorb the surroundings, when I first walk into a place it can be a bit overwhelming. But that's just me and a little hang-up I have. I try my best to have someone either meet me or if possible, take my best friend or family member and double-up so to speak. (Meet at hotel, share the room, and have what we can control all planned out, etc.) It does help me, and it may also help if you're a bit nervous about going solo and are able to take someone with you, especially if it's a first event.
There's so much that goes on over the short span of time at a conference. You'd like to check in on all that you can, but reality sometimes makes that a little hard to achieve. Having someone with you, help navigate your planned scheduled events, because you know where you are at that moment and where you need to be at such and such a time.
The flip-side.. going to a conference is an experience, to say the least! Yes, there will be after-parties, drinking, meeting up with friends you've meet on line, etc. There are also a lot of writing events. After all, it's a writer's conference ;) You'll be able to network, meet and make new friends. You'll be able to hopefully attend events and learn new things about writing/business that you didn't know about previously. You'll be able to hopefully, meet one of your favorite authors, and hopefully she/he will sign a copy of their most recent or your fav book of theirs. Or maybe meet an editor along the way to your next destination, that you're considering querying in the future.
So, these are a few things to think about when you're considering attending a writer's conference. There's more, but at least a few things to start your pro/con list. If however, you decide not to attend a conference this year, have you thought about a writer's retreat? These can be awesome as well! The group is usually a lot smaller, and you can even start one by inviting a group of your writer friends.. just pick a place, time, and day or two.. plan out what you'll be working on/discussing. It could be really small and simple, like an afternoon lunch and then go over some writing topics you'd like to learn more about, know a little bit about and want to share, goals, etc. A retreat at the very least, is a place where writers can be in one place, talk about work, business, etc., but on a much smaller scale than a conference. Think of it as a way to do a walk-though of the bare basics.. so when it's time for you to attend a bigger event for the first time, things might not feel so chaotic or intimidating.
Hope this helps :) Happy Writing!
No comments:
Post a Comment