I’ll be attending the When Words
Collide writer’s conference in five days. Yes, I’m on a countdown. Five more
sleeps. I’m excited and nervous.
In 2023 I was there with over 780
people. The energy throughout the weekend was palpable. I heard snippets of
chatter about best seller details, landing book deals, acquiring agents and
contracts – all music to a writer’s ear. Unfortunately, I was hesitant to step
into the circle of conversationalists.
I did attend numerous sessions on
learning the intricacies of writing a great book and the struggles an author
might need to overcome. I also listened to speakers who shared a roadmap of
their writing career and sat at the back of the room during discussions about
networking and promotional ideas. My notebook was full.
But during the breaks I
hightailed it out of the building and went for a walk. Alone.
This year I told myself it’s time
to put on the big girl panties, immerse myself in the excitement and energy of
the conference and start to network with other writers, authors, agents,
publishers, illustrators, educators … the whole spectrum of folks engaged in
storytelling. This time, I shake a finger in the air, I promise to be an active
participant – an extrovert trait which scares the bejesus out of me.
Don’t get me wrong. The people
that attend this conference are engaging and enthusiastic and helpful and
clever. I have nothing to be nervous about except myself. None of them bite.
It’s just my approach. Or better yet, my lack of approach.
I’m challenging myself to make
six significant writerly contacts. Why six and not 10? Because 10 seems
unattainable which reduces my drive to attain it. Six is still
a stretch for me to achieve even though it’s daunting. As I’ve said
before, it can be a scary place inside my head when I process information and
act out scenarios.
If you have any tips on how to
walk up to another conference attendee and start a delightful exchange that
will be memorable, please send them my way. Help me to not stick my size nine
foot in my mouth and frighten anyone. At the very least, help me to say
something engaging beyond ‘hi’. If it’s my only chance to make a significant
impression, I want it to be a good one. And if you’re going to the conference,
I hope to see you there.
In five days, away I will go,
pushing myself far out of my comfort zone and since I’ve told you all about it,
I feel accountable to succeed. Wish me luck.
Contact info: bbaker.write@gmail.com
Barbara, Going to these conferences can be hard on a shy person. One thing I'vealways found is that asking someone about their writing is alwayss a good way in.
ReplyDeleteGood luck at the conference. They are a good place to stay in touch with the industry and learn a few valuable tricks about not just writing, but also promotion and sales. Thanks for sharing.
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