tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7545210782126483136.post5012032246549982237..comments2024-01-24T05:13:06.164-08:00Comments on Not Your Usual Suspects: Are Conferences for Everyone?Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11286314155783213006noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7545210782126483136.post-881713822044228862014-02-08T05:38:54.269-08:002014-02-08T05:38:54.269-08:00I think it's nice to have the support, especia...I think it's nice to have the support, especially for first timers. I'm running the class for first-timers at the RT Booklovers' Convention this year, in New Orleans. It's a valuable resource. RT is one of the friendliest conventions I know. You absolutely get most out of it if you're alone.<br />I have never got a contract from formal pitching, but I have had some of my biggest breaks at conventions. From the informal meetings, the parties, going to the bar and daring to sit at a table with people I don't know.<br />A convention is work, and work isn't always fun. But if you plan out your strategy, it can work.<br />And yes, I'm cripplingly shy and introverted, but nobody you meet at a convention, unless they really know me, will suspect that. lynneconnollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10687025766573756077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7545210782126483136.post-60423943266842049672014-02-08T05:38:43.446-08:002014-02-08T05:38:43.446-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.lynneconnollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10687025766573756077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7545210782126483136.post-27247497771192983782014-02-06T06:31:13.068-08:002014-02-06T06:31:13.068-08:00Thanks all, for your suggestions and admissions. A...Thanks all, for your suggestions and admissions. And I thought I was the only one. Nice to know I'm in good company:) Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7545210782126483136.post-67306913960569861572014-02-06T05:50:30.640-08:002014-02-06T05:50:30.640-08:00Oh, totally feeling your pain, girl! I remember on...Oh, totally feeling your pain, girl! I remember one conference, shaking hands with an editor and handing her my business card, (at least a dozen people in front of me had just done the same thing,) but in my case, she made a face. At me. A yuck face. <br /><br />Now, maybe she had a sudden pinch in her shoe, or maybe she was sick of people handing her cards--who knows? She's human. <br /><br />However, I saw the yuck-face and had to go back to my hotel room and hide...for the rest of the day. Which kinda cuts into conference time. :)<br /><br />I will say, exposure therapy has helped. I've gotten better over the years. <br /><br />Now I only hide for an hour or so when someone does a yuckface. :)J Wachowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184091482307217132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7545210782126483136.post-25244386276055810422014-02-05T16:34:58.519-08:002014-02-05T16:34:58.519-08:00If you find an antidote (other than alcohol, which...If you find an antidote (other than alcohol, which helps), let me know! I'm also very introverted and really have to work at being sociable in a group situation -- particularly huge groups like conferences. I went to a chapter retreat by myself years ago and just felt awful. Now I only go to conferences with a writing buddy, and fortunately the one I go with is super friendly and bubbly and knows everybody. Then, of course, I end up retreating because I get overwhelmed...Ana Barronshttp://anabarrons.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7545210782126483136.post-76184698235130891732014-02-05T10:17:57.765-08:002014-02-05T10:17:57.765-08:00With the way online groups have evolved conference...With the way online groups have evolved conferences as learning tools don’t suit every ones needs they way they used to. Now, I think the WPA is in a class by its self. I would go just to hang out with the likes of Michael Connelly and Lee Childs. I like the smaller reader writer cons where there are more readers than writers. Fun. RWA is, IMO, for networking. RT, well I don’t quite know how to explain it. My conferencing will be limited this year. I’ll miss the hanging out but not all the hype. Just be calm. Ritahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09054306874904898496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7545210782126483136.post-41629420748322814002014-02-05T07:12:48.059-08:002014-02-05T07:12:48.059-08:00I registered for WPA, though I wasn't expectin...I registered for WPA, though I wasn't expecting to. Kind of a last minute decision, and yeah, I'm a bit intimidated. Must be why I haven't figured out my hotel or flight plans yet. :) Conferences exhaust me, but now that I have some friends that go to each one, I look forward to them. With WPA, I won't know anybody. Yikes!Anne Marie Beckerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17603878676306179018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7545210782126483136.post-61827180200682675912014-02-05T06:17:43.195-08:002014-02-05T06:17:43.195-08:00No antidote to offer,Patricia, except to say, &quo...No antidote to offer,Patricia, except to say, "What's wrong with being an introvert?" After all, you're a writer, and writers work in their solitary caves bringing forth people from their imaginations. You need quiet for that, girl--at least I do--and while conferences can be fun, sitting in the hotel lounge with a glass of wine and witty, clever people, if it's not for you don't force the issue. Remember what Polonius said!jean harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04925805990806522316noreply@blogger.com