Lately there's been some buzz in my brain regarding writing conferences. Jessica Faust blogged about "Her Most Interesting Conference Experiences" on Monday and since then, I've been really thinking about giving it a go. Only problem is I'm not sure where I want to go, or which one I should choose.
Have you ever been to a conference? How did you decide which one to go to? Everyone I talk to seems to have had really positive (albeit slightly terrifying) experiences. To me, the rewards pay for the anxiety - at least that's what I'm told.
Oh, Oh, and then I got another really exciting idea. A group of us should all pick the same conference and attend together!!!!! Wouldn't that be awesome. We could hangout talking shop (instead of typing it) while our spouses commiserate our writing obsessions over drinks. Doesn't that sound like good times?!?
Okay, totally being serious. I really want to go to a conference and I think it'd be fun if we got a group of people together. In truth, it makes the whole process seem a little less intimidating and oh so much fun. Whatcha think?
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13 comments:
The idea of going as a group appeals to me b/c I'm an introvert (Wallflower class) and it'd be easier for me w/ people I know -- was thinking about it yesterday, thinking how it'd be to meet these people across the blogosphere... seems like a Stephen King situation for a horror novel to me for some reason (having quasi strangers with blogger tags and unique personalities in some about to be fackocked situation).
The conference environment could be valuable, particularly if you're proactive...
Yeah, or it could be one of those "Oh. You're who've I been talking to? Er, um. I gotta go." (note to self, delete blogger account)
BUT, I don't think that'd be the case. I'm more comfortable going as a group too - like I said, it'd be less intimidating.
Side note to all - I'm heading up north for the weekend (my weekend starts today =) - SO I won't be blogging the next few days. HOWEVER - I'd love to come back to a couple of conference suggestions. Anyone? Anyone?
Steph,
I'm already going to Nathan's on the 13th of Sept. in San Fran. You can come sit by me if you'd like! ;)
you are READING my mind lady! I have been up at night thinking about this all week and I really want to give it a go as well. I am a non-fiction gal, so I would need to go to one that had non-fiction as an option in the breakouts, but all the big ones seem too. I would love to get together and go with others. I don't know how know when more people comment on another's blog -- so PLEASE people, if you come up with something - come tell me at FALLING UPWARD!!
I'll look into things as well!
Hi, Steph! Excellent idea! I've been wanting to go to a writers conference, too, but I've been too nervous about being a "newbie" and too worried that the expense wouldn't be worth it. But, if I were going with a group of like-minded pals, it would be a whole lot more tempting.
And it's funny... even though I've never met any of you in person, I feel like we'd be simpatico. But, as my hubby says, I'm a gullible person. Perhaps it's a good thing I never experienced an "online" relationship... I'm way too trusting.
And now that you've put that thought in my head, Bane, I'm concerned about the whole Stephen King angle... and I'm worried that Steph would delete my "follower" status after meeting me.
On second thought... maybe this isn't such a good idea. ;-)
I love Stephen King!
I would love to go to a writer's conference, but, um, I don't have a completed manuscript to pitch there. And, um, I can barely afford COFFEE these days, let alone registration and a hotel room in (insert city/conference name here.)
The irony of the writing life is that you can't do any of these professional development things until you get published and have some money .... but you can't get published and have some money until you get the professional development.
I'm with you, Christine. It's the age-old conundrum.
They won't hire you without experience, but you can't get experience if no one will hire you. Likewise, it's hard to sell your work without an agent, but it's hard to find an agent that will trust you if no one else has.
Sigh. Same goes for the writer conferences... I can't afford 'em either right now, but I so need the experience of one! Argh. Argh. Argh.
That sounds like fun, Steph! I've met a couple of people from the blogs in real life now, and it's really fun to get to know people for real.
I'm starting grad school in just 2 weeks, though, unfortunately, so I won't be able to go to a conference for quite awhile.
Love to hear about it, though!
Hey guys, I'm back!!!!
Okay, let's see...
Jen, thanks for the offer to sit by you. Too bad I have class right now and can't escape to Cali! A NB gathering would be a hoot.
Holly, any luck finding a conference? I'm just wrapping up class prep this a.m. and then I'll be looking into it as well.
Laura - Don't worry, I won't delete ya! (maybe I'm just as gullible too!)I don't have a ton of money to go jet setting about the country to writer's conferences, but I do have a trust worthy car and I love for the open road!
Mira - School, schmool. I'm in grad school too and I say "who cares!" you can escape for a weekend. Where's that arm so I can twist it???
Oh, and Christine and Laura - I agree with both of you. Up until two months ago I wouldn't have even dreamed about going to conference because of the lack of funds.
And now, its not like I'm rolling in the dough, but I can save enough moola to swing it. I've always been a fan a Ramen Noodles and tuna fish.
Steph - I really can't. I have internship all day Saturday for the full year!
I'll check your blog to hear about it all though! Sounds very fun!
Bummer Mira - Internships are super cool though. You can't get experience without them. I hope it turns out to be a rewarding experience for you!
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