This coming week I’m headed to one of the largest conferences I’ve ever attended.
Ever.
I’m no stranger to conferences and workshops. I’ve attended quite a few over the years for Aikido and my day job and local writing conferences. So why am I nervous
about this one? I mean, it can’t be any more intimidating than standing barefoot on the mat, with 10-15 guys—big guys—coming at me with a punch or strike, expecting me to throw them across the room, or better yet, pin them to the floor until they tap out—right?
Eh, maybe.
I’m going to be at this conference with friends, fellow journeyers, each of us somewhere along this path in our writing careers. I take great comfort in that and can relax. Then I think about my pitch appointments, and this spider-like dread begins to crawl up my throat. Yeah, bring on the brute with a fist…I know how to take him down.
In preparation, I’ve reviewed, studied and slept on a lot of suggestions and advice. Much of it in the form of Do’s and Don’ts. Great stuff, common sense stuff, don’t-put-your-foot-in-your-mouth stuff.
So here’s my list…All Do’s, (because the “don’ts” are too negative).
Have Fun
Be Nice
Be On Time
Smile
Breath
Be Nice
Listen
Ask Questions
Learn
Be Nice
Say Thank You
I’m sure you all can add even more to the list. I’d love your comments.
PS. Yes… it was deliberate that Be Nice is on the list 3 times.
PSS. I’m taking next week off from my blog posts, but tune in the following week and I hope to share some things I learned.
Great post! Will not however be at Nationals this year!
Maybe we can meet another time, Cecy. Thanks for stopping by.
Have a ball. I wish I could go with you!
Me too, but I’ll bet you’re going to be having a ball too. Thanks for peeking in.
First, if you forget which venue you are at and you take me to the mat til I tap out, I’m going to re-evaluate our mode of communication! HAHAHA I loved your list, Stanalei. I would add BE FLEXIBLE. Sometimes we get so caught up in our “scheduled program” we miss the opportunity to connect with a valuable resource. The hurry and scurry can blind us. Put yourself in the path of opportunity. We are surrounded by people who can literally…give us a hand up off that mat. Enjoy RWA 2012!
A definite DO to add. Thanks for that reminder, Jude.
An excellent list. Good luck!!
Thank you, Clancy. Glad you could sneak in and say hi.
Would you believe I’ve never attended a BIG writer’s conference (sure, plenty of small ones and several HUGE ones for my day job)? It’s on my bucket list. Go, have fun, be productive and swallow the nerves (easy to say since I’ve never done it). I’m sure it’s going to be an amazing experience.
And, hey, you rock! I had no idea about the mat stuff. WOW! You’re amazing. The conference should be small-fry by comparison
Ah, wish you were going, Mae. I’d love to meet up with you. I’ll hold you to your bucket list item.
Great list! Relax, you’ll do fine. I won’t be at National this year, but I went last year. Pitching is nerve-wracking, but remember the editors and agents are there because they want to say yes! Write up a good pitch and feel free to read it, as long as you can do it without being all monotone. They don’t care if you’ve memorized it; it’s better to sound eloquent and together than to be saying “um” a lot because you can’t remember the next bit. And it takes a lot of the pressure off–now you don’t have to worry about going blank. Good luck, and have fun!
Dana, Thanks so much for stopping by. Thanks for the advice on the pitch. I have my cards ready and I’m working on my verbal presentation this weekend. Thanks for the luck.
First, you’re ALWAYS all of those things, so you’re ahead of the game. I agree with Jude, be flexible. If you try to keep to your schedule, you might miss something! Have a good time, and make new friends.
See you next week!
Thanks Mary. I try and I’m definitely starting to relax a bit more. Can’t wait!