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Writing Conferences For Newbies

10/21/2014

10 Comments

 
I’m just back from the New Jersey Romance Writers’ annual conference and it was great! As a new writer, I went there with no friends, no experience and absolutely no idea of what to expect. I came back with a first place plaque for Blank Canvas, a request for a full manuscript from an Agent and, most importantly, a bunch of wonderful writer friends.

For unpublished authors still hesitating as to whether or not to attend next year, I highly recommend this event. Here are a few important things to remember, before heading out. 

Rule #1: Bring a big bag.
For all the swag, of course! I’ve been to conferences and trade shows before, but never to one where the swag was exactly what I wanted!

Rule #2: Rest up.
Get some sleep before you go, because at the conference, you’ll be too busy to rest.

Rule #3: Make friends.
For every person who’s confident, there are about seventeen who are not. Just remember that. Talk to them and they will be forever grateful. I know I was!

Rule #4: Ask questions.
Learning sessions are great, especially for us newbies, because you really do learn a ton about writing, marketing and even surviving. The presenters have lots of valuable information to impart and they’re happy to chat. Don’t hesitate to approach them after a talk.

Rule #5: Finish your book.
Even if it’s not completely ready to go, it’s good to have something to shop around once you’re there. This may be your chance to get some feedback from peers, published authors, editors and agents.

Rule #6: Volunteer!
If possible, spend some time helping out at the conference. This is a great way to meet other writers. It also gives you an in at, say, the pitch sessions, where the volunteers are the first to know when a slot opens up!


Rule #7: Pitch, pitch, pitch.
Take advantage of those pitch sessions offered at many writing conferences. Where else can you immediately gauge reactions to your story and see if your log line works?

Rule #8a: Bring wine.
At the end of the evening, when everyone else is spending exorbitant amounts at the bar, you and your new-found friends can retire comfortably to your hotel room for more chatting, pitch-practicing, plotting and everything else under the sun.

Rule #8b: Bring painkillers.
See rule #8a.

Rule #9: Go outside.
Oxygen is really and truly good for you. Don’t forget to head out the hotel doors every once in a while and get you some.

10 Comments
Callie Russell
10/21/2014 06:43:34 am

Great post, Adriana! All good advice…especially 8 (A and B)...

Reply
Adriana Anders
10/22/2014 01:47:58 pm

Thanks, Callie! Perhaps I should have moved those up to #1?

Reply
madeline iva link
10/21/2014 08:16:20 am

I *LURV* the NJ conference. The hotel is great and yes to retiring to the room to practice pitching. Yes to volunteering. Did you like the agent/editor panels?

Reply
Adriana
10/22/2014 01:49:32 pm

SUCH good advice on volunteering. It made all the difference! And, yes, the panels were great. Wonderful advice from an impressive selection of experts!

Reply
Denise Golinowski link
10/21/2014 08:19:21 am

Hi, Adriana! I'm so proud of you for your win, your persistence, and your enthusiasm. I've definitely got to put this conference on my calendar for next year! Looks like you had a great time and your checklist is perfect! Write on!

Reply
Adriana Anders
10/22/2014 01:50:10 pm

Thank you Denise! I just might head up there with you!

Reply
Alleyne Dickens link
10/22/2014 07:39:40 am

I'll bring the wine. You bring the ibruprofen.

Reply
Adriana Anders
10/22/2014 01:50:27 pm

You're on!!

Reply
Sheila Grice link
10/22/2014 08:23:24 am

Congratulations on winning first place for Blank Canvas, Adrianna! I loved hearing about your story during our wine and plotting party. You're right, getting together with other writers at these conferences is awesome. Happy writing!

Reply
Adriana Anders
10/22/2014 01:51:35 pm

Thank you, Sheila! I had a blast in those sessions, loved hearing your story, too. And I'm glad to have had my comeuppance. Honestly, though, I could do that every day!

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  • Books
    • KINK CAMP/CAMP HAVEN >
      • Kink Camp: Hunted
      • Possession
    • LOVE IN PARIS
    • SURVIVAL INSTINCTS >
      • DEEP BLUE
      • WHITEOUT
      • UNCHARTED
      • BLACKOUT
    • DADDY CRUSH
    • LOVE AT LAST >
      • Loving the Secret Billionaire
      • Loving the Wounded Warrior
      • Loving the Mountain Man
    • BLANK CANVAS >
      • Under Her Skin
      • By Her Touch
      • In His Hands
    • ANTHOLOGIES
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