Well, the time has come.
You know that feeling you have before the first day of school? A little "day before Christmas" with a dash more of dread? That's how I feel today...the day before I attend my very first SCBWI conference in NYC.
*Deep Breath* I know this is going to be wonderful. I have heard nothing but amazing stories about conferences of the past and how much people have "taken away from them". However, I can't help but feel a little nervous.
I have never had a problem making friends or networking or simply making "small talk". So, armed with my usual smile and "go get 'em" attitude and a box of several hundred business cards that bear that smiling face ...I am ready! I think...
Here's where you come in.
There are so many of you out there in the blogosphere who have been to these conferences. And although I am sure I will have many words/advice/feedback to give after this weekend (and I will blog about it, I promise) I was wondering...if you had to give ONE tip to a newbie on the day before conference...what would it be?
I welcome your tips in advance.
Happy Writing and Conferencing to you all!
One tip? Just one?
ReplyDeleteRelax, breathe, and don't try to do everything.
Here's a link to my blogpost about my first day at SCBWI LA '11. You can follow through my days there (if it's any help) by clicking the arrows to the next posts. You might get some tips from what this newbie experienced.
http://elizabethannewrites.com/2011/08/06/finding-my-way-friday/
Thanks, Beth. By compiling tips here I hope to combine them with my own experiences and provide a listing for the newbies of the future. :)
DeleteMy one tip is, just keep saying a smiley hello to the new person next to you and you will be flabbergasted by the number of cool new friends you have by the end of the weekend. ENJOY, Marcie!
ReplyDeleteMy first conference was SCBWI LA last year, and it was a highlight of the year for me!
Thanks, Joanna. Can't wait to meet all of those cool people. :) You just upped my excitement!
DeleteBeth's right, one tip..only one? I met Beth, and a couple of other online writing buddies (whom I had never met)at the LA SCBWI 2011 conference for the first time and we had a ball! Believe me when I say it is THE MOST friendliest place EVER. You are not alone my friend (just remember to write down names and grab as many business cards as you can). Here also is my blog post about this amazing experience, that I had. http://thepatientdreamer.com/2011/08/15/an-out-of-life-experience/ and Good Luck and Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I will definitely check out your blog post...as well as hope to write my own after this weekend. :)
DeleteHow exciting! Can't wait to hear all about it!
ReplyDeleteI'm too green to have attended anything, so can't offer any tips. My boss used to put a nametag on her back AND on her lapel so people standing or sitting behind her would have equal opportunity to see her name!
Have fun!
Too funny! But I can understand the thought behind it. When I run long distance races I put my name on my front and back so people can cheer for me. Makes sense. :)
DeleteEveryone is so fantastic at these conferences. You just can't go wrong. My only advice is to go primarily to learn and soak up as much knowledge as you can. The contacts will take care of themselves.
ReplyDeleteOh, and HAVE fun!
I'm going to be a sponge, Julie! And definitely excited to meet you face to face at the NJ conference in June. :) Good times ahead.
DeleteI think writing conferences are an important step in every writer's journey. Enjoy. Last year, I saw a writer completly devasted at a conference after a pitch session with an agent. I felt so bad. Rejection is part of the journey. I always think there's another step around the corner. Have fun meeting other writers.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stacy. I agree. It is an important step and so is rejection...although it doesn't make rejection any easier.
DeleteHi Marcie,
ReplyDeleteI look forward to meeting you this weekend as I'm a newbie to the conference too. As someone who has networked in conferences, seminars, webinars, and on Twitter - set a goal or two for yourself. Have a question you want answered by the pros? Ask it tomorrow. One author or illustrator you hope to meet - go! Making a goal or two for yourself will help you focus on that and not make you so nervous.
Hmmm...good points, Kathy! I will set goals. Thanks!
DeleteAnd yes, I am totally looking forward to meeting you. :)
I am looking forward to reading your posts! Have fun! I wish I was there, but I am kinda afraid of the whole experience! My husband offered to send me twice! But when it came right down to it, I chicked out! AM I READY? I don't know! But your posts will help me for next year.... maybe! HAVE FUN! MEET LOTS OF PEOPLE!! LEARN LOTS OF GOOD STUFF! and TELL US ALL ABOUT IT!
ReplyDeleteAwww, Louise! Of course you are ready. But yes, I hope to blog about it and help those like you who have not yet attended. You can do it!
DeleteI went SCBWI Canada West conference last May. I was pretty nervous, but I think that is because I was waiting to have my ms critiqued. Once the critique was over I was able to relax and enjoy myself! I wish I had brought business cards.
ReplyDeleteI learned so much! One of the presenters talked about mistakes newbie writers, like myself, make when first writing picture books. My writing took a giant step forward that day as I realized I was making the mistakes she had mentioned (such as verb placement which can lead to a story sounding like Yoda).
I hope you have fun! I look forward to reading the rest of your posts as I plan on attending the SCBWI conference in LA. I’ve never been to conference that big.
I wish I could be more helpful. I attended my first conference last fall and my next one is in February with another in May. I love them, but I get nervous too. Weird tip --- I didn't realize I was supposed to wear "business attire." I was so glad when I read a post a few days before my conference, or I would have shown up in my usual casual style.
ReplyDeleteJust be friendly and have fun! I know you'll love it. Be sure to tell us all about it!
Conferences always give me such a boost of energy and ideas. I hope you have so much fun.
ReplyDelete