NOOB attends her first writing conference

On a close-my-eyes-and-click-on-the-register-button whim, I signed up for my first writing conference. Well, it was technically a day of workshops, but same thing in my mind. I've read, and been told, if I'm going to be a writer, I have to think of myself as a writer. One way to do that is to learn about the craft in a professional setting. Thus enters my first writing conference.

I spent too much time researching tips for going to a writing conference. It felt a bit silly to do all this research because I've been to plenty of conferences over the past ten years of my non-writing career. However, this conference felt like an entirely different beast to slay and I needed weapons to arm myself.

The tips I found online were helpful and I share a few of my own below. My biggest takeaway from my first conference is that there is a point of diminishing returns with preparation and there will always be something you won't know or can't prepare for, so stop fretting and jump in and do the damn thing! :)

Items I brought along to my first conference:

• Bag full of brand new pens (because it was absolutely necessary to buy beautiful new pens for the occasion)
• Sticky notes with lines on them (these are my favorite and they come in many assorted colors)
• Small notebook
• Business cards
• Granola bar
• Travel mug of coffee (no coffee promised at conference = mild panic)
• Two bags (one purse, one to hold items above)
• Big golf umbrella (because Michigan blessed us with a wintery mix that day)

What I would do differently next time:

• Bring a binder (or clipboard) for better note taking surface. While we received a folder for hand outs, it was flimsy, and my small notebook wasn't cutting it as a sturdy surface.
• BRING LESS CRAP. Lugging my mug, golf umbrella (why did I think a golf umbrella was a smart idea?!), two bags and then finding space for all of those in a narrow row of chairs was TEDIOUS. Find a way to consolidate stuff and bring as little accessories as possible.
• Talk to more people. All the tips I read promised writers were friendly and open. I was skeptical at first, but it proved to be true. A lot of folks I met were pre-published NOOBS like me, attending their first conference. I let my insecurities keep me from saying hi to the people around me and I likely missed out on connections. (Side note: ideas for low risk conversation starters include, Is this your first time at this conference? How did you hear about it? What do you write? Are you pitching today?)
• Read up on industry jargon. Lots of industry words were thrown around and typed in the handouts (without providing definitions). Time to do more lingo research!

Things I learned:

• Be open minded about what you think you'll learn. The conference descriptions of the workshops may paint one picture, but each workshop's execution was up to the presenter/speaker. Each speaker had their own flair, their own interpretation and way of sharing insights about the topic at hand. I liked hearing each speaker's point of view but could see how some attendees might feel that they didn't get the exact knowledge they were expecting based on the workshop description provided ahead of time.
• Go up to speakers after, not before the session. If you want to thank a speaker for their time, or introduce yourself, do so after the session. Follow up on social media after the conference, or tweet something you found insightful from their session during. Trying to meet the speaker before the session while they're trying to prepare is distracting to them and not helpful networking for you (and delays the session start, too).
• The speakers were pitching their own work, too! How humbling. Truly. My judgmental, prejudice side bought into the notion that these published authors and successful agents must all be on their throne and thus untouchable, but frankly, they were all very approachable. They made me feel like we were all part of a special community, none higher than another. Very refreshing.
• Paying for a critique or pitch is worthwhile. One of my favorite speakers of the day shared how valuable conference critiques had been for her and I heard mumbling of similar sentiments from workshop attendees throughout the day. However nerve wracking it may be, or how much I may complain about spending the money, it will be worthwhile to get feedback from a professional in order to improve my craft.
• Social media (specifically, Twitter) is important. Agents, editors, target audiences ... they're active on Twitter. To build a platform as a writer you need to be where the people are! This was apparent during and after the event (there was also an entire workshop focused on it as well). Tweeting along during the event is also a good way to build connections. Need proof? I'm not the only attendee that signed up for Twitter as a result of this conference! 

Much thanks to the Michigan Writing Workshop for providing the opportunity to gather with and learn from the broader writing community. I'm looking forward to next year's event and my next conference adventure!