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Thursday, July 29, 2010
Today’s blog is brought to you by the letter “C” -as in Conferences.
(Not the other “C” word, which coinwinkadinkaly (or maybe not so much) is the first letter of my first name.)
By no means am I an expert on writerly conferences. I’ve been to one several years ago (Spring Fling, Chicago, 2008) and found it to be one of the best writing experiences I’ve ever had. The kinship you have with someone as a writer, even if you don’t know them well, is incredible. The knowledge passed between groups, the camaraderie, the friendship- I honestly think writerly conferences are a good way to build back up some self-esteem (no matter if you pitch or not) and rekindle the fire you have for writing. You come home recharged and ready to go full steam ahead on your current (or new) manuscript. You keep in mind all the contacts you made, cross your T’s and dot your I’s and work super hard to produce. And sometimes at the end of the road, you’re rewarded with what you’ve worked so hard to do in the first place.
Work conferences are like that as well.
Right now I’m at a work conference. Not quite as fun as a writerly conference (and from what I’ve heard, not even a TENTH of fun as the RWA National conference.) but most of the time just as educational. Once a year I mingle with the state speaking to others who do what I do and work supportively to what I do. It’s a chance to trade secrets, learn new techniques and pawn off evil doings on others. (-That I’m kidding about. Slightly.) I’ve been at this conference every year for 7 years. Every year is a learning experience because the medical world is always changing, just like the writer’s world. As a writer we have to keep up with trends, remember who we’ve met, who we’d like to meet, what publishers want what and what agent want what. In the medical field, we have to keep up with ICD-9 (soon to be ICD-10) codes and HIPAA, Red Flags and lien laws (Just to name a few). In the writer world we fight so hard to keep our new stories private so that no one has the chance to flag our unique ideas and rewrite them. In the medical world, we have to fight to keep your personal information private and keep you safe from identity theft. In all professions the opportunity to learn more, progress into a smarter version than the person we were. Conferences are a way to branch out and discover new ways to reinvent ourselves (or our office.)
So, as you’ve probably guessed, I’m not going to be on the blog today but the RWR pirates have promised to keep everything afloat while I’m out teaching the world how to ice pick properly and trying not to fall asleep in the back of the class. Let’s talk about our writing in a practical sense. Have you been to a conference? Taken a class (in person or online)? Belong to your local RWA chapter? What have you benefited from getting out there and improving yourself and your writing?
***
By no means am I an expert on writerly conferences. I’ve been to one several years ago (Spring Fling, Chicago, 2008) and found it to be one of the best writing experiences I’ve ever had. The kinship you have with someone as a writer, even if you don’t know them well, is incredible. The knowledge passed between groups, the camaraderie, the friendship- I honestly think writerly conferences are a good way to build back up some self-esteem (no matter if you pitch or not) and rekindle the fire you have for writing. You come home recharged and ready to go full steam ahead on your current (or new) manuscript. You keep in mind all the contacts you made, cross your T’s and dot your I’s and work super hard to produce. And sometimes at the end of the road, you’re rewarded with what you’ve worked so hard to do in the first place.
Work conferences are like that as well.
Right now I’m at a work conference. Not quite as fun as a writerly conference (and from what I’ve heard, not even a TENTH of fun as the RWA National conference.) but most of the time just as educational. Once a year I mingle with the state speaking to others who do what I do and work supportively to what I do. It’s a chance to trade secrets, learn new techniques and pawn off evil doings on others. (-That I’m kidding about. Slightly.) I’ve been at this conference every year for 7 years. Every year is a learning experience because the medical world is always changing, just like the writer’s world. As a writer we have to keep up with trends, remember who we’ve met, who we’d like to meet, what publishers want what and what agent want what. In the medical field, we have to keep up with ICD-9 (soon to be ICD-10) codes and HIPAA, Red Flags and lien laws (Just to name a few). In the writer world we fight so hard to keep our new stories private so that no one has the chance to flag our unique ideas and rewrite them. In the medical world, we have to fight to keep your personal information private and keep you safe from identity theft. In all professions the opportunity to learn more, progress into a smarter version than the person we were. Conferences are a way to branch out and discover new ways to reinvent ourselves (or our office.)
So, as you’ve probably guessed, I’m not going to be on the blog today but the RWR pirates have promised to keep everything afloat while I’m out teaching the world how to ice pick properly and trying not to fall asleep in the back of the class. Let’s talk about our writing in a practical sense. Have you been to a conference? Taken a class (in person or online)? Belong to your local RWA chapter? What have you benefited from getting out there and improving yourself and your writing?
Labels:
2010,
Quartermaster's Queries (Sin),
Sin,
Writing for Rum
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40 comments:
Sin, if there's anybody I would want to keep MY information private, it would be you. :)
I agree completely with what you say about conferences. I've been to them for writing (definitely my preference) and I've been to them for other work-related things (less satisfying, but nice to be away from the daily grind).
One of the first writing conferences I went to was an RT conference, and I was nervous about going -- in fact, I almost chickened out. But once I was there I had this feeling like I'd finally found my tribe. LOL These fellow writers knew EXACTLY how I felt about books, and trying to write them, and squeeing over rock-star authors.
I think that's why I'm so adamant about getting to the conference next year. And I'm glad to have a "mini-conference" here every day. :)
Actually I got tired of looking for my own tribe and decided to just make my own tribe and invite people to join it. Is that cheating?
Yes, I've been to a conference--the same conference in fact.
Yes, I've taken a couple classes online. One I liked, one I didn't.
Yes, I've belonged to a RWA chapter before.
I'm not sure what I've benefited from. I did improve my pitch for my first manuscript and an agent was nice enough to ask for it, but then it turned out she didn't like it. So I'm not altogether convinced it was a positive experience. It's like finally being asked on a date by a cute boy and then finding out in the middle of the entree he has ditched you to flirt with the waitress and you're stuck paying the bill. Makes you not that fond of dating, you know.
*LOL* Donna, I love the idea of "finding your tribe"--that's a good mental image.
Hellie, I don't think that's cheating -- I think that's SMART! It's hard to find the people you "belong" with, so inviting the ones you do like. Yeah, that's smart.
And I was dying laughing at your analogy of the cute boy ditching you and leaving you with the bill. Looks like he won't be getting an invite to join the tribe!
Any updates from Terri and Chance? I know Terri's pitch with Christine is this afternoon -- just wondering how everything else is going. (Yeah, I know -- I'm being pitiful again. LOL I've GOT to go next year.)
No, I haven't gotten any updates from Terri and Chance. I'm sure there is too much going on all the time now. Plus I've yet to know when they're sleeping--and I know Terri enjoys her sleep. Perhaps not as much as I do, but close.
Are we it, Donna? Is Hal still under the weather (poor girl) and Marn chasing wee ones--and we're looking at our HOA lists and going, "There's nothing on here I want to do!" *sighs*
I have been to the NJ RWA conference the last 2 years. Don't know if I can make it this year. But it's a good one if you're in the area.
I haven't taken any classes but I did by Margie Lawson's notes. I have been thinking of taking one, especially as I could maybe use some help with revising. :)
Finding my tribe... yeah, that feels about right.
Ter got a full request from her first pitch. :) I just saw on FB. So she's rocking it down there.
Marn, I went to the NJ conference a couple years ago. Maybe we passed each other and didn't know it! LOL
Thanks for the update about Terri. That deserves a woo hoo!
Hellie, I did an HOA recap on my blog today -- it almost didn't get done because, yep, I was avoiding it. LOL I feel like today is going to have tons of avoidance in it -- and the only thing that will get done is NOTHING. LOL Well, maybe I'll read. And brush my teeth. LOL
I went to a few RWA chapter workshops years ago in Washington, DC and found them very exciting and encouraging. I remember hearing Mary Jo Putney speak and I was in heaven. :) At the time, I think I was firmly in the ignorance is bliss mindset and everything was new with no bad dates to break my heart.
I have no memory of any "this is going to be hard" talk at the workshops. Either I have a selective memory or they wisely didn't go there. Like that would be kind of a downer to attend a "Give it Up Now: All the Reasons Not to Write a Romance" workshop. LOL
I didn't technically attend a conference - just showed up to visit with friends (same conference as Sin and Hellie), but the enthusiasm and comraderie (?-too lazy to look up) was there. It was a lot of fun.
I just posted on Janga's blog yesterday that I think I would love to go to one of these shindigs but my introverted self would be close to hyperventilating :)
BIG WHOO HOOO for Ter!!!!!! Way to go Terri. Keeping fingers and toes crossed for this afternoon!
Facebook is quickly becoming my nemesis. The DD wants to join and the DH says NO! So, of course, she doesn't complain to him 24/7 - she comes to Mom to spread her "tale of woe" over and over and over again. And... I'm like you Donna, looking for any info possible on what's happening in WDW, and I'm not on Facebook or Twitter and that is where everyone is posting everything! UGH!
Irish, I'm on Twitter, so I'm getting a little bit of a "fix". LOL I wonder if it doesn't just make things worse though. Seriously. I feel like I've got a vitamin deficiency or something -- I'm not usually this itchy about this stuff. LOL
My sympathies at hearing the tales of woe over and over. That's got to be tough!
Nice to know that Sin is with us in spirit. Perhaps you could give me the low down on her weapons store now that she's away, without fear of retribution. I'm sure she's really a sweetie, and all this weapons stuff is just a front to hide that feminine shyness. Isn't that right Helli? Or does she really have a house full of ice picks!?
I enjoy science conferences. Meeting people after reading their papers. Chatting in idyllic and congenial surroundings, keeping up with the latest ideas, making new contacts. Nothing to beat it!
My favorite was in Crete, a few years back, at a hotel a short way round the coast from Heraklion. A Conf trip to the Minoan ruins was actually the highlight for me, rather than new physics ideas. Swimming in the Med was great as well. I bought a statue of the snake Goddess as a memento, and it has place of honor in the spare room. Anyone sleeping over is subjected to her charms. :wink:
So I'm prepared if Sin should ever visit! :lol:
You guys are doing a valiant job keeping the skull and cross bones flying today.
I'm proud to be part of the crew! :D
Melissa, I'm laughing at the workshop about giving up. I guess that wouldn't get very many people to attend the conference! But you're right -- that whole ignorance is bliss thing really does help keep you going. I know it does for me! LOL
Q, you know how to enjoy a conference! Now I'm jealous of you going to Crete! (I'm gonna have to get a jealous-ectomy pretty soon. LOL)
I can't wait to see how you re-organize Sin's weapon stash. Make sure you put a picture of the Snake Goddess in there too (it sounds perfect!)
Hey, pirates -- the beautiful weather is calling to me. I think I'm going to go hunt down some ice cream, out in the wild. :) I'll be back later.
If you go to Twitter, I think you can search for rwa updates without joining. just search #rwa10.
A Conf trip to the Minoan ruins was actually the highlight for me, rather than new physics ideas.
Q brings up a good point. It does sound like a big draw for the conferences is location! I'd attend a physics conference or even attend the "Give It Up" conference if the location was right and someone else footed the bill. LOL
Go, Terri!!!!!
Conference: RWA 2009
Workshops: Yes, but barely attended.
Associations: RWA, Celtic Hearts, Hearts Through History (membership chair), thinking about ACFW. Oh, and Pro-RWA.
The online communities are awesome. People ask questions about the craft, or research and you get tons of answers most of the time with links to back up information. Take for instance the other day I wanted to know about rattlesnake bites. I got responses from an ER nurse, from a bite victim, and one person sent me a research written in 1874 from the State my book is written in. So, I got plenty of information to write continue on with my scene.
Plus, you get discounts on contest entries. Celtic Heearts offers two free workshops when you join their group. And, the best part about online communities is that I've met a lot of wonderful people, many who I call life-long friends.
Q, no worries, I haven't actually seen an ice pick at Sin's house. I have seen knives though; and she's always waxing poetically about a certain type of handgun. Regardless of her sailor blue mouth though, Sin *looks* subtle and innocent, so I'd be far more worried about anything she fed you if you'd gotten on her wrong side. Like cookies with arsenic icing or things of that nature. Sin has a nurturing streak, so she's got a mother dearest quality that you could find yourself poisoned and buried in the basement before you realized what happened.
Location IS important. Which is why they keep putting RWA conference in NYC, I wrinkle my nose. I can't stand that town. Have they ever had one in Boston? I'd go there again.
I wish they'd have RWA in K.C. I mean it is pretty central to everyone in the country. I wouldn't even mind St. Louis. A lot of my writer friends are wanting to go to NY and it scares the heck out of me. I don't fly well. I can't imagine flying into NY. I should say, I don't fly commercial well.
I think I just ODed on conferences during my years in academia. I loved the chance to spend time with friends I rarely saw except at conferences, but I loathed presenting and hated the crowds. My two favorite conferences were both in Charleston, so maybe location does make the difference. OTOH, I didn't make it to RWA when it was in Atlanta, and that's just under 100 miles from me.
And I think I found my tribe online.
I think I found my tribe online.
Yes I think that you did too, Janga.
And you have been most generous in welcoming non tribal members to sit around your campfire.
Which brings me to the subject of conferences.
Have I been to a writing conference?
No.
They ( they being you, as in You Writers) would most probably welcome me.
But still … I would feel rather odd. “Odd†in the same way Lewis & Clarke must have felt while they wandered about on their transcontinental crossing of North America.
Like them, I am an explorer of the tribes. Most of the tribes I’ve met on my expedition have welcome me. Some have not. I am sure that L & C knew, that no matter how welcoming the people were, they would never be a Sioux, Shoshone or a Nez Perce . Just as I know. that that no matter how welcoming the Romance Writers community is , I will never be a member of RWA. I will never be a member of the
Western, Regency, or Contemporary WriterTribe.
I am just an explorer. On an expedition. Going where the rivers take me …
Wandering across the wilderness of blogdoom
Like a modern day Lewis or Clarke
What have you benefited from getting out there and improving yourself and your writing?
Clarity of Thought!
Which is an obtuse way of saying: Writing is an excellent way to plot out how you feel about a certain subject. Particularly when you are not sure what your true feelings are.
Which I suppose officially makes me a plotter, not a pantser, right? Gosh, who knew? See I would not have realized that I was a Plotter if I hadn’t written out “Which is an obtuse blah-blah-blah…â€
Nothing like seeing my theory on the Clarity of Thought in action!
Janga, you feel like part of my tribe. *teasing grin* Or perhaps that's because I like to stand next to you because it makes me feel smarter.
Jules, I love the Lewis and Clark analogy. (I really those guys!) Although I think the Indian tribes were a lot better about accepting outsiders into their way of life than the outsiders were about inviting them into theirs. But maybe not. Maybe all tribes are a little leery of inviting outsiders in...
BTW
Hellion is my Sacajawea. Every now and then she’ll get one of my odd emails. Full of writerly questions like “GMC? Hellion, could you Please explain to me what the heck General Motors Corp has to do with writing.”
I can totally see myself as a Sacajawea. You know she was a total smart aleck, leading those lost men around. "Oh, no, let ME do it. I'll get the firewood, make the fire, cook the food, shoot the deer, make the cornbread, and clean up afterward. I've only got this baby strapped to my back. No, no, don't get up and stop smoking your pipes. I live for this."
Hey Pirates. Back from a lovely day in the lovely weather. (I wish it was like this year round, but then if it was, I wouldn't have as much to complain about. LOL)
I had a wonderful BLT for lunch -- The Official Sandwich of Summer. :)
Any news on Terri's pitch this p.m.?
You don't need anyone to make you smarter, Hellie, but I'll gladly stand next to you. I consider you part of my tribe too. It's amazing how strong the bonds are that were first established on Squawk Radio for part of our tribe.
I still miss Squawk Radio. Those ladies have been often imitated all over the Blogosphere, but never duplicated. We all want to be like Squawk Radio, in blogs and publishing credits. :) And in grace, kindness, humor, and strength--that is if you look for those sorts of virtues as well.
Donna, I usually just have a B-sandwich. I don't like lettuce mucking up my sandwich, and I'm not a fresh tomato fan unless it's salsa or on pasta.
I have not heard news yet, but I'm going to assume it's good news. She was resting, last I heard, I hope she doesn't do what I did for a college final once, oversleep, and then ran, completely freaking out, across campus to take the exam. I barely passed the damned thing. (Psychology--the woman was evil. She loved multiple choice and atheism. You can't trust a person who loves multiple choice and atheism, IMO. Besides doesn't that sound counter-intuitive? If you don't believe in God, what other choices are there? If you do believe in God, you have a list to pick from, right?)
Hellie, you crack me up. I read the whole multiple choice and atheism thing really FAST, and it made sense. LOL I was afraid if I stopped to analyze it I'd be lost!
I just saw a reference somewhere else to Squawk Radio and have no idea what it is. If someone is feeling charitable, hopefully I'll be enlightened. :)
This is the season for fresh tomatoes, and I love love love this time of year. They actualy LOOK and TASTE like tomatoes. They're not those nasty pale pink cardboard things we get the rest of the year. LOL
And I just ate some leftover chocolate cake and can feel a coma calling out to me. I may be falling face down into the couch pretty soon!
I can totally see myself as a Sacajawea. You know she was a total smart aleck …
Like I said Hellion is my Sacajawea!
First time a writer asked about "A Black moment".
I think "A black Moment? Uhh ... what is Al Jolson in The Jazz Singer?
And POV? WTH? People On Valium? Perky Obnoxious Virgins? Prestigious Opulent Vib---errr , help me out here SacaHellion. I’m sure you can come up with something’ interesting!
Jules, I love the fact you bring me back to the reality that the terms I take for granted aren't the same to everyone. Being a writer is a lot like being a Trekky or Buffy fan--you can toss around the inside references and lingo, but will anyone with a life actually know what you're talking about?
I like your definitions for POV though, esp the Perky Obnoxious Virgins. *LOL* Lots of those hanging around in these books. *LOL*
Interesting aaaand educational!
Hellion, I once had an advanced Bio course in high school. It was taught by a nun.
she liked multiple choice too.
A could be right. Or B. Or C. Or D. Or A & B. Or A and C. Or A and D. Or A, B, and C. Or B and C. Or C and D. Or B, C, D. Or … Well you get the drift. Plus there was E, none of the above.
Sister Mary used to hand out her tests with a smile on her face and a “I know that these tests area little hard, But I’m just trying to show you how things are in college.”
Uhuh.
After a while I figured out what she was Really up to. She wasn‘t showing us how you would be tested in college. She was trying to show you how you would be tested in Hell!
Why do I behave?
Because I don’t want to live in Eternal Damnation trying to decide “A could be right. Or B. Or C. Or D. Or A & B. Or A and C. Or A and D. Or A, B, and C. Or B and C. Or C and D. Or …”
For the record
I never, Ever had tests like that in college.
I bet my professor was taught by that nun...and that's why she liked multiple choice but was an atheist. It all makes sense now.
Normally I see BLT and I think Bacon-lettuce-tomato.
But Donna is a writer. So for her BLT coiuld mean Books Like Tenacity. Or Bad Literature Torture . Or something’.
Yes.
That explains All.
And my Captcha code was
DPUV
Donna's Point Uv View! LOL
Point Uv View ... Why Uv? Cuz Writers view things differently.
And
it
fits ...
LOL -- I hope MY books aren't "Bad Literature Torture". Yikes!
I just saw a reference somewhere else to Squawk Radio and have no idea what it is. If someone is feeling charitable, hopefully I’ll be enlightened.
Donna, Squawk Radio was the group blog of Elizabeth Bevarly, Connie Brockway, Christina Dodd, Eloisa James, Lisa Kleypas, and Teresa Medeiros. It was one of the earliest group blogs in Romancelandia and the most successful. The six authors were smart, witty, warm, and engaging. They attracted a large following and a sizable group of regular commenters. That's where I first met Hellie, San, J, Julie, Irish, and a number of others. Many of us were also part of the Eloisa James bulletin board community in its first incarnation and we added to our tribe. Terri was a Squawkette too, but she was an EJ bber first I think.
And I'm sure that's way more than you wanted to know. Like most of the Squawk alums, I can prose on forever about the glories of Squawk. :)
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