Okay… here’s what I’d recommend…
Do NOT:
- overcrowd your schedule-you can’t do everything.
- wear miserably uncomfortable shoes-I don’t care how cute they are.
- force yourself into on the cool agent’s conversation-you’ll look rude, she’ll remember, it won’t do you any good.
- get so intimidated or overwhelmed by the atmosphere that you forget one simple thing…we’re there because we love writing. Period.
- expect everybody to be all sunshine and roses-it’s not going to happen. You’re surrounded by people and people have flaws–you’ll have awesome people, and not so awesome people.
- be a bookhog at the free booksignings. It’s rude. There’s books for all, remember to share.
- be afraid to have fun. Relax…you are allowed to have fun…
DO:
- wear comfy shoes. You can do comfy AND cute. But if you had to choose? Me, I’d do comfy over cute. Fortunately, thanks to my friend Nikki and her shoe-genius, I managed to do both. If there’s hope for me, there’s probably hope for anybody.
- try to bring clothes that are somewhat comfortable and professional. You’ll be on your feet a lot and as nice as it is to look all professional at a writer event, it’s also nice to be comfy. Especially if you’re like me and you get cranky when you’re uncomfortable.
- try to hang out in the lobby/bar areas. You can have a lot of fun there. A Lot Of Fun.
- go to the literacy signing. It’s for a good cause…plus, it’s like…whoa. Mind blowing.
Great advice, Shiloh! The first time I went, it was mainly for the lit signing,a nd I was bowled over by that. The second year, I stayed at the hotel where the event took place, and I felt less bowled over, but awed by the number of people I met. I hung out in the bar lounge area and had lots of fun people watching and meeting up with some writer friends. This year, I am a member of RWA, so I expect the experience to be a little different, but I am still easing into it all. I can’t wait.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Considering that a person hits the deck running every day of the conference, comfortable should definitely be the first consideration: it’s much better to have your body still going by the time your brain gives up, than the other way around.