Sunday, September 4, 2011

Conference Gitters

So this is what I get for being nosey...

A writer friend of mine posted on the ever enlightening FB, that she would be attending The Algonkian Niagara Writer's Conference at the end of October. Being the nosey parker I am I read the comments and found a link to the site. Found out it's being held 3 hrs away from where I live. Awesome! It's a small conference, about 15-30 writers are accepted. 'Serious writer's' need only apply. So I did, thinking I wouldn't get in, and second, if I did, I'd get a boat load of knowledge and it might even be fun.

I got in! Super happy...even cried. Then came the 'pre-conference work' they talked about. I thought, 'Ok, start working on a pitch, maybe think about the type of genre I write etc , etc, etc...'

Hell No!

Not even close. I have to read 4 books, a manual, spend hours pursing books stores looking at other books and reading the first 10 pages and writing, in detail, what made the protagonist original and likeable, work on a pitch and finish my MS. All in the span of 7 weeks.

I know it sounds like I'm whining...I kinda am. Mostly I'm overwhelmed and nervous that I don't have what it takes to be the 'serious writer' they define.

Hubby just told me to take one thing at a time, and do what I can. To remember that they need me too. They need to make a good impression on me as well. So if I put the work in, so would they. Dammit I hate when he's right. LOL...

So off I go to be a 'serious writer'. I have an impossible time taking myself seriously so this could be a real battle between my self and my adult-self I keep caged 24/7 in the back of my mind. Wish me luck!

How many of you have gone to conferences? Did you find them helpful or was it a money grab? Do you prefer smaller venues or bigger show stoppers like RWA's annual conference in NYC?

I wanna hear about your conference experiences.

Emotionally eating,

Duckie

5 comments:

Laurann Dohner said...

I've only been to Romanticon and LOVED IT! I had the best time meeting other authors and readers. I got to meet the staff of Ellorascave. The workshops were...AWESOME! I wouldn't miss going for the world now.

You'll do a great job. Your husband sounds like a very smart man. Tackle it one at a time and you'll get it all done! Good luck!!!

Mary Corrales said...

I've been to an RWA conference, locally, . The best advice I can give you is to be yourself and believe in your writing.

You have a unique perspective to share. Only You write like You.

Above all, smile.

Duckie said...

thanks guys for the insight and encouragement :) i'm less stressed today...it's a lot of work, but i'll learn alot and you never know what might come of it:)

Brenda said...

Ahhhh, so this is what you meant on twitter when you said you may have bitten off more than you can chew.
First, you will do great. Just do what you can and be yourself. And this may just give you the boost you've been looking for in your writing life. But I do totally understand why you're scared and feeling overwhelmed. I know I would, but once you get in the groove I bet you will love it, and just think of all the stuff you will learn.
Keep me posted, please.

Duckie said...

yeah brenda...but the more it settles in the more i think i can only do what i can, and what are they going to do, kick me out for something I paid for? I am honoured that they picked me, and i don't think i'll ever have an opportunity like this again...this is the line i've been giving myelf..seems to be working, most of the time..lol...put i'll keep you posted for sure:)