Time to interrupt the conference tips series with a disclaimer.
Lest I sound all high ‘n mighty, I must confess that I am guilty of some of the aforementioned heinous conference behaviors.
Ugh.
Anyhoo, I’m going to share a few of my past oopsies with you, along with this bit of wisdom: Learn from your mistakes. That’s what I’ve done. I’ve goofed up critiques or conversations because I didn’t know what was against protocol — hence the reason I am posting conference tips, dear reader. Now that I have a few more writing years under my belt, I’ve arrived at the place where I understand that each conference, each critique, each chat teaches me something. When I act in an unprofessional manner, I lose that learning experience. Conferences and retreats are expensive and don’t occur every day. I can’t afford to lose any opportunities.
I am happy to say that I’ve never cornered an agent or editor in a bathroom, janitorial closet, elevator, restaurant, hallway, or gift shop. I am also proud that I’ve never monopolized a conversation or used a cell phone during a workshop.
I have, however, been guilty of:
- Crying during a critique. I know the critiquer didn’t mind — she hugged me at the end! She’s probably the warmest, fuzziest person you’ll ever meet in the business. By the time she was finished with me, she had me convinced I could fly. However, there are lots of agents and editors who are immediately turned off when the waterworks turn on. They say it’s a business and we should behave that way. They are correct.
- Contacting the agent assigned to critique my work prior to the conference. Ack. Looking back on it now, it was SUCH a stupid thing to do! I will never, ever do that again.
- Not listening during a critique, because my mind was racing! I was thinking about what I should say next, how I should respond, rather than soaking up the advice. Dumb, dumb, dumb! D’oh!
So just remember, as you read my final pre-conference thoughts this week, that I have been there and done that.
Now I know better, and so do you.