The season is upon us for writing conferences. The one time of the year that us hermits dust off our extroversion hat and meet other writers.
Personally, I love going to conferences. But I'm that perpetual nerd who loves learning and, as an instructor, I really love listening to how others have figured out something or how they frame a concept. I love the energy that conferences give me. Much like meeting with a writers group, there is a buzz that seeps into your skin and just makes you want to write, write, write.
In fact, I'm running a little behind schedule on my blog post because I'm headed out to Inkerscon tomorrow!
But there are some essentials to conference season, so here are my top five things to make sure you have when you attend any conference.
1). A TARDIS bag. Not in that it is a police box blue, but a bag big enough to hide the water bottle, snacks, notebooks, swag, free books, and computer with charger that you are going to be hauling around with you all day. There might even be another pair of shoes. You just don't know.This thing needs to be like Mary Poppin's carpet bag and be HUGE on the inside.
3). A scarf, sweater, or pashmina. The hotel industry has yet to find a way to regulate temperatures in conference settings. I'm either too hot or too cold, so I always have a scarf or something to wrap up in. And bonus points for any literary themed wear.Also very helpful for hiding stains for when you accidentally spill coffee on yourself first thing in the morning or drop a carrot down your shirt during the keynote speaker. Trust me on this one.
4). Special notebook. Notebooks are precious to writers, so I always buy a new one for each conference, because I don't want notes getting lost in the back of some notebook that I'm using for plotting. I've also got the current novel notebook in tow as well just in case a presentation knocks loose a brilliant idea and I must scribble it down now.And of course post-its. Are there people who actually leave home without post-its?
5). Something interesting to read at break time. Conferences are hard. Lots of people in a tiny space. Lots of human noise. So I always take something to read. Something to use to help disconnect my brain from the conference even if its only over lunch or a small break in the afternoon. Doing something even for a few moments that isn't siting, smiling, or taking notes helps with my energy over the course of the conference. Just a few moments to focus, center-yourself, and in this case, get a little research done as well!
What do you take? Let me know if there is an essential that is essential to you at conference!
If you have a Top Five list you'd like me to cultivate, please let me know in the comments below or at @pantherista.
In the meantime, give yourself a high five!
Amanda Arista
Instructor, The Writer's Path at SMU
2 comments:
High Five, Amanda. :)
The conference tote sounds like a gamer's "bag of holding" to me, always very useful.
In terms of what else to take... I really think you've got it covered!
Love this post, Amanda! You have the basics covered for sure.
The only other thing I'd put on my list is my iPhone for live Tweets. #nowherewithoutit #famousauthorsinthewild #youshouldbehere :)
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