Right now, I'm blogging from Troy Michigan and the brand-new Rust City Book Con. Being forgetful as I am, I haven't taken a single photo to show you, but today has been busy with panels and author meet and greets. As far as I can tell, I haven't sold any books so far, but I have given out a lot of swag and chatted with some really interesting people. Right now, most of the attendees who are commuting have gone home for the night but the bulk of those staying are down in the hotel lounge. Me? Curled up in my pyjamas. Am I that old and boring?
I don't think that's it. I've had a few rough weeks and it's nice to just relax, especially since I don't have any morning panels. But I have been thinking about cons on general and why we go to them.
Most writers are oddly social introverts. We spend a lot of time alone and meeting up with colleagues face to face is rare. It's fun to meet other people who are warped in the same direction you are. It's also nice to meet readers, and particularly to get new ones. I think it's Rae, though for a convention experience to "pay for itself." We're not going to make back the money we pay for con fees, hotel, and travel. The connections we make, though, and the things we learn from one another, be it in the bar or in a panel, make it worthwhile.
Hopefully photos will start popping up soon on Facebook. Meanwhile, my tired feet are happy to be up and tucked between crisp hotel linens. There's a lot more mingling to be done tomorrow. Have a great weekend, everyone. I know I will!
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6 comments:
Have fun at the conference, Cindy. You ask a good question. I enjoy writing conferences for the chance to meet other writers and readers but I, too, wonder if it's worth spending the money. I've never gotten a boost in book sales after a conference. I'd been to 3 RWA conferences when they were closer to home, but stopped because of the cost. Being all indie now, I see no use in the RWA conference. But I think the smaller ones can be worth it. You'll have to let us know how it all turns out for you.
Sounds like you're having fun, anyway. I never was into conferences, so can't really comment intelligently....Will be interested in your further comments on this...
I'm going to my first conference this fall. We'll see if it's a one-off because I, too, am an introvert. I do find in crowds and with people, but it drains me.
I had a blast at the Once Upon a Book conference today. Sold about 15 books. Best of all, I got to talk to a variety of people who are as you said, warped like me... whether it was talking about ways to teach writing to children who hate it, or what formatting choices do you use... it was fun to talk to someone who didn't roll their eyes when I speak!
Great question. I love the smaller conferences, meeting new people and finding out what's happening in the biz. These days though, like you, I'm more likely to put my feet up and read a bit instead of late night socializing:) Take care and don't forget those photos!
Hope you're having a great time at the conference. I agree you'll never see a return on the cost, but the connections and friends you make is worth the price to me. And there's nothing that energizes me to get home and write like going to a conference. If I could afford the cost, I'd go to a lot more.
Mia Mckimmy
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