Today I went to The Book Academy, a writing conference at UVU, and enjoyed myself. It was fun meeting with people like me who love words and nice to be around people who don't talk about their characters like that one guy in one of my college writing classes who said that his characters weren't doing what he wanted them to do. (My teacher looked at him like he had celery growing off his face and said, "You're the author. You get to pick what they do because you're God to them." And that reminded me of when Kilgore Trout gets to meet Kurt Vonnegut in Breakfast of Champions.)
It was fun to learn more about the industry and though I would have liked to get more into the business end of things, the conference wasn't about that. It was still fun and I met some interesting people. Writers are a fascinating bunch. I don't just say this because I consider myself one, they really are interesting to talk to because they generally have more things going on in their heads than most people.
I'm also kinda bummed that I don't have enough of a handle on my place in the industry because it would change how I would relate to people. I didn't network as well as I wanted to, and I have no one to blame on that but myself. I'm not the kind of person who goes around the room like the typical business major. I've got to find my stride on that kind of networking and I'm not there yet.
Can you tell that I've discovered a number of weaknesses today? The trick now is to work on fixing them.
If you didn't hear about it, they're going to have it again next year. Come with me, will you?
2 comments:
I understand about feeling like you didn't network enough during the conference. I feel that I did fairly well though for my first experience out in the writing arena. The conference gave me loads of ideas and motivation that was much needed. Do you feel like you go through bouts of lack of motivation? Anyway, I will be attending the conference next year so I will see you there.
http://juliawritingjewelsking.blogspot.com
You were a rockstar with the whole networking thing. I'm kind of jealous of your skills. But the conference was good for me because it made me even more excited to buckle down and write the novel I've got rolling around in my head.
Hopefully next year I can be on the publishers panel.
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