Ugh.
That has nothing to do with the conference. It’s just how I feel in general. Five more weeks of this pregnancy to go. Uncomfortable. Back hurts. Little tiny pummeling feet. Heartburn. Makes it hard to think about anything, much less something that happened three days ago.
I’m writing this post as I go, by the way.
Rewinding my brain.
Here we go. I attended the American Christian Fiction Writer’s conference on Saturday. It did not disappoint. Up at 5:30 am. (Unheard of lately, so I was obviously motivated to go.) One hour drive into downtown. Voila, a hotel full of Christian writers. There were A LOT of attendees. Humbling to see so many authors and hopeful authors in one room.
I won’t detail my entire day, I’ll just say, I attended three excellent workshops which left me much to think about. I talked one on one with an editor for fifteen minutes and received valuable advice regarding the first few pages of my manuscript. I met fellow writers, saw one of my cyber buddies in person for the first time and got to hang out with her and chat. Sat in on a panel of agents. Bought a book from the bookstore that I actually intend to read.
All in all the day left me with much to think about. While I was there, I realized, “So, schmoozing is sort of a job requirement for any serious writer. I’m not sure I like that.” And, “If I were to become a successful writer, would I have to stand up in front of a bunch of people and teach a workshop?” (That’s thinking way too far ahead, I know.)
I guess what I mean to say is, the introvert in me was a bit intimidated. So many talented people. Who am I to think I could ever call these agents, editors, published authors my peers? I’m just a computer programmer that actually enjoys hiding out in her cube, not talking to people unless I feel like it. Never having to be the center of attention unless I feel like it.
I’m not meaning to imply that I’m a hermit at work. I’m not. It’s just, there’s no schmoozing in my current job. None. And that’s the way I like it.
Oddly, one of the lessons I learned Saturday is that, successful writers often become so because they have some natural schmoozing ability. It’s an odd mix of talents then. The introvert who enjoys being alone, who also enjoys breaking out into song and dance (so to speak) now and then. I have some background in entertainment and marketing. A plus. Perhaps, as a writer, I will be tapping into that experience more than I thought (and more than I am comfortable).
Am I willing to embrace ALL the aspects required to become a successful fiction writer? Even those that take me far out of my comfort zone and make me squirm? Hmmmm… Worth thinking about if I’m going to continue to devote so much time to the endeavor.
And yes, I wish I could have attended the entire conference. It was obvious that, by only attending for one day, I was missing out on quite a bit. However, there’s no way this body—these two bodies—would have survived three days. Hopefully the conference is within driving distance next year so I can attend it in full. I’m not ruling out flying. But realistically, my odds of attending greatly diminish if a plane ticket is required. Hey, maybe I should see if they announced next year’s location at Sunday’s final banquet.
Signing off to go visit with my friend, Google.
September 22, 2010, 6:52 am
I know exactly what you mean about the schmoozing. Ick. But like you said, if I wish to be a successful writer it’s necessary.
I also enjoyed meeting and visiting with you on Saturday!
Next year’s conference will be held in St. Louis, MS.
September 22, 2010, 11:50 am
Didn’t go this year, but went last year in Denver and a lot of good information was gathered at ACFW. Hope you’re feeling OK after the trip and you’re right, the schmoozing is a part of the successful venture to stuff needed. You’ll get better at it as time goes on.
I’m from Missouri so St. Louis will be an easy trip to make.
September 23, 2010, 6:20 am
Kent, I finally started to bounce back yesterday evening. I figured it would take a lot out of me, but didn’t expect it to be *that* much.
You must be dragging, Andra!
St. Louis. Yay! Road trip! Hopefully I will see you both there.
September 23, 2010, 8:40 pm
It was so fun to meet you Jessica…wish I could have chatted more with you, but it was a whirlwind wasn’t it. Don’t worry about the schmoozing. Just keep writing, girl. God has given you a passion for words…just do what’s in front of you.
I hear you about feeling uncomfortable with the pregnancy…thankfully, it’s not forever. 🙂 Can’t wait to see pics of your little one.
September 24, 2010, 2:21 pm
A couple comments…
The reason why a lot of fiction writers get into doing conference appearances and the like is to diversify (and boost) their income. 95% of books published are non-fiction, and only a relative handful of fiction books sell more than 5,000 copies. And when you couple that bleak statistic with the fact that most publishers pay authors around $1 per copy sold, you can see why even successful fiction authors are willing to stop doing what they love – writing – to do what they probably never want to do – appearing.
It’s tougher for fiction authors than non-fiction. Outside of selling movie rights, we don’t have as much opportunity to parlay our work into other projects that can generate income as do non-fiction writers. Non-fiction writers can have seminars, restructure their books into workbooks, get into coaching/consulting, create related products, etc. I’m probably not going to be able to create a workbook around my latest novel. So we gotta do what we gotta do… to do what we love.
Second point, I’d encourage you (and all of us authors) to more think of ourselves as small business owners. We are creative entrepreneurs who, through our sweat, passion, and persistence, are developing a brand and creating a portfolio of products. If we can make that paradigm shift to thinking of ourselves in that way, then we can apply all sorts of business models to our “business”. We can build our businesses around our strengths and minimize our weaknesses through various means.
My point being there is no end to the way we can structure our business… this isn’t a franchise after all. Is there a way where you can build your business to meet your multiple goals (personal, creative, financial, etc) without subscribing to the cookie-cutter model?
That is a question worth pondering.
September 25, 2010, 5:54 pm
Edward, I absolutely agree that we have to look at ourselves as a business. We have to “brand” ourselves, which is a bit uncomfortable especially when you throw in the Christian idea of humility. It’s a fine line, I think. As part of the brand I think we can branch out into our other interests, things that may not be directly related to writing, but that can pull in a more diverse crowd.
The web and other forms of electronic communications offer us a new variety of options. I also know, even though the web is public, it’s not necessarily easy to get people to notice, listen, or care. So, as far as publishing goes, I’m still apt to want to go the traditional route, but then hopefully spur things along with an “electronic” presence.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Like you said, definitely a question worth pondering.