Even a Bad Conference Can Make You a Better Writer

Elizabeth Sims , writer, editor at Writer’s Digest and teacher, wrote a great article about this, and since it’s not yet online, she gave me permission to quote her liberally. I’ve been to a number of hideously-bad conferences, and it’s kind of fun to know that such an accomplished woman has too. The difference is, she’s figured out how to wring meaning from even the worst ones. The following tips should help you survive future confabs, should you be so unlucky:

1. Yes, it’s true: agents can be jerks. But maybe your manuscript really does need work.
2. Although it’s important to be receptive and unfettered at a conference, keep a little skepticism handy. Writing is the only thing that matters. If you find yourself in a crappy session, leave. Find a better one.
3. After watching a sadistic presenter make fools of everybody in the room, Elizabeth realized she could benefit from observing such people. I do this too. Whenever I am forced to overhear a really juicy cellphone conversation, or if I witness bad behavior, I think one word to myself:  “material.”  I ease my little notebook out of my purse and start scribbling.
4. When confronted with an uncomfortable situation, don’t resist it. Study it. Listen closely. It’s excellent first-person fodder for your writing.
5. When disappointed by a speaker, try to analyze why. After all, it could be you up there one day. I have a list of what to do and what to avoid on that glorious day in the future when I get to be the gal behind the podium.
6. Entering your writing in a contest is one of the most courageous things you can do, but remember that contest judges possess their own unique tastes and biases. The label “best” is a subjective one.
7. Going to a conference can be a lonely experience, but there’s always somebody more miserable than you. Figure out how much whiskey you think you’ll need, and then pack double that amount.

More tips for making the most of any conference:

1. Arrive early to scope out everything, get comfortable and make friends.
2. Before you leave, make a mission statement: “At this conference I intend to learn how to …”
3. If your writing is being critiqued, be open and receptive. Never argue or try to justify anything.
4. Don’t be judgmental, easily offended or needy. It’s not about you – it’s about your writing.

ELIZABETH SIMS (elizabethsims.com) is a contributing editor of Writer’s Digest the author of the Rita Farmer mysteries (The Extra, The Actress) as well as the Lambda Award-winning Lillian Byrd mysteries.