 | 24 Jul 06 |
I’m off to the Romance Writers of America Conference this week. Every conference, I set a goal for myself. Waayyy back in the beginning, my first goal was to pitch one of my books to an editor and not pass out. I’m happy to report that I did that. My goals have changed as my career has.
This year, my sole goal is network and having fun. I’m looking forward to the chance to meet up with people I know on the Internet, hang out a little bit with editors and agents, and reconnect with friends.
Sound a little unmotivated? Lazy?
Nope. But I’m trying something a little different this year. I think that in my race to workshops and events, I’ve missed something at conferences. The down moments, the breezy, kickback chit chat where ideas are born. Friends have been telling me this for a while. Brushing up on craft or research is good.
Hanging out with friends, editors and agents is better.
It’s not that deals are made over drinks, but ideas are born that way. I just had an experience with my editor that brought that home to me. We had discussed the next book I’m going to write for her and I asked her if she wanted to see anything on the book. She said, no, not unless I needed input. I decided to send her a synopsis anyway, mostly because she so sharp, she’d probably catch a problem before I did. She called and loved it, but here’s what surprised me—in the synopsis was a phrase that she loved as a title for another book.
This is all at the idea stage. Nothing more. But my point is this; if I hadn’t sent her the synopsis, there wouldn’t even be an idea.
Same thing with hanging out with other authors, editors and agents at the conference. Casually chatting can turn into a wealth of information. Who’s to say there won’t be a brilliant idea, or answer to a book problem floating around there?
And I have another reason, right from agent Jennifer Jackson’s blog. Now I wouldn’t call myself a perfectionist, but I can be a little driven at times, so I think she has a point about dialing back. Sometimes we’re so focused on goals that we lose sight of what we’ve already achieved.
Which brings me to another point, something I usually see at conferences is the blinding drive, very often in the unpublished and newly published. We are all after that first contract, the next contract, hitting the lists, writing the “break out” book…
In short Instant Success. To put that in perspective, my editor mentioned that one of the publisher’s “stars” took twelve years to break out.
12 Years! Talk about patience!
Now I’m as ambitious as anybody, but I realized that I get stressed. Conference is a chance for me to get away from the computer, hang out and enjoy friends and publishing professionals. Anything else will be a bonus.
What do you all do to dial back in your lives? I’ll let you know how my patient grasshopper trial at conference goes!
© 2006 – 2009, Jennifer Lyon. All rights reserved.
Award winning author, Jennifer Lyon, always wanted to be a witch. Since her witch-powers never materialized, she went onto Plan B and now she creates magic in her books. In her new series, the author of the acclaimed Samantha Shaw Mystery Series (written as Jennifer Apodaca) introduces the Witch Hunters, legendary men who must overcome a curse to team up with witches and fight evil.
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A good conference should always be rejuvenating, but kicking back with friends and the inadvertant brainstorming can be even more so. have fun
by Cele July 24th, 2006 at 8:22 amJen, as I see it right now the only workshop I’m attending is the one I’m giving. Last year I went to one, and it was my agent’s. I go to hang out, and have fun. I decided last night I am not taking my laptop. I don’t want the pressure. And if I’m kidding myself thinking I’m going to write? I have another thing coming. Have a safe trip and I’ll see you Wednesday night.
by Karin July 24th, 2006 at 8:48 amSo true, Cele!
Karin, I’m going to do my best to get to the signing and find you. I am taking my alpha smart to work on the plane. You have a safe trip too.
by Jen July 24th, 2006 at 9:57 amJen, you are so wise
I can’t wait to meet up in person. Apodaca isn’t that far from Brennan at the lit signing!
I’m going to meet my editor and agent, hang in the bar, and talk to anyone who wants to talk to me. I might be alone . . . but that’s okay because I have a short deadline and I’ll be spending a lot of time writing as well. Do you know how productive I am when I don’t have kids and husband hammering for this or that?
Conferences rejuvenate me, too. Workshops? I might go to a couple at the PAN track as long as they’re not depressing.
Allison
by Allison July 24th, 2006 at 12:12 pmWish I could go. I will miss seeing all of you there, but am planning on RWA next year, when my first Berkley book is out……
by Natalie July 24th, 2006 at 4:47 pmAllison, I’m not signing at the Literacy event this year. But I am going to try to get in there as long as my flight’s on time. I’ll stop by and say hi.
Natalie, we’ll miss you!
by Jen July 24th, 2006 at 5:35 pmYou all have fun and be safe. Relax when you get a moment. Enjoy the experience.
by Amanda July 24th, 2006 at 8:04 pmTo kick back? Yardwork or TV
Ladies I hope you all have a great time!
by Cece July 25th, 2006 at 7:01 am