Hello readers, first of all, I want to apologize for not writing as much as I used to on this blog. The reason? I’m putting everything into my new YA novel. For my followers, and readers, who don’t know what that is, it’s young adult or teen fiction. I loved writing for TV and hope to go back to it someday. I also hope and plan on screenwriting again, but novels will always be my first love. In 2012 I re-joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) and have been really active since 2013-as 2012 sucked for me with two huge losses and being out of work.
The annual SCBWI summer conference is here and I’m so excited to go back this year. It will be my 4th year in a row. I attended a long time ago when a friend paid for my entry, but I only went one day and was so clueless that it was a waste of my time. Now that I’m serious and more grown-up I make the best of it. This is the Oscars for children’s book peeps–not about awards, but the social event of the season and I love it.
Some tips and things I like to share with newbies to this or any writing conference. These are my personal feelings & thoughts, others probably have more official things, but this is how I approach any huge event.
- Have fun!!! This is really important to enjoy your time there. Do what makes you happy and don’t feel bad if you want to sit out a workshop or need some alone time, it’s overwhelming even for extroverts like myself.
- Be KIND TO EVERYONE-this doesn’t need explaining, or maybe it does. Be nice always, even if someone is acting catty, jealous, bitchy or just rude, even to the valets and front desk.
- Smile-when you smile it just makes people feel at ease and you’ll see will put you in a good mood. 🙂
- Be yourself-don’t poster and or lie about your experience or be ashamed that you still have a minimum wage job or whatever.
- Avoid religion and politics if you can.
- Be CONFIDENT in yourself and your work no matter what stage of the game you are in.
- Always ask questions.
- Be open to feedback, listen, take notes and do your best not to defend your work. It’s okay to ask questions so you understand, but only AFTER every person critiquing is finished speaking.
- Take breaks, wear comfortable shoes, drink lots of water, eat healthily and stretch.
- Pick up and hand out business cards.
Those are my top 10 suggestions for a successful conference. I have a whole list of what not to do, but a lot of that is covered in my previous blog. LOL
Okay peeps, I will start blogging at least once a week and add more content on queries, character, voice, social media and things like that as I’m planning to do more talks again like I did from 2008-2012 when I was concentrating on TV & film writing. Most of the principals are the same. Story is story no matter what the genre. Characters drive their stories.
Happy writing!
Cheers
Steph Olivieri Bourbon ~ Writing Coach 