The subject of book conferences and writing retreats is the obvious one for me to post about, since I've just attended two of them, with a third happening next week. In August, I went to ChapterCon in England, the brainchild of my author friend, Katie John. This was its first year. It was mainly craft-based with panels, but it did have a full Saturday public signing event. I was eager to listen to the panels, which ranged from diversity in lit, to romance, to how to keep your stories flowing (I was on this panel). We all learned that Bank Holiday weekend, which is the equivalent of Labor Day weekend in the states, is not the best time to invite the public to a signing, because everyone is streaming out of town for the last big party of the summer. That said, we had some book-lovers in, plus it allowed us authors to hobnob and buy each other's books.
My favorite workshop was a mindfulness one, which taught zen style tools for unwinding author stress. I needed this tool that very night, as Katie texted me an hour before my bedtime and asked if I'd deliver the second keynote speech! The scheduled author had a personal emergency. I have never scribbled my lecture notes as quickly as I did that evening. People told me it was an inspiring speech, so I guess I did okay. LOL. Talking about one's own rollercoaster journey is apparently something most writers relate to.
The second writing conference was this last weekend's Next Chapter Writing Retreat held in NYC by Janet Wallace, the founder of UtopiaCon. There was a small handful of very savvy authors, and it was a rare treat to get to know them. We had sessions with high-level branding and media experts, which was intimidating, until I realized that these "experts" were simply speaking about their own personal journeys, as I did during my keynote. The authors had time to chat and compare notes over dinner and drinks. There was only one two-hour public book signing, which I found refreshing and fun, and low stress as compared to some marathon book signings I've been part of.
What are my takeaways from these events?
A two or three hour book signing event seems perfect.
I love hand-selling and getting to know new readers.
I need to boundary off my time to write, and to take my writing more seriously.
I love meeting authors and sharing stories and marketing tips. Community is key.
European events rock, as does the Welsh coast. LOL.
I need to take calculated risks and stretch myself in my craft and marketing.
De-stressing is important. Meditation, massage, whatever works!
Create a long game plan. (I can always revise it as I go).
What are your personal tools? What is most important to you in your writing life? Do you create a long game plan or do you prefer making it up as you go?
My favorite workshop was a mindfulness one, which taught zen style tools for unwinding author stress. I needed this tool that very night, as Katie texted me an hour before my bedtime and asked if I'd deliver the second keynote speech! The scheduled author had a personal emergency. I have never scribbled my lecture notes as quickly as I did that evening. People told me it was an inspiring speech, so I guess I did okay. LOL. Talking about one's own rollercoaster journey is apparently something most writers relate to.
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| Me delivering a keynote speech at ChapterCon UK |
The second writing conference was this last weekend's Next Chapter Writing Retreat held in NYC by Janet Wallace, the founder of UtopiaCon. There was a small handful of very savvy authors, and it was a rare treat to get to know them. We had sessions with high-level branding and media experts, which was intimidating, until I realized that these "experts" were simply speaking about their own personal journeys, as I did during my keynote. The authors had time to chat and compare notes over dinner and drinks. There was only one two-hour public book signing, which I found refreshing and fun, and low stress as compared to some marathon book signings I've been part of.
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| A new reader of mine treating herself to an early birthday present at NCWR signing |
What are my takeaways from these events?
A two or three hour book signing event seems perfect.
I love hand-selling and getting to know new readers.
I need to boundary off my time to write, and to take my writing more seriously.
I love meeting authors and sharing stories and marketing tips. Community is key.
European events rock, as does the Welsh coast. LOL.
I need to take calculated risks and stretch myself in my craft and marketing.
De-stressing is important. Meditation, massage, whatever works!
Create a long game plan. (I can always revise it as I go).
What are your personal tools? What is most important to you in your writing life? Do you create a long game plan or do you prefer making it up as you go?
It sounded like you learned a lot at these events. I try to work with a long game plan, but I usually end up editing it as a go. It's good to keep me on track in the short term, though.
ReplyDeleteSo far in my new witch book I'm pantsing it, which feels scary. Now I need to focus in and write a 3-page synopsis.
DeleteIt sounds as if your retreats were very, very valuable.
ReplyDeleteThis avid reader is always glad to be given a peep into the world of writers - to whom I am endlessly grateful.
Aww, nice. To writers, readers are magical beings. Lol.
DeleteWish I could have gone with you. I'm in for the long haul with a long game plan. I know what my next goals are that I think are key in my journey. Awesome on the speech! Wish I could have heard it.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yes, it would've been great to have you there! I admire your clearly strategic long game plan.
DeleteThe event sounds fantastic! And how great that you delivered a wonderful speech with little prep. You know what you're talking about. :) I'd love to go on a writing retreat one day if I could ever afford it. My current goals are just to write, write, and write some more.
ReplyDeleteWrite, write, write is almost everything. I need to be strict in my writing goals.
DeleteWhat a lovely sounding event and looks like lots of fun. Thanks for sharing and greetings!
ReplyDelete