by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites
Who’s going to the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference next month?
Me! Me! Me! And, I can’t wait.
I missed almost all of last year’s conferences, because I had two darling grandbabies on the way. My two daughters were pregnant with grands number two and three.
My excitement reminds me of the weeks I anticipated a trip to New York to learn more about writing for Guideposts. I, along with eleven other writers, won a Guideposts writing contest in 2014. Our “prize” awarded us a five-day intensive workshop with top editors in the Guideposts family.
My emotions bounced around like my hubby’s truck on a south Georgia dirt road after the rain, Anxiousness and fear climbed in the front seat with me most often. To combat my nerves, I formulated a plan that will benefit you as you prepare for the conference.
My idea gave me the opportunity to fulfill my secret dream of being a detective or perhaps a spy. (I prefer not to use the word “stalker.”) I searched online for the names of other Guideposts writers, specifically previous contest winners. Once I located their names, I searched for them online and sent messages. I introduced myself, shared our Guideposts commonality, and then asked questions about their workshop experience.
I connected with at least two dozen former contest winners. Not only did I make new friends almost immediately because of our Guideposts and writing connection, but I gained valuable info about the upcoming workshop that stilled my nerves and put me at ease.
Put your best detective skills to work prior to the conference to enhance your experience. My idea leans more toward conference newbies, but longtime attendees can also profit from these suggestions.
Here are a few tips to get you started. I’ll specifically reference the Blue Ridge Mountains upcoming conference, but you can apply this to any conference.
Make Writing Connections by Playing Detective
1. Hashtag Hunts.
Search social media for the BRMCWC hashtag. Scroll to find posts and read carefully to see if anything resonates with your own writing journey. (For example, just before writing this, I searched #BRMCWC. One post that came up included my already-friend Christine. Let’s pretend we aren’t friends yet. She posted about winning a Foundation Award for historical fiction. If I was a historical fiction writer, I’d most definitely message her to ask questions about favorite sessions she attended, editors she queried, and more about her journey as an historical fiction writer. If Christine plans to attend the conference this year, I’d ask if she’d like to meet for coffee during the conference.
2. Website Wanderings
Study the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference website in detail. Find out everything you can about the conference, including the faculty and staff. Especially those you plan to pitch or meet with. Let the BRMCWC schedule lead you to personal websites to further your knowledge about faculty attendees.
3. Key Word Keepers
Find words indicative of the conference and search online for pertinent, related articles that might help you make connections. For example, once you’ve perused the BRMCWC website, you’ll know their awards for published works are called Selahs. A Google search for the words “Selah finalists” pulls up a Facebook video shared by contest director Eva Marie Everson with the finalists for each category.
Jot down the names of winners in your writing genre of choice and use your detective skills to find them online. Send a message to the winners in your area and ask related questions about their conference experience.
Using a few detective skills prior to the conference to make connections and ask questions enhances your conference experience and stills your jitters.
Here are a few questions you might consider asking once you’ve made connections.
1. What can I do beforehand to enhance my conference experience? What can I do at the conference to have a great experience? What should I do after the conference as a follow-up?
2. What clothing items are must-haves and how should I dress to feel professional and comfortable?
3. What was your favorite part about the conference?
4. How’s the best way to make connections while at the conference?
5. What classes or sessions do you suggest I attend to learn more about (fill in the blank).
6. Can you tell me about mealtimes so I’ll know best how to plan ahead?
Let a little detective work lead you to experienced conference attendees. Reach out to a handful of those in your writing area or interest and make connections. Ask questions to help you prepare for the conference, but be respectful of your acquaintances’ time.
You may still feel like you’re on a bumpy dirt road of emotions while attending the conference, but at least your pickup truck is loaded with new friends and valuable information to enhance the experience and quiet your nerves.
Reach out to me before the conference or look for me there. We’ll leave my hubby’s truck at home, but I’ll bring my minivan with plenty of room to carry home the memory of new friends and first-time connections.
Can’t wait to see you! (Or better yet, join the conversation below and tell me what you’re doing to prepare for Blue Ridge!)
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Can’t wait and I want a hug, lady! I’ve missed you!!
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