By Jennifer Hallmark
Is anything more beautiful than the Blue Ridge Mountains in
the springtime? Warm days and cool, crisp nights nestled among towering
mountains—my idea of vacation. But wait. This trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains
Christian Writers Conference will provide opportunities to meet other writers,
learn about the craft of writing, and pitch my novel.
A writers conference can be all that, plus you’ll meet
agents, publishers, and editors. The impression you make can further your career
and open new doors. Or cause it to die a slow, lingering death. As I prepare to
leave, I’d like to share seven tips to help you come across as a professional
writer to all the people you meet at a conference.
Be early. I know
everything starts super early, and the days are long. You can rest when you get
home. I’m studying the layout and intend to arrive early so I can become
familiar with the buildings and classrooms. I don’t want to be the person interrupting
the class.
Come prepared.
Decide which classes you want to take. The website or the brochure gives
information on what to bring. I always carry a notebook, several pens, and any
handouts a teacher requires.
Show yourself to be a
neat person. You don’t have to wear designer clothes and bring your hairstylist
with you. Most conferences share ahead of time what manner of clothing is
expected and what isn’t acceptable. Be prepared to leave the perfume or cologne
at home. More and more large venues are fragrance-free. Mainly, don’t look like
you just crawled out of bed. 😊
Be polite and kind to
everyone—the people handing out name badges, the teachers, the cafeteria workers.
You never know who is watching. I try to treat all people as I like to be
treated. Remember the Golden Rule. (See Matthew 7:12)
Speak loud and clear.
I struggle with this, being a soft-spoken Southerner. I need to make an effort
to be clear and concise in my speech and loud enough so people won’t keep
saying, “What?” Offer a strong handshake. You don’t want to come across as
terrified and wimpy, even if you are.
Spend equal time
listening and talking. Writing is a lonely occupation. You might be tempted
to share all your dreams and aspirations with everyone you meet. You’ve finally
found some like-minded people who understand you. Curb that impulse. Ask others
about themselves, what their dreams and aspirations are. You might learn
something and gain new friends.
Have a positive
attitude. If you enter the conference with a feeling of thankfulness and
gratefulness over the work and time it takes to plan the event, you won’t be
looking for what isn’t working. No one wants to be around a person who is
negative, always grumbling, whining, and complaining. Such an attitude is likely
to repel agents, editors, and publishers. So decide on day one that you are glad
to be there.
To the best of your ability, try to be early and prepared,
presenting yourself as a neat person who is polite and kind to everyone. Speak
up, share and then listen. Wrap yourself in a positive attitude and I promise,
you’ll not only enjoy the conference more, but come across as a professional.
You never know what doors might open for you.
I need to go now and start packing. See you there!
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Jennifer Hallmark has published articles, short stories and
been part of four book compilations, A Dozen Apologies, Sweet Freedom A La Mode, Unlikely Merger, and Not Alone: A Literary and Spiritual
Companion for Those Confronted with Infertility and Miscarriage. Jennifer’s website and the group blog she co-founded focus on her books, love
of the South, and helping writers. Social media links are:https://www.facebook.com/jenniferhallmark https://www.facebook.com/authorjenniferhallmark https://twitter.com/JenHwrites
https://www.pinterest.com/jenlhallmark989/
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