by Ursula Renée
In a few weeks,
hundreds of authors from around the world will gather in New York City for the
Romance Writers of America 35th Annual Conference. Besides offering educational
workshops for authors at every stage of their career, this event will serve as
an opportunity to meet editors and agents and forge new friendships. However,
for those who feel awkward at gatherings, this experience can be overwhelming.
There may be
times it feels as if everyone but you has a friend. To solve this problem, walk
into a room and head for a corner. Once you are settled in your safe haven,
glance across the room at the opposite corner. Nine time out of ten, the person
trying to blend into the wall does not have anyone to talk to.
Now that you have
identified someone who is probably feeling as awkward as you, take a deep
breath, walk across the room and introduce yourself. A good conversation
starter is, “what do you write?” Or, find something you admire about her –
whether it is a dress or piece of jewelry – then compliment her about it.
During meals,
listen to the conversations around the table. You may find that you have
something to offer to the discussion (i.e. you may be able to exchange recipes
with an author or suggest places someone can visit on vacation). However, just
like you would steer clear of politics and religion, you must also be mindful
of being critical and offering unsolicited advice on any topic. No one wants to
hear how you would have rewritten the ending of her novel.
If you find
yourself in the presence of authors who have made the New York Times bestseller
list and wonder if you are worthy enough to be in the same city as them, remember
the answer is always, “Yes.”
Do not measure your
worth by that of others. It does not matter if you can count on one hand the
number of followers you have. Everyone, including the superstars in the
industry, had to start somewhere.
However, while
you are building your self-confidence, do not get so full of yourself that you
alienate everyone around you. Remember, there is a time and a place for
everything. Do not expect editors and agents to drop everything and fall at
your feet when you walk into a room. While you may want to take advantage of an
editor’s inability to escape, she may not want to hear about your thousand-page
epic novel while she is trying to take care of personal business.
In order to get
the most out of the conference, you will have to make the effort to come out of
your shell. And, while it may feel like the most challenging task you have ever
undertaken, the friendships and connections you form will make it worth the
effort.♥
Ursula Renée is
the President of RWA/NYC. When she is not writing, she enjoys photography,
drawing and stone carving. Visit her at www.ursularenee.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment