How to Enjoy Your Conference Experience

By Renee Gray-Wilburn
2010 FCWC faculty member

I remember being anything but relaxed at my first writers’ conference—mostly because I had no idea what to expect. I was intimated by all the amazing writers and editors around me, and I didn’t realize how fast paced and jam-packed the days would be.

I was completely overwhelmed. Since then, I’ve done better at preparing and learning to enjoy the whole conference experience.

Here’s what I’ve learned that may help you truly enjoy your time at the Florida Christian Writers’ Conference:

• Dress comfortably. You may think this goes without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: women, no high heels, and men, no ties (I’ve actually seen both at conferences.). If you’re like me, your enjoyment level is directly proportional to your comfort level. Do yourself a favor and wear something (especially shoes) that will be comfortable ALL day. You still want to make a good impression, so no cut-off sweat pants, but you get the idea.

• Meet new people. At my first conference I mainly kept to myself and just observed. Many writers have similar experiences. But consider a writers’ conference a safe haven where you can—and should—step out of your comfort zone. If you come with writer friends or your critique group, I give you permission to ditch them from time to time! One of the most rewarding parts of a conference is the new people you meet.

• Don’t always sell. Although there’s a time and a place to pitch your manuscript and tell people how awesome of a writer you are, don’t feel you need to sell yourself to everyone you meet. Be yourself and meet people just for the fun of it. Don’t look at everyone as a potential sale for your writing. Others will appreciate that much more, and you won’t have the pressure of always being “on.”

• Know what to expect. Here’s where your prep time comes in, and where I failed miserably at my first conference. Familiarize yourself with the conference schedule to plan where to be when. Thoroughly research the publishers, agents, and faculty so you can choose who to meet with. Always have Plan B choices for appointments and workshops in case of cancellations. Finally, make note of break times, meal times, and locations of workshops and appointments.

• Schedule time for yourself. Make the most of your breaks and downtime. Use this time to do something you enjoy, like shopping, resting, or relaxing with friends, as well as spending time seeking the Lord. There’s so much “buzz” at conferences, it’s hard to get quiet with your own thoughts. You’ll benefit greatly from taking time to connect with God to hear what He’s saying to you as you meet new people and make your workshop rounds. Who knows what divine appointments He may have in store?

• Be anxious for nothing! Don’t panic if you can’t meet with the editor you wanted to or if you get a bad report on a manuscript you thought would be a slam-dunk. God is in control (if you’ve asked Him to be)! He sees the end from the beginning and has prepared the perfect path to get you there. Nothing happens by accident or coincidence. Put everything into His very capable hands, and refuse to worry.

• Prepare and plan to your heart’s content. But also…pray, relax, and get ready to enjoy yourself!

Renee Gray-Wilburn writes for business, children’s, adult nonfiction, and Christian markets. Her articles have appeared in Focus on the Family’s parenting and children’s magazines, Grand magazine, KidZone, The Christian Communicator, and others. She’s a contributor to several Cup of Comfort and Guidepost anthologies, and has co-authored eight children’s curriculum books. Stop by her new blog at: awaywithwordswriting.wordpress.com

10 Tips for a Terrific Writers’ Conference

By Jerry B. Jenkins
2010 FCWC Keynote Speaker
Owner, Christian Writers Guild

Take it from one who has been to dozens of writers conferences over the last nearly 40 years in capacities ranging from first-time attendee to speaker: there are ways to maximize your experience.

You’ll be happier and more productive if you follow a few simple guidelines:

1. Plan your itinerary carefully and don’t include errands and intermediate stops that may make you late or wonder if you’ll be late. There’s enough pressure at a conference without adding to it.

2. Get as much sleep as possible the night before you leave home; it may be the last time you get enough for a few days. You’ll need every ounce of energy you can store.

3. Plan to arrive with time to spare so you don’t have to start running as soon as you show up. Leave time to settle in, gather your materials, find the meeting rooms, and get ready to learn.

4. You’ll stay up late enough with the scheduled activities, so resist the urge to stay up even later, despite all the new friends and acquaintances. If you’re a zombie by day two, you’ll regret it.

5. Choose your workshops carefully and buy recordings of the ones you hate to miss. If you need to skip one for a nap or an appointment with an editor or speaker, do it.

6. Bring a little more money than you think you need. If you still have it by the end of the conference, reward yourself by buying that extra book or resource you didn’t expect to find.

7. Don’t trust your memory. Take lots of notes and, if a speaker particularly inspires you, buy the recording , too. It’s a small investment for an experience you can re-live whenever you want to.

8. Bring business cards that include your address, phone, and email address. Be prepared to exchange cards with many new friends.

9. When meeting with an editor or speaker, be prepared, plan to make just a point or two, and do a lot of listening.

10. Develop a thick skin. Every piece of published writing is a duet between editor and writer, not a solo. If you just want someone to love your writing, show it to your mom.

Writers’ conferences are almost always feasts for the senses, but it’s easy to overload. Everything is new and unforgettable, until you try to rehearse it in your mind on the way home.

Free time is built in, so strive to make every general session. Often the speaker you’ve never heard of turns out to be your favorite.

Visit Jerry at the following sites:

• Blog: http://jerryjenkins.blogspot.com/
• Official Web site: http://www.jerryjenkins.com/
• Christian Writers Guild: http://www.christianwritersguild.com/
• Jenkins Entertainment (his movie company): http://www.jenkins-entertainment.com/

Making the Most of the Writers’ Conference - John Vonhof

By Jon Vonhof
Freelance writer, author, speaker
Manteca, CA

Need help figuring out how to negotiate the ins and outs of the Florida Christian Writers Conference? I’ve developed a new Web site -- WritersConferenceGuidelines.com, to help other writers. The site evolved from an idea at the 2006 FCWC.

The site is designed to help writers master the conference submission process. You’ll learn:

• What goes into writing different parts of your submission package and how to do it right
• How to write cover letters, queries, book proposals
• How to format articles and manuscripts
• Genre tips
• How to prep for meeting with faculty

The site also includes links and resources; samples of queries, proposals, and manuscript formats, and guidelines for individual conferences. Plans are to add interviews with agents, editors and authors.

John Vonhof is a freelance writer who writes for the Christian and secular markets. He has taught at the Mt. Hermon (2003-08), Florida (2004-08), Castro Valley (1999-2008), San Diego (2000), and Hercules (2001) Christian Writers’ Conferences, The Bay Area Independent Publishers Association's Conference (2003 & 2005), and the Learning Annex (2000) in San Francisco.

John has self-published four books and two booklets—two of the books have been picked-up by mainstream publishers. He has been published in Christian and secular magazines, newsletters and Internet sites. He has published an e-zine for nine years and a blog for three years. Visit John at www.johnvonhof.com and www.fixingyourfeet.com/

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