Conference Tips!

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I just returned from the Georgia Romance Writer's Conference, Moonlight and Magnolias. I enjoyed basking in the glow of other writer's talent. It was an amazing experience. I thought I'd write some things I learned about going to a Conference.

1). Volunteer. Conferences take a lot of man (woman) power. I always sign up to volunteer to do something. It's a great way to get involved and to make friends.

2.) Be friendly and ask questions. I always assume that everyone there knows more than I do about writing, about publishing, about life. I want to soak up as much as I can. I like to ask questions and get to know people. And not just the writers and editors. I made friends with the lady in housekeeping and she bought my book.

3.) Networking. I picked this conference because I knew some of the other writers plus my editor would be at this conference. (That and I had tickets and a deadline!)

4.) Workshops. I've been struggling with a certain writing flaw and I went a workshop where they talked about the very thing missing from my writing. The information alone was worth all the time, effort and money I put into the Conference. Attend workshops!!!

5.) Dress comfortably and appropriately. It was FREEZING in those huge halls. I wore long sleeves and sweaters and still had to drink hot water to keep from slipping into early stages of hypothermia.

I had a great time, I made some friends. I heard some amazing speakings, writers and industry professionals. I was inspired. I felt validated. I felt understood. It gave me courage to continue writing.

What tips would you add?

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