Monday, February 21, 2011

Maddeningly Unhelpful Monday--Conference Edition

I just got back from LTUE (Life the Universe and Everything) which is a Fantasy and Science Fiction conference in Utah. I thought I might share a few things I learned there:

1. Networking=Good

2. Bree Despain gives away some really cool nail polish

3. Don't fly on an airplane in a snow storm

4. Never Give Up

No, but seriously, James Dashner (who is one of the nicest people I have ever met) was the keynote speaker and in his address (which sounds so much fancier than using the word 'speech') he talked about his journey. The key points were: hard work and never giving up. Both of those are so important in this industry. He was also quick to point out that luck plays a big role as well, but I've heard it say that the definition of luck is opportunity meeting preparation. There are so many things we can't control about the journey to publication. Many things are out of our hands. But we can control how prepared we are. Is our manuscript as clean as possible, are we putting ourselves in the right places, are we making connections by helping other writers in their journeys? Are we preparing ourselves for when opportunity comes our way?

I love being around other writers. It really rejuvenates me. Hopefully I'll meet many more of you in "real life" at future events.

13 comments:

  1. It was fun to meet you this weekend! Thanks for sharing what you learned--it's always interesting to me to see the different things that people pick up at the same conference. Good luck with your writing and congratulations again on your new agent!!

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  2. I loved his keynote address. It was so good to see you too!

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  3. That sounds like it was an amazing conference. I wish I could have been there. I love the definition of luck as opportunity meeting preparation. That's exactly how I feel. We often have a huge impact on our own luck.

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  4. I agree with all of these points and I would like to add to #3 that you also shouldn't drive a car... or a tricycle, motorcycle... anything with cycle in the title.

    Let's all just drink cocoa and sit by fireplaces during snowstorms, k?

    P.S. Me and my toaster miss you already!

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  5. Conferences rawk. And I totally want some of Bree's nail polish. Le sigh.

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  6. The opportunity to network with other writers is invaluable, not to mention just plain fun. Let me know if you're ever in the D.C. area -- I'd love to meet another Wolf Pack member. :)

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  7. Jenilyn, it was so fun to meet you too. I know, it is fun to see the different things everyone takes away from a conference.

    Candi, I'll try harder next time. :) I thought about a series of inside jokes, but then I thought that would be more obnoxious than unhelpful.

    Angie, it was so good to see you, too. And may I say, you are an excellent hugger. :)

    Lois, I'm sad you weren't there too. One day we will meet. :) I've always loved that definition of luck. It says that we have some control over what happens to us.

    Jenn, I completely agree with your addition to number 3 and I like your alternative suggestion. :) Miss you too.

    Larissa, yes, you do want some. It's awesome. I got purple, but she was giving away blue as well. So cool.

    Linda, I've always wanted to see D.C. so I will totally take you up on that opportunity and let you know when I'm visiting. I would love to meet you. :)

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  8. I wish I could have gone. Next year! I want to meet some of my virtual writing friends, since I don't have many "real" ones! :) I'm glad you had a good time!

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  9. Hey there! I'm so happy that you went to a conference! I'd love to go to one, you know.

    Living so far away from you guys makes it practically impossible. But someday! LOL.

    Oh and if you ever come to Chile, you know where to go, right? I'd also love to meet another Wolf Pack member! :D

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  10. Hmmm, I may need help with putting myself in the right place. Other than my computer chair, I don't much see the light of day.

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  11. So sad I didn't get to go this year. It was so fun meeting you there last year. But thanks for posting your thoughts about the conference. I especially liked the part where you said luck is opportunity meeting preparation. Since I didn't go to LTUE because I am preparing for a pitch opportunity this coming weekend, your observation made me feel better about my decision. And I'm going to make my own luck through this opportunity by preparing the best I can!! Thanks for you thoughts and I hope you post more about the conference for those like me that couldn't attend.

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