Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Conference Season

I'm going to brave LTUE this weekend. It's a local writing conference for science fiction and fantasy writers. And ORSON SCOTT CARD will be there. Speaker For The Dead is my #1 favorite book and I've never seen him in person, so I'm pretty stoked. (Ender's Game has been playing non-stop on a continuous loop at my house for the last couple of weeks...that's normal, right?)

I'm not up to attending the whole conference for health reasons, but I'm gonna attend some of the classes. And though I'm concerned about pain levels and exerting myself, I'm also getting that nervous first-day-at-a-new-school feeling. Will I have any friends? Where do I sit? Will anyone talk to me?

I like my quiet writing desk in my quiet office and the safety of not having to be social whatsoever. I mean, what if I say or do something stupid and everyone thinks I'm weird? I don't have the luxury of self-editing like I do when I interact with people online.

Experience has shown I always have a great time and learn lots and have no problems 'socially', but I still get nervous before going to every writing conference. This year, I really want to focus more on what I can learn that will help with my writing than about being one of the cool kids. If only I'd learned that lesson in high school...

Are you attending any writing conferences this year? Will I see any of you this weekend at LTUE?

I wish that I could be like the cool kids,
'Cause all the cool kids, they seem to fit in.


13 comments:

Sheena-kay Graham said...

I love this song. People often wish to fit in or at least not be awkward. Bet you'll have a great time and don't overexert yourself too much. But have fun and learn.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

One of the things I love about writing conferences is that everyone there already has something in common - writing! Forget the small talk - the stuff I stink at in "normal" groups - and just jump right in. :)

Hope you have a great time!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's cool you'll get to see Card at the conference! Enjoy.

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

That's so exciting! I'm sure you'll have a great time. :) I haven't been to many conferences, but I always get nervous when I do. And they're always fine. :)

Jessie Humphries said...

Boo, I'm not coming to LTUE after all! :( Too much going on and I didn't get on the panels I was looking for...so whatev. I will see you in two months anyway for Storymakers.

Kyra Lennon said...

Have a great time at the conference! I have never been to one ever, but I hope to change that one day!

Kathryn Purdie said...

I've never heard you say anything stupid. EVER. You're a cool kid without even trying. Have fun! Wish I could be there.

LisaAnn said...

Have so much fun at your conference! Definitely a good time, even if you can't make the whole thing.

I'll be hitting one in Denver in September and another in Orlando in October. It's going to be a busy fall! :)

Jack said...

I want to go to a conference someday, but I would have your fears of wondering if I'd make friends and if people would talk to me and what I would say back.

Oh! Ender's Game! I REALLY want to see that! How wonderful that the Author will be there!

Nicole said...

Ah that's awesome that you got to take in the conference and see Card!!

~Sia McKye~ said...

I've attended quite a few writers conferences. People are nice and you aren't alone in worry. :-) But,like they say, there are no stupid questions--questions are how we learn. Deep breaths, pen and notebook, an mind in absorb mode, and your lovely smile. I think you'll have it covered.

It's always great to listen to an author of Card's calibre. You learn so much.

Wanna hear what happened!

Sia McKye Over Coffee

Tess said...

I am so sorry to hear you've been sick - and hope you continue to feel better each day. I stress at the social side of conferences because I am a complete hermit, and I seem to be becoming more and more hermit-ish as the years go by. But I love the energy and inspiration I always feel in a group of other writers. And the help - I always learn so much! have fun!!!!!

Tess said...

oops...it's over. I mean - hope you had fun!!! :)