I have a lot of friends that spent the past weekend at the American Christian Fiction Writers annual conference. While part of me is more than a little jealous of that, I am excited that I will be attending a smaller, more local conference in a couple of weeks.
For writers, conferences are like continuing education classes or special training sessions in other careers.
If you've never been to conference, let me explain what it is. Three days of experienced writers pouring knowledge into your brain with a firehose. In the midst of that you pull yourself together to meet with editors and agents and try to sell them your book in five minutes.
Craziness.
At the same time it's absolutely fabulous.
Because there are also experienced writers sitting in the seats next to you in the workshop. Such a fabulous reminder that we never perfect the craft. There is always something to improve upon.
But how do you prepare yourself to take in all of that information?
1. Sleep
I plan on getting to bed at reasonable times over the next two weeks. That way I should be well rested in time for the conference.
2. Exercise
It may seem silly to say that you need stamina to sit in a conference room all day, but if you're going to sit there and pay attention, you need some energy.
3. Write
I have some large writing goals between now and then. That way my mind is in a writing groove when I go to class. I know what my problems are, I know my stories, examples, and can see where their advice will fit.
Do you have any other thoughts on how to prepare for conference? Maybe some of you that just came back can share some knowledge.
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