The San Diego State University Writers’ Conference is over. The attendees and faculty have headed home to Arizona, Michigan, Seattle, Florida and many other destinations. Most of us are richer for having participated. Those who pitched manuscripts to agents and editors, carried home hope and, in most cases, assignments for creating a more commercial product. Those who came to learn and to network with other writers and authors, returned home suffering from information overload.
Many came to me yesterday saying they were more confused about what to do than ever. I assured them that when they unpack all of their handouts and take time to pour over the material and their notes, they will begin to see a common thread. They will get the message. They will see their pathway to publishing more clearly. And in some cases this will mean changing a long-held belief or perception.
I had a great conference and everyone I spoke with said that they did, too. I don’t think that every workshop leader presented what he/she promised and I hope that I did. It’s sometimes difficult to hit the mark when you don’t know exactly who your students are, how far along they are, what they want and what they need to hear. I try to always ask so that I’m more likely to respond to everyone’s questions and needs. Every teacher has a unique method of teaching. Some ramble in an effort to demonstrate their knowledge of books already published in their genre. Some provide quizzes to kill the time. There were some great powerpoint presentations with statistics and points to ponder. There were demonstrations (one workshop leader wore armor and presented medieval weaponry for those who need this information for their novels.)
It seems to me that the attendees at this conference were more sophisticated and knowledgeable than those I’ve encountered in recent years. It could be because there are more writers’/authors’ conferences held throughout the states. There are also more books available on every aspect of writing and publishing. Despite the huge number of related titles available at the college bookstore set up there at the Double Tree, I almost sold out of my books. This is additional proof bearing out the importance of establishing and continuing to build on your platform. People recognize my name and know of my reputation as a publishing professional.
The organizers sat me next to Dan Poynter at the faculty dinner Saturday night. That was a treat. I used Dan’s Self-Publishing Manual when I produced two books in 1996. I first met him at the Santa Barbara Writers’ Conference where I attended his workshop probably about that time. Dan was also a frequent speaker for us when SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) was a face-to-face networking organization. And he’s been a loyal member. It had been a while since Dan’s and my paths had crossed, so it was fun having this opportunity to catch up. We talked about mutual acquaintances in the industry, our travels to various writers’/publishers’ conferences, our respective trips to Dubai and our impressions of the Middle East and the people. We also discussed the industry and did a little note-comparing. It was enlightening and a good networking opportunity.
I was reminded, this weekend, of the importance of networking with our peers, with other authors/writers and with those in complimentary as well as competing professions. And that’s the message I’m going to leave you with this Monday. Reach out, stay in touch, ask questions, listen intently and never stop studying.
Publishing is the dream of many and it is an attainable dream for those who will listen with an open mind and work diligently on their own behalf. And, as I told one conference attendee who has anxious to get published and wanted to know what to do next, “Exercise a lot of patience.â€