Blogger: Michelle Ule
Filling in for Rachel, Janet and Wendy over the next three days as they attend, and I write about, the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference.
One of the best reasons to attend a writers conference is the networking that can take place.
Networking is defined as “interacting with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, especially to further one’s career.”
That’s exactly what has happened to me at every writers conference I’ve attended.
The contacts I made have fallen into five broad, and often overlapping, categories:
Agents
One of the best places to meet and get to know agents–and to assess them–is at a writers conference, particularly one like Mount Hermon that lasts over several days and gives you ample opportunity to observe them.
You can make appointments, attend their workshops or sit at their tables during a meal to talk with them.
In my case, at my first Mount Hermon writers conference, I examined the addresses posted, hoping to find someone from my hometown. I thought if I made a connection at the conference, that person might be willing to meet with me when we got home and talk about books and maybe writing.
There was one person at the conference from my town. I decided to keep my eyes peeled for her and then realized she was an agent.
Well, that was a little intimidating, but I sat at her table.
We learned we lived around the corner from each other.
Which is how I met Janet Grant.
Editors
The networking with editors that happens at a writers conference is valuable for both the writer and the editors.
Whether an editor can purchase a writer’s work, or the writer is ready to be published is immaterial.
A conference is an excellent place to meet, observe, visit, and learn if you might, someday, be a good fit to work together.
As I mentioned here, the first two people I met at Mount Hermon were editors: Becky Germany and Shannon (Hill) Marchese. I was sitting at a table before the conference began and they sat down with me.
Eight years later, Becky bought my first novella.
Experts
I’ve been privileged to attend workshops taught by all sorts of experts at the writers conferences I’ve attended. Networking with experts gives you an idea of who you might contact if you need one someday.
Some of the most helpful I’ve met were Jeane and Tyson Wynn, Gayle Roper, Kay Strom, Davis Bunn and Dave Long.
Under Jeane and Tyson, I learned how to put together a media kit and other elements needed for my first book launch.
Gayle oversaw two critique groups I attended where I learned to appreciate the craft involved in putting sentences together.
I took a nonfiction track from Kay while I was writing a spiritual memoir and learned how to craft it better.
Davis inspired me to go deep on a WWI novel I wrote and admonished me, because of the subject manner, “you better not get this wrong.”
Dave taught the most interesting workshop in which he likened an acquisition editor’s job to fantasy football and invited us to put together a dream team based on the imaginary money we would have to purchase a series of titles.
I learned a lot about the business needs of publishing from that hour.
Writers
By definition, of course, but the fun of a writers conference is everyone is good with words. Everyone likes to read. They love books.
The conversations are terrific and so. much.fun, whether around the table, sitting in class, waiting for a program or just walking about.
These are my people–they understand!
And they are so witty and clever!
I don’t remember when I’ve laughed as hard as I did at one very punny lunch.
Friends
Thirteen years later, the friends I have made are precious. I’m missing Mount Hermon this year for good reasons, but I long to be there with my friends.
Facebook helps, of course, I see them all the time.
But it’s still a joy to spend five days with people whose company I enjoy so very much.
I wish I was there!
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Looking for someone from your hometown–what a great idea, Michelle.
I accidentally met someone from the town where I work. I tried to strike up a conversation, and she shut down. Which was strange. Most writers love to talk about their work.
She was young enough to be my daughter. And she acted like I’d caught her in some misdeed. As if I would tattle to her mother, “Guess where I saw your daughter? At a WRITERS CONFERENCE!”
For someone as young as her, it could be quite intimidating. I’ve also wondered what it would be like to attend a conference.
Michael, don’t let your age and lack of experience networking at a conference intimidate you. You’re beginning a career in writing with the advantage of having grown up with Internet! Knowledge at your fingertips will make the research part of your journey so much easier.
*A good place to start connecting with people on a smaller scale is by attending a workshop or writer’s group in your area. Try sourcing those through your library and nearest college. Some colleges offer free summer classes for students still in high school. Check to see if this includes a creative writing class. Instructors and classmates are another way to glean information about local writing events.
Not sure it’s uncommon. I really, really don’t like to talk about my work. Talk to me of splendid things, of sailing-ships and sealing-wax, of cabbages and kings…and tell me about YOUR work…but don’t ask about mine.
Think how popular you would be with everyone else then: “Tell me your story.”
I don’t know how soon I’ll be at a conference. I’ve had those moments when I thought, “I’m just seventeen, I’d definitely look like a zombie…”
Michael– Mount Hermon has run a teen track for years; your age would fit in perfectly. I’ve found most of the people I’ve met there have been more than willing to chat and encourage young folks. I’m pretty sure scholarships are available. My guess is that would be true of other programs around the US.
There also are writing contests for young people which can be invaluable. A friend’s daughter wrote flash fiction and had more than a million views on one story. Those are impressive numbers and can make a publisher interested someday.
I like to encourage young people who want to write to take every writing-related course offered at school, but most importantly to READ ACROSS THE GENRES. You probably have a favorite genre, but it’s important to have a broad knowledge base and you actually can learn a lot by reading things that don’t necessarily appeal.
One other bit of advice, don’t limit yourself just to reading and writing. Back in the dark ages when I was in college, the LA Times sent a message back to the UCLA Daily Bruin writers, advising us to major in an actual subject if you wanted to be a reporter.
Their line of thought went something like this: “We can teach anybody to write copy, but we cannot backfill four years of education. Learn a subject well and then apply your writing to it.”
Best wishes!
Then you can hang with me, Michael.
I’m heading to my first conference this summer and so excited/nervous/terrified for all the people I’ll meet!
Many of us have been in that same position, Becky. I was a wreck the night before that first Mount Hermon conference.
At one point, I realized I needed to get a hold of myself. I prayed and thought and realized, “maybe this conference has nothing to do with me. Maybe I’m just going there because someone needs to meet me. If so, Lord, that’s a lot of money to spend on someone else, but it’s your money anyway, so, Amen.”
When I changed my attitude away from myself–and I had to make a course adjustment halfway through–I enjoyed the conference and myself far more.
And of course, I met Janet there and here I am writing on her blog. 🙂
You just never know. 🙂
Michelle, You’ve hit the nail on the head. And the pictures you show just make me wish I were with the others at Mount Hermon for this year’s conference. (By the way, have you counted how many of the people in the picture of Gayle Roper’s group have gone on to publication?)
Great question, Richard. I don’t know many of the folks in the photo with Gayle, but I’m going to ask her!
Writer’s conferences invigorate me! I’ve been to a number of ACFW’s, and some smaller state conferences. I’d love to attend Mount Hermon one year . . . it sounds a little more relaxing than ACFW. Though, I thoroughly enjoy attending each year.
*You shared good reasons to attend. I think my favorite reasons to go are to meet up with people/friends who “get” me. To talk story, to laugh and to learn from other writers and industry people.
I’m not sure I’d say more relaxing–just spread out over more days with plenty of beautiful outdoor activities. I get to the end of Mount Hermon and can’t quite remember when I got there!
And traditional, drag myself home and sleep for a dozen hours!
A writer’s conference is like the most amazing family reunion.
Yes it is!!
Sisters do each other’s hair, cheer each other on, and play games of “snap out of it!” when needed.
And go to the airport at 1am with each other … and eat each other’s chocolate …. Oh my goodness … your luggage returning to Dallas was a miracle. Miracle. 🙂 And “I” witnessed it!
Michelle, great post. A couple of questions/comments?
* Shirlee brought up an interesting opening about writers sometimes not wanting to talk about their work, and I definitely fall into that category. I can write about it in a forum like this, because it’s controlled, but I’m very wary in conversation. It’s not calculated (or, I hope innate) rudeness. It’s training.
* I try to avoid public places because, to put it mildly, I do not feel comfortable there, and I make others uncomfortable by doing a constant threat scan. Wearing mirrored shades helps, (and makes me look cool, or perhaps like an idiot indoors), but could you suggest anything else? (Also, if you ever think you see me at a conference, do NOT tap me on the back. Please.)
* I really do best blending into the background, so that you don’t know if I was there…and this may be best, because a fair number of people ‘;know’ me…but they don’t. I suppose it’s vanity, but I don’t want the see the disappointment in their eyes when they meet the reality behind the writing.
Talking about your work: There’s no reason to talk about your projects unless you want to. Mount Hermon offers critique opportunities for free and I found them helpful–an experienced writer will review your work, give you some pointers and talk to you about the project IF YOU WANT TO DISCUSS IT.
No need to talk about it at all. Or even turn in a project to be critiqued. That’s not done at ACFW. I do not know about other conferences. This may be an advantage of Mount Hermon’s length.
Avoiding Public Places: ACFW offers programs and critique groups that you can do from the privacy of your own home. Mount Hermon offers audio coverage of all their presentations, though you may need to be in attendance to obtain those. It might be possible to buy them or have someone else currently at the conference buy them and you can listen at home.
Blending into the Crowd: You could sit at a table with your back against a wall able to scan the dining room, easily. You probably would end up at someone’s marked table, then, and might get to know them–particularly if you don’t mind answering their question: “is there a reason you always sit at my table wearing dark glasses?”
🙂
You can get your own room, but it would cost more.
Writers are notoriously introverted and if you never spoke to a soul–it would be unusual at a Christian writer’s conference to have no one say anything to you–I’m not sure many would be offended.
You could always go incognito. “My name is Inigo Montoyo and I’m the speaker’s bodyguard.”
People would probably leave you alone after that . . .
Inigo Montoya, at your most humble service.
Michelle,
I have longed to go to a Christian writers’ conference, but since my work is written from a Christian world view, but for a general audience – and is children’s lit – I feel like it might not be a wise investment of my limited budget for conferences (isn’t that cute that I pretend I actually have a budget for conferences?)
What is your thought? Would I meet kid-lit agents? Would a Christian agency be able to place a book with mainstream publishers? Would a Christian publisher want a mainsteam book in which some characters are vocal about their faith, but the MC is a youth who doesn’t profess anything?
I just clicked on the upcoming Carol Kent Speak Up Conference, and I think I see a pic of Wendy!
Excellent question, Sheila.
Conferences post information about who will attend that can help you with that decision. My friend Marilyn Hilton publishes YA in the general market and I believe met the editor at an ABA conference or association meeting.
I would examine who will attend and decide from there. That is also true of agents. I don’t know many who represent children’s books.
Best wishes.
Mount Hermon falls the same week as hockey play-offs. Thus, no Mount Hermon for this hockey mom. Not for another 6 years.
But thankfully, ACFW meets in the off season, so I’m good.
Speaking of networking, I ‘met’ Kiersti (Plog) Giron here, then officially met her at ACFW in 2013.
Through Kiersti, I met Mark Charles, who introduced me to his father Ted.
Through Ted and his wife Evie, my research took on a life of its own. Their involvement in my research took my work to a whole new level, far beyond anything I could ever have found on my own, or through my research books.
Had I not met Kiersti, and we hadn’t clicked over our shared passion of Navajo history, and not talked at ACFW, I’d still be in the trenches.
I find it interesting though, that both my ACFW room mates have been Southern women with all the charm and sweetness of a magnolia blossom, and the nerves of steel. Whether they know it or not, Shelli Littleton and Sarah Thomas have been fine examples of grace under pressure and undeserved kindness.
I’m so honored to be a part of that group!! 🙂
I went to my first writers conference in 1970 and have attended regularly ever since. Where else can we solitary writers meet the people who are the influencers in our industry? I can say that most of my contracts over the years have come as a result of contacts made at these conferences. They didn’t come AT the conferences. They came afterwards because of the face to face interaction I’d made. I was a known entity among the thousands upon thousands of would be authors. And, Michelle, many of the writers in my critique groups and classes over the years have been published–the ones with the pluck and fortitude to keep up the hard work.
Thanks for your answer, Gayle! Almost everyone who was with me in the first critique group has been published now, though I can’t say anyone has hit it big . . . yet. 🙂
Gayle’s a great mentor and a wonderful writer.