Conventions -- What you Can Get Out of Them!
Well, it is the dog days of August and I am so looking forward to fall. And this fall, I'm attending the HallowCon in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I'm doing a panel there, about horror in science fiction, and we're also doing a promotion for my stories in Aberrant Dreams Anthology, Awakenings.
This raises an interesting point for all would-be authors/writers, and readers. Why bother to go to conventions at all? My original view of them was that they were just a place for a bunch of adults to go to dress up in costume, play silly games like a bunch of overgrown children, and spend money. I imagine this may be many people's view of conventions. So, I'd like to set the record straight and point out the positive aspects of attending conventions (besides those costume events and games, which are a lot of fun, believe it or not!).
For writers, conventions offer a multitude of benefits. It's a chance to meet other authors, editors, publishers, and such, as well as your readers. And remember, without our readers, we're nothing! Don't ever forget that! I met Ernie Saylor, one of the editors of Aberrant Dreams Magazine there, and we've become friends. And although I haven't met my editor, Kay Patterson of AlienSkin Magazine there, I did meet her on another weekend outing, a ghost hunt, but that's another story!
When an editor meets you in person, and you meet them, it makes a real difference. They get a whole different image of you, and you of them. They know you as a human being, just as you know them as one. Does that make a difference? You betcha! Despite all our modern telecommunications and the ability to contact people on line, etc., there is still nothing better than a little old-fashioned schmoozing! It gives the writer a chance to find out exactly what the editor is looking for, information much more in-depth beyond mere posted guidelines. It gives the editor a chance to size you up, to hear what you have to say, and perhaps to decide whether or not there is more to you than just a mere inquiry letter (lost among hundreds of others) can say or show.
Also, by attending panels, you learn a lot! Ernie Saylor and I did one on the History of Science Fiction. I had to study up for that one, despite thinking I already knew a lot about the subject. So, not only was I helping to impart important knowledge about a genre I am deeply involved in, but I learned a heck of a lot too! And don't forget that writers must promote themselves these days -- a lot! Publishing companies just don't do much of that for you anymore, except for a very few major ones. So, go to a convention, set yourself up a table, display your accomplishments, and do some book or magazine signings that have your stories in it. Meet people. Talk to them. Promote yourself. Learn what readers like to read these days. Make contacts. I've met Gerald Page (great author of H.P. Lovecraft style stories and a great guy), Christina Barber, a witty and funny horror writer, and Jana Oliver, an-over-the-top, brilliant author who must have belonged to the Algonquin Club of writers in a previous life, because she has that same acerbic wit, that wonderful droll and dry sense of humor as those great authors seemed to so often have. Take a panel from her, and you'll have your eyes opened about the writing world, believe me! And Christina is a charming mistress of the dark, full of vitality, and always a surprise. What's amazing to me, is how her husband promotes her, and works faithfully by her side to showcase Christina's talent. Now that's a marriage, partnership, and friendship all rolled into one that seems to work! See what I mean? You learn so much at these conventions, and so much of it is good. You can make lasting friendships if you just try a little.
So, not only are conventions a great place to showcase your own talent, to learn things, to impart your own knowledge to others, and to make valuable contacts through networking, they are also a great deal of just plain fun! You can't go wrong by spending a weekend with a bunch of happy people, intelligent peers, insightful publishers and editors, and of course those marvelous and anonymous people who stay in costume for the entire time. And don't underestimate them, either. These people are open, friendly, gregarious, and intelligent. They can teach you a lot as well. Close your eyes to this facet of of them, and you are missing more than you can possibly know!
So, is a convention a learning experience? Absolutely. Is it a chance to showcase yourself as an author? You betcha! It's a great way to promote yourself in a relaxed environment. And as a reader, you get to meet some of your all-time favorite authors. Between all that, the events, the panels, the parties, the games, and the sales/exhibits -- believe me, you will have one full weekend of fun! You'll leave exhausted. But you'll have fun!
So, if any of you can make it, please come to the HallowCon in Chattanooga! Introduce yourselves to me, and we'll have a drink together and talk. Jana Oliver, Ernie Saylor, my father, and I, all stayed up until 3:00 in the morning one night, discussing and debating just about everything you can imagine. And believe me, folks, that was more than just fun. It's something I've wanted to do all my life, to mix with my peers and enjoy each other's company, and knowledge! You can't beat it, trust me!
So, here's hoping to see some of you at HallowCon this October! Come on over to me and introduce yourself. Let's have a drink and talk! That's what conventions are all about -- meeting people, learning, growing, and of course promoting yourself as an author, and getting to meet some of those editors! Oh, and of course, to have loads of fun!
