Elvis was wrong when he sang, “A little less conversation, a lot more action…”

Well, at least in the world of writers. I know what you are thinking…not another blog on writing sex. Seriously, who doesn’t like that hot button topic? But this isn’t about sex or writing an action/adventure novel.

It’s about networking.

As in using your mouth to get further your career.

Now, I KNOW writers have to face that blank page (or screen) all by their lonesome. Let’s face it, writing can be a lonely profession with no one to keep us company but our characters or the family cat. In fact, today as the kids run rampant through the house demanding food and arguing over the Wii remote, I’d trade the peanut butter cookies I just baked for blessed silence. But there are times when a writer has to rip his/her bottom from the chair and venture into the world to talk about their writing.

And for many people that’s a scary thing.

But, it’s necessary if you want to further your career.

I do believe that this is foremost on my mind because my local chapter is heading into our annual conference. Our local conference takes place in March. It’s a really good one. Not too big, not too small, good ratio of editors/agents to writers, and topics that really interest me. I love the workshops, the raffle baskets, seeing old friends, eating good food, and talking about what’s selling and what’s not. But what I really love best is the opportunity to make a connection that might lead to me selling my manuscript.

Of course, this actually happened to me. I met my editor at Nationals through a casual conversation, she accepted an invitation to our local conference, someone canceled a pitch with her, I filled the slot for fun, and two years later, I’m one of her authors. Casual conversation = Sale! So, yes, it can happen.

So, as we prepare to launch into a new year, let me encourage you to go to a conference or workshop even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone. And if you do, here are a few of my very own conference tips. I can’t promise they’ll work, but you can try them:

1. Dress to succeed. Yes, I’m telling you to do it. Go buy a new outfit. Tell your husband/boyfriend/accountant that it’s my fault. You need a new blouse and shoes and some kick ass pants that make you look thinner. If you feel like you look good, you exude confidence. Editors and agents love a confident writer.

2. Be Friendly. Sure, ask if you can sit with someone you don’t know. Then sit down and talk to her/him. Ask about what they write, what they like to read, where they live, and where they scored that cute little jacket. Sometimes you have to force your cheerfulness because your feet hurt from your new shoes. Do it anyway.

3. One glass of wine is enough. Does this need further explanation? Do you really want her to say, “I’d love to sign you but everyone already knows about your book since you recited the first chapter, naked, while standing in the hotel foundation”? I didn’t think so.

4. Always Pitch. Even if your book is not ready. Tell the editor/agent about what you write and then ask her questions about what she likes to see in writing. You may not net a request, but you have made a contact that might come in handy later.

5. Don’t stalk an editor or agent. And don’t occupy all of her time preventing others from chatting with her. You don’t want to give the ol’ Fatal Attraction vibe off. Boiled rabbit aside, no one likes too much crazy.

6. Be helpful. Every frantic contest coordinator likes a helping hand. And you get to benefit by making yet another important contact. And I’m a firm believer in that karma junk. What comes around, goes around.

7. Get your beauty sleep. Nothing can wear you down like being “on” 24-7. Go to bed at a reasonable hour. Get up early and go to the hotel gym. (Hint: many editors and agents like to work out) And nothing helps a pitch or presentation like endorphins in your corner.

8. Pace yourself. You don’t have to attend every workshop offered. Sometimes the best thing you can do is play hookie and chat with the other attendees who are doing the same.

9. Support the chapter. Buy a few raffle tickets. Attend the booksigning. Play nice.

10.  Send thank you notes. If the conference was awesome, tell the conference chair in a nice note. Better yet, tell everyone you know and tell them they ought to go to the next one. Nothing is better than a good conference or workshop. And nothing is better than sharing that fact.

So, there you have it. You like the first one, right? New shoes? I thought so. Now all you have to do is pick the right conference and make a lot of conversation. I’d be glad to have you at ours this spring, and I’m sure the other sisters can point you to good conferences that they’ve attended. And let’s hear more tips on attending conferences. Or really good conference stories. I’m all ears!