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Britney Gulbrandsen

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

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How to Prepare for A Writing Conference: One Day Before

(If you didn’t see the last post on prepping the week before conference, be sure to check that out first here.)

You’ve looked over the conference schedule and made your packing list and action list. You’ve prioritized and tackled your list. Your materials are prepped, your laundry is done, and your errands are run. You’ve waited, anticipated, and prepared and tomorrow is the day: conference.

If you’re anything like me, at this point you’re feeling physically prepared, but mentally you’re a mess. You’re second guessing yourself, terrified of meeting new people, and you can’t even remember what your book is about (let alone the name of your main character).

Here are some tips to go from “prepared” to “confident and ready to rock conference”.

How to Prepare for a Writing Conference_ One Day Before

Write A Verbal Pitch for Your Book(s)

Even if you aren’t pitching to an agent, you’re going to meet a million people and all of them will ask you some version of, “So what are you writing?” Seriously.

Okay, so maybe I exaggerated just a tad. But you will get asked that question a lot, so it’s a good idea to have a short blurb prepared because there’s nothing more embarrassing than being put on the spot and forgetting what your own book is about! Or babbling on and on until you can see your conversation partner’s eyes glaze over because you haven’t figured out how to succinctly get to the heart of your story. Trust me. It’s happened to me a ton (and will probably keep happening…).

So write a one sentence blurb and memorize it. Nathan Bransford wrote a good post about one-sentence pitches years ago, if you need help writing one. Nerves might get to you and you could still freeze up, but if you have a verbal pitch prepped, you’re much less likely to draw a blank.

Create A List of Questions and/or Conversation Tips

I’m definitely an introvert and I get social anxiety, so being in the chaos of a big event can be overwhelming. And introversion and social anxiety are both pretty common things for writers. So if you struggle with crowds, take a few minutes to jot down some conversation starters, questions, and things to remember when meeting new people. This can instantly boost your confidence.

A few conversation tips:

  • Make eye contact
  • Don’t cross your arms
  • Don’t fidget
  • Watch your posture
  • Match the other person’s body language
  • Walk into the room with purpose

Some ideas of writing specific conversation starters (besides the obvious, what are you writing?):

  • Why do you write?
  • When did you start writing?
  • Where did you get the idea for your current project?
  • What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever written?
  • When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
  • Is this your first conference?
  • What’s your favorite conference you’ve been to?
  • What’s been your favorite class so far?
  • What’s the best tip you’ve learned about writing?
  • What book do you think every writer should read?
  • What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

I also love morning affirmations. Saying a few out loud to yourself (or even in your head) each morning while you get ready can help calm nerves. Things like:

  • I am a talented writer.
  • I choose to be confident today.
  • I am excited to meet new people.
  • I have the potential to write great things.
  • I have the power to make today amazing.
  • Something good will happen today.
  • Today I will begin to create the life of my dreams.

Make a Fun Playlist or Two

Playlists are a fun way to get excited about a new experience, phase, or adventure and can help create the mood you want to feel. Create a calming playlist to help you fall asleep at night or for your flight. Make an energetic playlist to help you get moving and ready to take on the conference each morning. Or just keep a favorite song ready to go for a quick mid-day boost.

Choose Your Conference Classes

Look at the conference schedule and decide what classes you want to attend. This can be really tough! I like to highlight my choices right on the schedule, pink for first choice and green for second. I always select two choices because I’ve learned that sometimes I change my mind once I arrive. Maybe I meet an instructor and really want to take a class from him. Maybe my writing priorities change. Maybe I get a great idea for a short story during a panel and decide I want to take the class on short stories to learn more about that style of writing. Whatever the reason, I find myself changing my mind A LOT, so be flexible. But it’s still a good idea to go in with a plan.

Also, read the class descriptions! Sometimes the titles of classes can be ambiguous, so you could get to a class and realize it’s not what you were expecting at all. The description guide can usually clear those misconceptions up ahead of time.

Go to Bed Early

This one is easier said than done, but try to get to bed as early as possible. You probably won’t get as much sleep as usual during the conference, and as odd as it sounds, sitting in classes all day long is draining and exhausting. The more sleep you get BEFORE the conference, the better off you’ll be.

What do you do the day before conference?

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Hi, I’m Britney!

*Married to my best friend
*Mom to two kiddos
*Writer at heart
*Book and notebook fanatic
*Type-A & list obsessed
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