Writing On The Beach

Back from the Writer's at the Beach Conference in Delaware, and I have to say, after a few days of processing, that it was generally a quite helpful (and mostly fun) experience. It was great to get away from the usual landscapes and people (and even dogs), meet new people and dogs, go to mostly interesting, sometimes befuddling workshops, and then fall exhausted onto the couch or bed of my own private little suite in the hotel. It made me feel like a real person, a real writer. I did even get some bits of writing done on the beach, so it wasn't completely unproductive for the actual writing. Although I have to say, a week in the same hotel, sans writing conference, might have been even better. But I am plugging this particular conference for a few good reasons. 1) It's a 'benefit' conference, organized by Maribeth Fischer, a writer who lost two young nephews to mitochondrial disease. That in itself is really cool. 2) It's in a fantastic place (Rehoboth Beach). The hotel is right on the water, the town has one of the most amazing bookstores I've ever had the pleasure of dropping a few hundred dollars in (Browseabout Books), the conference was incredibly well-organized and information-packed, and the food was excellent.

Now for the down side, sort of: the substance of the panels and workshops, although fine and good as they go, was not the real focal point for me. I did learn all about pitching one's book, from a Writer's Digest editor, Lauren Mosko, who was quite thorough and a great presenter (although I now know I am hopeless at pitching, and can't really wrap my head around the concept. But that wasn't Ms. Mosko's fault.) What I really learned most from this conference was how to behave (and how not to behave) at conferences. I have to say, most of the presenting authors, agents, and editors walked around with their heads down, not making eye-contact, for fear of being pounced upon, I'm sure. But still. It's a miserable way to have to be in the world. And I don't think it's truly necessary. Some presenters were fabulous, accessible, lovely human beings, and weren't afraid to interact. Louise Crawford, a blogging workshop presenter (check out her blog: Only The Blog Knows Brooklyn) Liam Callanan, a novelist (check out his book: The Cloud Atlas )and Michael Blumenthal, a poet, particularly impressed me. There were more, but those three stood out. I know authors, agents, etc. often have difficult interactions with conference attendees. One poor presenter had her ass grabbed at one event, and was snubbed and insulted at another. So my advice if you go to a conference, first and foremost, be respectful of other attendees and especially presenters. Don't gush at them, corner them, pitch them, tell them the list of actors you would like to see in the movie version of your book. Never be rude. That will make it easier for presenters to be accessible and nice.
So, go to a conference so you can learn things, be alone, network appropriately, and observe. It's well worth it. Just remember your pleases and thank you's. And never, ever, grab anyone's ass.