As I write this, Rainbow Con 2013 is a little over a week away. Rainbow is a brand new conference that celebrates all of the colors of the LGBTQQIAA rainbow and features authors who write for the various rainbow genres. A brand new con, Rainbow was pretty much a no-brainer for me to add to my list of “must-go” cons in 2014.
So as I get ready to lug my way-too-heavy suitcase to Tampa, Florida (I can’t really blame the weight on all the books–I always bring too much stuff to cons!), I got to thinking about why I get so excited about conventions. That’s when it hit me:
Writers write in a vacuum. We need to interact with other writers and, even more importantly, with our readers.
Years ago, I wrote serialized free fiction. Each week I’d upload a new chapter, and each week I’d receive comments from readers. Little comments, mostly, like “Great chapter, can’t wait for the next!” Sometimes, I’d get critiques. I met one of my beta readers that way (an amazing editor who now edits professionally for my publisher, in fact). I received steady feedback that let me know there were readers out there who wanted to read my work. Eventually, I submitted one of those stories to Dreamspinner Press and, bingo, I was part of the “publishing universe.” I was thrilled, of course. So I started writing another story to submit that I didn’t share chapter by chapter. And then what?
Cue the crickets. Yes. Silence. Chapter after chapter of… silence. And then the next book came out and I got some feedback in the form of online reviews and ratings on Goodreads and editorial reviews from websites and online magazines. Feedback! Finally, after months wandering the desert and writing, sounds of life again.
Writers thrive on feedback. And when you write novels, the time in the desert feels very long. Which is exactly why we need writing conferences.
Sometimes, conferences are set up just for writers, like the Dreamspinner Press workshop I’m headed to on April 24th that offers presentations on writing technique as well as the business end of publishing. Conferences, and writer specific conferences in particular, are wonderful places to learn more about the craft of writing. Writers, even the most experienced writers, need new ideas to help keep their writing fresh and interesting. Plot bunnies. Technical suggestions. They’re also a great place to network with other writers, learn about their experiences, share concerns, and give/receive support.
Sometimes conferences are a mix of writers and readers, like Rainbow Con. Those conferences offer presentations and panels meant for writers and readers. They also feature author readings and signings, where writers have a chance to meet longtime readers and hopefully introduce our work to new readers.
The first time someone handed me a copy of Blue Notes and asked me to sign it, I was over the moon. Someone liked my book: 1) enough to purchase it in paperback, and 2) enough to bring it with them to the book signing. Since then, I’ve had readers stop by the Dreamspinner Press table, buy all of my books, then bring them to my table to sign. Still blows me away. You don’t get better motivation than that. Truly.
Let’s face it—sitting at a computer every waking hour I’m not working my RL job isn’t exactly thrilling or motivational. Humans don’t function well in a vacuum, and writing is probably one of the loneliest jobs there are. Taking the metaphor of the desert one step further: conferences are like an oasis. A place to refresh, regroup, and get excited.
Coming to Rainbow Con or GRL in 2014? Stop by and say hello. Don’t be shy. Really. I don’t bite. Usually. See you there! -Shira
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About Shira: Shira is a regular guest blogger with Love Bytes and recently published her 10th book with Dreamspinner Press. In her last incarnation, she was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as Tosca, Pagliacci, and La Traviata, among others. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.
Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs, and when she’s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 35’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel.
Shira’s Blue Notes Series of classical music themed gay romances was named one of Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Word’s “Best Series of 2012,” and The Melody Thief was named one of the “Best Novels in a Series of 2012.” The Melody Thief also received an honorable mention, “One Perfect Score” at the 2012 Rainbow Awards.
Shira can be found on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shira.anthony
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4641776.Shira_Anthony
Twitter: @WriterShira
Website: http://www.shiraanthony.com
E-mail: shiraanthony@hotmail.com
There is something so energizing about meeting with like-minded souls and recognizing that we have more in common than not. I get together with a small group of writer friends annually, and though it isn’t a convention by any means, we laugh and talk shop and brainstorm and generally have a blast.
One morning we were all in the lounge post breakfast and the only sound was the clicketey-clack of typing. One of my friends looked up and said, “Ah, the sound of my people.” We all laughed, but she was right. 🙂
I’d like to be able to include some con trips in my schedule in 2015. *fingers crossed* Hope you have a fabulous time on your trips this year, and share with us some of what you experienced!