How not to look like a Nitwit

[clarentine]

Oh, I so need to read something like this right now, with World Fantasy Convention (WFC) coming up in November:

http://misssnark.blogspot.com/2006/09/how-to-meet-agent-and-not-look-like.html

I have been to exactly one convention (Worldcon Somethingorother, two or three years ago in Boston) before this one, and was totally wall-eyed with fear that someone would ask me about my writing, all the while begging whichever gods were listening that someone would. When I wasn't engaged in either of those, I was hiding out to get away from the crush of humanity (because a Worldcon is effing hugely attended, and I am uncomfortable, to put it mildly, when surrounded by so many other people I don't know).

I am feeling more confident and less scared now, but that might very well change in the next six weeks.

Some time between now and Nov. 1, I need to learn how to make small talk. *g* I guess I'll start by watching the news, to ensure I have something to talk about.

If you are going to WFC, are you comfortable with chatting up total strangers who might be the agent or editor of your dreams, or do you wish you could just push a button and be issued an agent/editor? What strategies do you use in situations like this?

Comments

[ter369.livejournal.com]

I'll start by watching the news, to ensure I have something to talk about.

Too potentially controversial.

Careful about the Harlan Ellison/Connie Willis debacle, too. That made fandom_wank.


What strategies do you use in situations like this?

I don't strategize. I just comment to people (at Cons, in coffee bars, at the gas station) about whatever interesting/amusing/wacky thing is going on around us.

At conferences, ask the person next to you what Susie Q. Presenter just said (that you missed, heard only part of, etc.) or ask what panel they've enjoyed the most (and then ask why).

The best conversation starter I've heard was at a Conference meal where a table of strangers sat down for lunch, and one writer looked around the table and asked, "So what's everyone reading at the moment?" Describing current reads is on topic and lets people be the "expert" with their reply.

When a new acquaintance asks what you do or why you're attending, say, "I write (simple sub-category of story type)." Then maybe, "(Whatsit) Panel appealed to me. Have you heard/read/seen (presenter on that panel)?" Or something that means you're engaged in writing and the world of books/art and not just present to sellsellsell, because 97.34% of those present are there to sell, even agents and editors. Any agent/editor looking for submissions, who finds you or your genre interesting, will ask you more about it.

I believe in asking questions to make conversation. It's always flattering to be listened to.

Have fun, be polite, wear clean underwear.

[clarentine]

Have fun, be polite, wear clean underwear.

Heh.

Asking what people are reading sounds like a good tactic. I've been trying to catch up on my reading this year.

[jmeadows.livejournal.com]

Ooo, I'm kind of scared too, but I generally find if I smile a lot (not the creepy smile, but the nice one I used while I was a waitress) and ask general-ish questions and for their opinions, things go pretty well.

[clarentine]

And don't walk around with the scribbly beard and little moustache, eh? *g*

My usual strategy is to be helpful. I get there the day before, so I can scout things out. My plan is to rent a car for Wednesday, do my sightseeing and garden visiting then and Tuesday morning, get rid of the car (I better find an agency that will pick up at the hotel), and then be ready to greet folks as they come in.

I want to drive up into the hill country, to see what it looks like, and I want to talk with people who design gardens in that area. Designing with low water needs in mind seems popular nowadays, especially after the dry weather this summer. And, if I do enough research/make enough contacts, I can write off the airfare and one night's hotel as a business expense against my design business.

Hey, I bet I could get some neat setting ideas out of the area! That's a good topic for conversation: writing ideas one's gotten while at the convention.

[jmeadows.livejournal.com]

Heh, now you've got me wishing I was going there early rather than staying late. I used to live there. I could show you lots of hill country.

[clarentine]

I wish you were coming early, too; it'd be nice to have a native to help me not get lost. Any suggestions on what to see, or what/where to avoid? I'm going to try and get in touch with designers who are local to the area, to point me in the right direction, but I can always use more suggestions.

[jmeadows.livejournal.com]

Oh sure! Let me get a map for you and circle some areas. I'll get it to you later when I see you, okay? :D

[clarentine]

Thanks!