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

[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!