© 2003, Janet Lorimer You're going to a writers' convention. Maybe it's a biggie, like the World Horror Con. Maybe it's smaller, more regional. Whatever, it's going to be fun and exciting. For a period of time (anywhere from 1 day to 4) you'll be rubbing elbows with other writers, editors, agents, artists ... anyone and everyone connected with the publishing world. Beyond the con itself, there will be side trips to bookstores, parties and other social gatherings, even sightseeing in the local area. There's so much to do before you depart for the con, from making plane and hotel reservations to packing your suitcase and watering your African violets. The one thing you don't want to forget to do is to plan and pack especially for the convention itself. After I attended the recent World Horror Con in Arizona, I realized what I'd done right and what I'd forgotten to do or bring. So learn from my successes, as well as my mistakes. First, bring some kind of briefcase or carryall designed just for the business of the con. You'll come away with a lot of con-related useful stuff, fun stuff, and miscellaneous stuff that you don't want mixed up with your dirty laundry, plane tickets, or those brochures of the local area your travel agent pressed on you at the last minute. I carried a black canvas "briefcase" that has a bazillion pockets, easily converts from a hand-held bag to a shoulder bag, and doesn't show the wear and tear of travel. Once I arrived at the hotel, I didn't drag it to and from each panel discussion and party. It stayed in the room and became a kind of portable file cabinet. Each day I'd bring a ton (or so it seemed) of varied con stuff back to my room and each evening I'd spend a few minutes sorting everything into categories to be filed. Which means you'll also need a half dozen or so empty file folders. This helps you keep all the printed materials separated and organized. Also pack at least one notebook. I prefer the steno books because of their size, but some people prefer those yellow legal pads. I carried my notebook everywhere, using it to take notes at the panel discussions, record names and addresses of people I met, and jot down miscellaneous information. I'm glad I did because I quickly discovered that two weeks after the con I had a hard time remembering everyone I met and everything that happened. Pens, pencils, and highlighters are a must. On the con program, I highlighted the panel discussions I wanted to attend each day (sometimes it's almost painful to have to make a choice), which made it easier to rush from Point A to Point B. Because you never know when you'll misplace a highlighter or run out of ink or break a pencil lead, carry spares! Paper clips come in handy for obvious reasons. Ditto blank file labels. And several sizes of post-its. The littlest ones quickly index pages in your notebook or call attention to something in a sheaf of papers. The larger lined ones are great for writing detailed notes on. Several large manuscript-size envelopes come in very handy if you decide to mail some of the materials you pick up back to your home address, instead of dragging everything onto the plane, train, or bus. Of course if you drive to the con, no problem! You might also want to bring business-size envelopes, too. Stamps! At least two kinds. I cunningly packed 29› stamps, forgetting that postcards only take 19› stamps. During the con, I had no time to write letters home; besides, when you're on vacation, the politically correct thing to do is send picture postcards to all your friends, the message being: "Having a wonderful time .... And you can drink the water here!" Copies of your writer's resume or bio or publishing credits. Suppose you meet an editor who's looking for an in-depth piece that you know only you can write. Handing that editor a copy of your publishing credits could bring you an assignment. Business cards! You should carry some at all times, but especially to cons. Who knows? You may meet an artist you want to team up with in the future, or you get into a wonderful soulmate conversation with an editor. So you trade business cards. If you really want to be able to pat yourself on the back later, take a few minutes each evening (after the last panel discussion but before the next party) to jot some notes about the people you meet, so you remember later who it was said he'd love to publish your Great American Vampire Novel as you both plunged crackers into the shrimp dip. Address labels (with your name and address) also come in handy in the oddest ways. They quickly label books you buy and envelopes you want to send. I find it helps to pack small things--like paper clips, stamps, etc.--in small zip-lock plastic bags, but I also bring a couple large ones along. That way, if you're in the dealers' room and come across a rare edition of one of Charlie Grant's novels--something so rare and precious you'd hock your soul and your Argyle socks for--you can protect it from the elements (the elements being everything from a sudden rainstorm to spilled punch). Anything else? Take a quick look around your office before you head out the door. If you're satisfied you have everything you need, but you still have room in the carryall, toss in a pack of chewing gum, a crossword puzzle book or that novel you've been meaning to start, and maybe a deck of cards. After all, there are some needs not even a blank file folder can meet.
|