The Fabulist Flash

Issue 70

Fabulist Flash Sweatshirt

In This Issue:

1. This Week
2. Getting The Most Out Of A Conference
3. A Writing Conference Experience
4. Writing Conference Tool Kit
5. About The Fabulist Flash

1. This Week

As the Conference Coordinator for the 2006 Las Vegas Writer's Conference (www.LasVegasWritersConference.com) I'm having a great opportunity to meet and chat with some of the top names in our writing world. Attending conferences are an important piece of our ongoing education as writers. Conferences not only allow us to learn from those who've gone before us and are now experts in our field, but they also create an environment for us to meet and network with fellow writers. Writing can be a lonely world and meeting others who are experiencing this same world adds depth and meaning to what we do. I encourage all of you to add "Attend a Writing Conference" to your 2006 goals. I would love to have you come to Vegas (shameless plug!), but there are dozens of excellent conferences around the country each year. For an up-to-date, searchable list, visit Shaw Guides ( http://writing.shawguides.com/) and search through the list.

This week's articles are all about conference experiences and advice on how to improve your next conference experience. Dr. Bill Lampton offers ten tips in Getting The Most Out Of A Conference, Tena Thompson shares her first conference experience in My Writing Conference Experience and I've put together a list of Five Writing Conference Tools you'll find helpful.

Looking for an after the holiday sale? Use the following coupon codes to get $2 off a $20 purchase (Coupon code: JAN2) or $5 off a $40 purchase (Coupon code: JAN5) on Fabulist Flash Logo Merchandise or my Art Cards & Gifts.

Are you in the Pacific Northwest? I'll be signing 50 Fabulous Gay-Friendly Places to Live in Olympia, WA, on Friday, January 20th from 7-9 PM at Barnes & Nobles (1530 Black Lake Blvd SW) and in Seattle, WA, on Saturday, January 21st from 1-3 PM at Barnes & Nobles (600 Pine Street). Also on the 21st, I'll be speaking on Being An Everyday Gay Activist(TM) at the Seattle LGBT Community Center (1115 E. Pike St.) at 6:30 PM. These events are no charge and open to the public. Hope to meet you there!

Until next week,

Gregory
=================================================================

Gregory A. Kompes (www.kompes.com) is a writer, photographer, professional speaker and author of the bestseller 50 Fabulous Gay-Friendly Places to Live and The Endorsement Quest.

2. Getting The Most Out Of A Conference

Getting The Most Out Of A Conference
by Bill Lampton Ph.D.

For almost three decades, I have been attending conferences. For twenty years, I went as a participant, while serving as vice president of three colleges and a medical center. For the last eight years, I have gone to numerous conferences as a professional speaker and seminar leader, while I continue to attend the National Speakers Association’s conferences as a registrant.

Here is what I have learned about getting the most out of a conference, so your investment of time and money will bring long range dividends.

One: Read the conference agenda thoroughly, as soon as you receive it, and select the sessions that will be most likely to improve your professional performance. Note: Too many attendees shy away from learning something new, so they settle for the comfort of attending seminars they could almost teach themselves. This is not the time for needless repetition, but for moving forward by learning new techniques and strategies.

Two: Ask a professional colleague to become your conference partner, so that each of you can share what you learn, especially when you describe the different seminars you attended.

Three: Plan to stay for the entire conference. Ever notice how many people skip the last half-day? You never know what good advice you might be missing by arriving late or leaving early.

Four: Stay at the designated hotel. Sure, you might find cheaper ones a few blocks away, but you need to be where you can enlarge your network most effectively. Also, you will be glad you reside at the host hotel when bad weather moves in suddenly. You can keep going to the sessions without having to change clothes and repair your wind-damaged hairdo.

Five: When you attend the conference parties, realize that potential employers, clients or business partners might observe your behavior. You are not really off duty because you have left your home base. Enjoy yourself, of course, yet avoid risky behavior that will jeopardize your job, family and future.

Six: Take plenty of business cards, because you may need more than you could predict. Certainly when you meet leaders in your field, you will want to help them remember you.

Seven: Tactfully collect as many business cards as you can, so you can follow up later with post cards, E-mails or phone calls. Attendees will feel complimented that you remember them.

Eight: Buy the tapes and audio CDs recorded during the sessions. This is helpful even for the speeches and seminars you attend, as listening again will reinforce your learning.

Nine: Become an active participant, asking questions and making comments when the format allows interaction. This way, the topics will take on new life for you. Equally as important, your colleagues will begin to notice and remember you.

Ten: Meet and thank everyone who served on the conference planning committee. They deserve your compliments. And when you thank them, you will definitely stand out as one of the few who did.

Follow these top ten guidelines, and you will maximize the value of your conference participation.

About the Author
=================================================================
Bill Lampton, Ph.D., has shared his expertise in communication, motivation, customer service and sales with a diverse client list. He wrote a popular book: The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication, Change Your Life! Visit his Web site: http://www.ChampionshipCommunication.com Call Dr. Bill Lampton at 770-534-3425 or 800-393-0114. E-mail him: mailto:drbill@ChampionshipCommunication.com

3. A Writing Conference Experience

My Writing Conference Experience
Tena Thompson

I'm a fifty-four-year-old woman and just starting my writing career. Better late than never I say. I'm divorced and doing so many things in my second life that I never did in my first. I lived most of my life in a small town in Ohio, now I live in Las Vegas. Another first was attending my first writing conference.

Driving to the hotel for the first day of the conference, I was excited, yet terrified. What was I doing? I don't have a degree, or credentials. I just told myself, I'm at the bottom of the writing world. I have no place to go but up. At the very least I will have this experience, learn and do better next time.

Thursday, the first night, was a meet and greet sort of a thing. I stood outside the door, took a deep breath, pushed the door open and walked in. I felt instant success. I had the courage to take this step and enter the world of real writers. I met so many nice people. I was instantly accepted as a writer. I was still somewhat in disbelief, but my confidence level soared.

Friday morning I was nervous, but excited. I had my newly purchased briefcase, filled with my writings and my business cards. The sheer fact that I have business cards and a brief case in itself is shocking to me. In my other life, I just did as I was told. Now here I was, taking chances and risks. I told myself, no matter what happens with my writing, published or not, writing has brought me to this point.

The first speaker I heard was an agent. When she finished, once again, I took a deep breath and walked right up to her, gave her my business card and pitched my book. She sharply replied, "I don't do humor." I wasn't crushed, I expected this very thing to happen.

As the day went on, I learned so much from every speaker. I also continued to meet more people. I had a great time socializing and talking about writing. I still felt a little out of my league, but that was self-inflicted, not because the way I was treated.

Saturday I had an appointment with an agent. I was so nervous and fearful I would start babbling like an idiot. I pitched my book and she said, "That sounds terrific." She gave me suggestions and tips. Then to my amazement she said, "Just as soon as you get it finished, send it to me. ll put it on the top of the pile." My ten minutes were up and I walked away. I wanted to start screaming to anyone within earshot my great news. I did control myself, but inside I was ready to burst.

Later that night while socializing at the bar, I chatted with a publisher who is interested in my second book about the crazy things tourist do in Las Vegas. Once again, I was thrilled. Also, that same evening I met writers from Las Vegas and we've become great friends.

Sunday, I met with a local publisher who is also interested in my Las Vegas book.

When the conference ended, I was sorry it was over. I had started the experience with no confidence and walked away knowing I'm a real writer. I hate the word, validation, but it is the only word to describe my feeling. The next few days I was writing six to eight hours a day. The words and thoughts were just flying through my mind. I was filled with confidence and couldn't get the words out of my head and on paper fast enough.

I would suggest to any writer, attend a conference. Beg, borrow or steal (well maybe that's not such a good idea) the money, but get there. Along with the energy this put in my writing I met wonderful people and made new friends. I also have contacts in the writing world. I now e-mail with editors and publishers. For a writer this is invaluable. This conference gave me a great gift, hope.

Don't sell yourself short. If you have a passion for putting words on paper, you are a writer. Go for it and good luck.

About the Author
=================================================================
Tena Thompson writes about life as she knows it. After 24 years of marriage to her high school sweetheart, Tena eventually found herself divorced. Strong and independent, she not only turned her misfortune into a positive opportunity to help others cope with divorce, but also to further aspirations as a writer. Tena writes of and shares her experiences of, her ride on the emotional roller coaster to hell and back with a touch of humor. "If can bring a smile to just one person's face for even a second, I will consider this book a huge success," she says with conviction. Tena is also proud to announce that she recently landed a (small paying, but nonetheless "paying") columnist position with a newspaper in the Summerlin area, The West Valley News.

4. Writing Conference Tool Kit

Five Writing Conference Tools
Gregory A. Kompes

What should you bring when you attend a conference? The short answer is anything you want. But, these five items will mark you as a pro, ready for action.

Business Cards: You'll want business cards to hand out. These aren't only a point of contact, but a way for the people who meet you to remember you. Don't just hand them out, collect them, too. You'll want to remember those you meet and be able to easily follow up with them. Some card advice: We do judge books by their covers. While the goal of a business card is to share your contact information, they also act as an introduction and leave a lasting impression. Printing your own cards is fine, so long as they look professional. If you can't cut a straight line ask someone for help or visit your local Kinko's and take advantage of their free for use paper cutter. Also, don't forget about the back of the card. This is a great little billboard for your current book or project. Remember, creatively done cards get noticed.

Elevator Speech: Prepare an "Elevator Speech" about you and your book. Why's it called an Elevator Speech? It should be no longer to say than the average elevator ride, a minute or less. A common ice breaker question at conferences is "What do you write?" or "What are you working on." Having this little speech prepared takes the edge off. While it may be contentious in some circles to toot your own horn, this isn't one of those times. Muster your courage and sing your own praises.

Writing Resume: At most writing conferences you'll be meeting agents and publishers. You want them to remember you and have something to take away with them. Creating a one page resume with your contact information and experience fills the bill. List your recent and important writing experiences and include a short bio and headshot. Keep it to one, single-sided page.

Book Synopsis: Are you pitching a book idea? Fiction or nonfiction, create a one page, single-sided synopsis explaining your project, book, or idea. When you combine this with your writing resume, you've got a single page to hand to the agents and publishers you meet and it's got everything they need to remember you.

Writing Samples: The question comes up over and over, should I take my Complete Manuscript, Sample Chapters or Book Proposal for agents or publishers? There's no single answer to this question. Everyone you ask will tell you something different. The reason for this is that every agent and publisher is different and wants different things. Some don't want to be bogged down with a hundred manuscripts, but others may discover a project they love and want it to read on the plane ride home. My advice, take a copy or two of your manuscript or book proposal package along with you. If you're asked for it on the spot you'll have it. Another reason to take it along is that sometimes you'll have the opportunity to have your proposal or a sample chapters critiqued. It would be horrible to miss out on such an opportunity because you didn't pack a copy.

5. About The Fabulist Flash

ISSN: 1554-0804

The Fabulist Flash is dedicated to helping writers find resources and inspiration.

When you forward The Fabulist Flash to your friends please do so in its entirety.

If someone forwarded you this copy and you'd like to begin receiving The Fabulist Flash in your own inbox go to www.FabulistFlash.com to join the mailing list.

We’re open to ideas and suggestions for future issues. Let us know if there’s something you’d like to see or learn about, what you’ve enjoyed and would like to see more of, or just want us to know you think The Fabulist Flash is fabulous. Send your comments and ideas to editor@fabulistflash.com.

-------------------------------

Submissions: Published Guest Columnists receive $25 for their 500-600 word article. Visit The Fabulist Flash Writer Guidelines for more information.

-------------------------------


The Fabulist Flash thinks your privacy is important. We NEVER lend, sell, or distribute our email subscriber list to anyone.

Contact The Fabulist Flash:

Online
www.FabulistFlash.com

Email
Editor@FabulistFlash.com

Snail Mail
Gregory A. Kompes, editor
The Fabulist Flash
PO Box 570368
Las Vegas, NV 89157

=================================================================
Make plans now to attend the 2006 Las Vegas Writer's Conference March 30-April 2, 2006, in Las Vegas, Nevada.