My second day at the Sisters in Crime writers conference began early, if not bright. Friday night, in a burst of efficiency - or neurosis - I set not only the alarm on my phone, but also on the hotel clock.
With the over-load of mental stimulation from my first day, I'd had some difficulty falling asleep, but I was firmly settled into dreamland when the alarm went off at 2 am. Some previous tenant of my room must have set it for an early flight, and the hotel had thoughtfully provided a clock with the capability for more than one alarm. On the plus side, I made great in-roads into my current library book and later worked out several changes to my own book as I re-arranged pillows and tossed in bed.
The next day I reconnected with a couple of the people I've met, both newbies like me. One is a former pediatrician who now lives where, as she put it, you either shovel snow or write. The other is a grandmotherly type who I was surprised to see step up as a winner in this year's short story competition.
Through the day there were panels on writing breakthroughs, the process of employing historical events, and an interview with Elizabeth George.
You wouldn't think all that sitting in chairs could be so tiring, but it was. Some genius of scheduling had placed the agent pitch sessions for 4:30. So now that we were all mentally weary with plunging blood sugar, we could now stand in line and wait for our turn to sell our book in three-minute allotments. It was like speed dating without the romance. Still, I did come away with five business cards and invitations to send in my first few chapters.
Finally, after forty-five glorious minutes of rest in my room, it was banquet time. This was of course the time when a group of well-read, articulate, deep thinkers do just what you'd expect.
They arrive in costumes of their favorite literary characters.
What fun! I know how tiring it can be to sit in a chair all day long, too. Love the costumes. :-)
ReplyDeleteI envy you!! It sounds like an incredible conference.
ReplyDeleteWow, somehow I fell behind here! I didn't know you were at a writer's conference. How cool! I could do without the costumes, I must confess -- though I admire other people who can wear them happily -- and I can't wait to hear what you learn and how you put it to use!
ReplyDeleteYes, I was a viewer, rather than a participant, in the whole costume thing.
DeleteConferences rejuvenate and give a few tidbits of ideas to work on. I always enjoyed professional development conferences.
ReplyDeleteNothing better than spending time with people who are as interested in something as you are.
DeleteIt does sound an amazing conference. No costume wearing for me, but I love to see other people's creativity (and courage).
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the business cards and invitations. Congratulations and good luck.
I love the idea of coming asa favorite character...Who is yours?
ReplyDeleteImpossible to answer. But I've always loved Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, but the other side of me can't get enough of Stephanie Plumb from Janet Evanovich's wacky series.
DeleteGee, I would have thought Banquet time meant food. Love the costumes. I've heard of Elizabeth George, but can't remember any of her books, pretty sure I haven't read any.
ReplyDeletesounds like a fun weekend. I would never be able to pick a character to dress as.
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