Conference Tips with Missy Tippens

by | Sep 6, 2011 | Christian authors, Fiction Book Reviews, inspirational fiction | 8 comments

With hometown hospitality and good-ol-fashion sense, Missy Tippens brings her conference tips to you today. Missy is one of the awesome 15 of Seekerville, a writing blog to inspire and entertain.

Missy’s fiction with Southern Flare are filled with a real sense of homecoming – sometimes an actual physical homecoming of the characters, but certainly a homecoming for two hearts. You can find more out about Missy’s books on her website or by visiting her blog. She’s also a contributor to the writing blog, F.A.I.T.H. girls.  

So…

what are the top three things that Missy says you need to bring with you to conference??

1. A list of agents and editors you’re interested in meeting. Of course, you’ve already done all your research ahead of time! You want to make sure you know who you want to tackle–er, try to meet–beforehand so when opportunities arise at meals, you’ll be ready to pounce–er, take advantage. 🙂
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2. Your good sense. Do not leave this at home. 🙂 For example, be careful what you say about other’s work…and about other people. It’s a small world out there. And don’t complain about judge comments on your latest contest (you may be talking to a judge!). Don’t talk or text during workshops or while someone’s speaking. (Yes, I’ve been in a workshop before when a woman answered her phone and had a short conversation.) No matter what I said in number one, do not pounce on editors and agents. And if you do land at a table with your dream publishing professional, do not monopolize the whole conversation. It’s not exactly the best way to make friends with other writers at the table. 🙂 So I reiterate…be sure you take your good sense with you to conference!
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3. Sensitivity. No matter how anxious or outright scared you might feel in a conference setting, be on the lookout for writers who look terrified or lonely. I assure you there are others–possibly first timers–who find conferences and social settings stressful or even painful. So try to step out of your comfort zone and make a few new friends. The best piece of advice I got at my first conference, as I stood against the wall with my stomach in knots, was to try to make 4 new friends at every conference I attended. I’ve tried to do that ever since.
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Thanks so much, Missy. GREAT points too, whether at a writer’s conference or back home, tips 2 & 3 should be out of our overflow of Christian charity anyway, right? Unfortunately, we need to be reminded way too often…heaven help us! (literally)
Anyone had an opportunity to read Love Inspired? If so, have you picked up one of Missy’s? Her newest novel, A Family for Faith, was a beautiful story.

8 Comments

  1. Julie Lessman

    Missy!!! So THAT’S what I’ve been forgetting every year — my “good sense”!! Soooo sad you won’t be there this year, my friend, but you better be next year or else!! 🙂

    Hugs,
    Julie

    Reply
    • pepperbasham

      Wow, Jules
      You are one QUICK responder!! 🙂
      And I’m going to try my best to pack my good sense – it shouldn’t take up too much space in my luggage 😉

      Reply
  2. Missy Tippens

    LOL, Julie! I know you better than that. You always have good sense! 🙂

    And yes, Pepper, my list of 3 things won’t take much room at all. 🙂

    I’m bummed I won’t see y’all this year. Especially in Julie’s neck of the woods. I had so hoped to experience Juile–the hostess with the mostess-by having my initials piped into double baked potatoes! 😉

    BTW, I used to live in Missouri! In Columbia while my dad was in graduate school. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Missy Tippens

    Man, I got a little carried away with the smileys today. LOL

    Reply
  4. audraharders

    Missy, I love your advice about trying to make 4 new friends at each conference. You bump into so many people in the workshops, meals, and just general milling around. You are absolutely right, pay attention to the people God puts in your path. Some of them turn out to be lifelong friends – woohoo!!!

    Once again, great series Pepper! Can’t wait to see you in a couple of weeks : )

    Reply
  5. Missy Tippens

    Audra, I’m going to miss rooming with you this year. I hope you have a blast!

    Reply
  6. Casey

    Thank you for those great tips! I’ll be taking those with me as well. 🙂

    Reply
  7. Missy Tippens

    Casey, I’m glad you found it helpful–and easy to pack! 🙂

    Reply

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