Author Beth Bacon offers 5 tips for introvert to do at the Seattle’s spring children’s book conference, May 18 &19, 2019.
By Beth Bacon
If you’re an aspiring children’s book writer or illustrator, then there’s no better place for you to be on the weekend of May 18 and 19, 2019 than the 26th Western Washington SCBWI Conference at Seattle Pacific University. The theme is “Imagine That!” And as you read this article, I’d like you to imagine yourself at the conference. How you make the experience successful depends very much on your personal goals. All it takes is as a little planning.
1. Set Your Goals
Before you set off for the conference, spend a few minutes looking inward. What do you, personally and professionally, want to get out of the conference? The conference is a gold mine of opportunities, but in order to strike it rich, you need to know exactly what you’re digging for. Set yourself attainable goals. Here are some examples:
· If your goal is to get a feel for how the realities of publishing are going to affect your work, then give yourself a goal of having five thoughtful conversations in which you ask, “What do you think the publishing industry is looking for today?”
· Maybe your goal is networking, for example, you want to find a new critique group—one that’s the right fit for you. Ahead of time, make a list of elements you are looking for in a critique group: do you want to meet in person or online? Do you want to share pages every month? How many pages? Do you want to join people in your own genre or a range of genres? Then get bold and talk to the friendly strangers that are mingling all around you. Ask about critique groups. If they are in one, ask what makes theirs work. If they are seeking one, talk about the elements you’re looking for and see if you have similar goals. Remember, it’s a research mission, not a job interview, so be relaxed and casual with your inquiries.
· Maybe you just want to have fun and just feel inspired. Well, strap on a smile and get ready to enjoy the ideas that the speakers offer, and the conversations you hear all around you. They may spark a brand new book idea!
2. Be an extrovert even if you’re an introvert
Some people gain energy when they’re in a crowded room full of new people. Others deflate. I’m in that second category. Still, I make myself go to some after-parties and external events. I’ve found that if I don’t know what to say, I just ask questions and listen. And I tell myself that just showing up and being open to what is presented can be a valuable experience.
Hey, you’re a writer or illustrator, right? You’re good at pretending. Just pretend you like crowds. It’s not forever. Be comforted in knowing there are lots of other introverts pretending right along with you.
Don’t feel you’re missing out if you need to break away from the crowd. When you’re feeling depleted by the noise and bustle, find a quiet corner or take a walk outside.
3. Business Cards Still Matter
In the days before our reliance on digital devices, business cards were a must. With texting and email and easy internet searches, I find myself handing out a lot fewer cards than I did in the old days. Why should I, if I can just follow up by finding all their contact on the web? In this fast-paced world, should you still stock up on them before a conference? Yes. It may be easy for you to find someone else your business card gives others a way to find you. Business cards may seem old fashioned but they’re still a quick, unobtrusive way to offer your contact info. Ask others to give you their cards, too! Then, in the days after the conference, move on to step 5….
4. Walk the halls, attend the talks, get the autographs
The programming is available digitally, so you can keep it all in your smartphone. Here is the Saturday Schedule. Here is the Sunday Schedule. What you learn in the audience and the breakout workshops has value—but meeting a new friend in the hallway has value, too! If you see a person standing alone, imagine they’re just as introverted as you. They may appreciate the fact that you make a gesture of introduction.
And what about asking for signatures? Some of the faculty may have written or illustrated books that you love—don’t be too shy to ask for an autograph! There may be times that are specifically set to line up for signatures. Or, if you find yourself in an opportune moment, say in line for a cup of coffee next to that kidlit star, you may be able to ask your idol for their signature right then and there. (You supply the pen!) The authors and illustrators will probably be flattered. If for whatever reason they can’t sign at that moment, be gracious, step aside, and let them focus on their other commitments.
5. Follow up The Following Week
The conference isn’t really over when the doors shut. Once you’re back home and relaxed, spend a moment to go through the handouts and business cards you gathered. Email the people you met and thank them for speaking with you. The conference will have a lasting impact—and be more worth the time and money—if you turn your chats into relationships. In the email, mention something that seemed to interest both of you while you spoke. The people you met may pick up on that thread and email you back. Or they may not. Don’t fret if your message goes unanswered. Write the message anyway. You’ll never know what opportunities await if you cut off the friendship before it begins.
There are many ways to succeed at an SCBWI conference. These are just a few strategies. What has worked for you in the past? We’d like you hear your tips in the comments. See you in May at Imagine That! the 26th conference of the Western Washington Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators.
Beth Bacon is the author of several books for children, including: I Hate Reading, The Worst Book Ever, The Book No One Wants To Read, and Blank Space. Beth earned an MFA in writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She also has a degree in Communication Theory from NYU and a degree in Literature from Harvard University. Beth grew up in Boston, Massachusetts and now lives in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about Beth Bacon at her author blog.