My First Writer's Conference

(Arriving at the airport)

Two weeks ago, I attended the Black Writers Reunion & Conference (www.blackwriters.org) in Las Vegas. This was a trip of "firsts" for me--my first time in Las Vegas, and my first writers' conference. I came across the conference site while looking for fiction writing groups in my area. The location piqued my interest first (Viva Las Vegas!), then the low $300 registration fee (yay, something I can afford!), and then I read the workshop descriptions--wow, the deal was sealed. The workshops were just what I needed, covering topics such as fundamentals of writing fiction, superior book marketing strategies, and writing for young readers. I booked my flight and secured my room at the host hotel, the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, that same day.

(The view from my room at the Golden Nugget--19th floor)

The conference's director/producer, Tia Ross, forwarded the conference attendees the following list of reasons to attend BWRC (compiled by Anita Clay).

To give this list a little twist, I've offered a "true/false" response.

10. Attend an event organized professionally and efficiently by cool black women.
True. I was beyond impressed at the efficiency and organization.

9. Check into a good hotel, at a reasonable rate for an affordable conference that even makes provision for scholarships.
True. The hotel rooms were very spacious, the staff very nice, very reasonable room rates, and a breakfast buffet that I still long for.

8. Meet smart, good-looking women of every age from all over the country (even Australia) who smile when they see you because they feel the bond.
True. But I don't want to leave out the men there too that fit the above description.

7. Laugh, learn and even cry with mentors who make you feel you can write, publish and take the world by storm while reminding you that your gift comes from God.
True. Yes, yes, yes to this. The presenters, most of whom are mentors, gave such boosts of encouragement and inspired us with their success stories. I also learned inside information that I've never run across during my own research.

6. Be in a place where there is no big me and little you. A place where you don’t find out the person sharing, learning and laughing next to you in a workshop is a well-known presenter in the next session. Feel the love. Feel the respect.
True and False. There was definitely no "big me, little you" thing going on; but I must say that I laughed and chatted with a few people during the first night's meet and greet--whom I assumed were attendees like me--that were actually a best-selling novelists (Rashonda Tate-Billingsley), an acclaimed poet and spoken-word artist (Marc Lacy), and an author whose book adaptation was shown at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival(Vincent Alexandria).

5. Hear other women’s (and men’s) stories of survival, success and beyond. Be encouraged by their dreams and yours.
True. See #7.

4. Get honest, straight information about costs, work, agents, legalities, marketing strategies and more stuff you didn’t even know to ask about.
True. I can't stress enough how informative those presentations were.

3. Meet a short, elderly man who reminds you of your father, or the father you wish you had, who cares enough to tell you not to drink out of the dirty (used) water glasses and not to leave your computer in the room and when you do, doesn’t tell you, “I told you so.”
True. I hope he's at the next one.

2. Feel special when you meet Tia, and the other ladies (especially the one who loaned us her dad) at registration and know they care about you even though they don’t know you.
True. I did feel special.

1. Find yourself. Leave believing in yourself and your talent. Leave with your heart burning inside, knowing you can and will write! AND you will come back, anywhere, any time.
True!!! I was extremely inspired by the ambitiousness, passion, talent, and publishing and marketing knowledge of the conference presenters, and the acommplishments of my fellow attendees. I have no excuse not to churn out my debut novel just in time for the next gathering. Can't wait!

(Caesar and Me. Ain't I'm cute?)