I left myself a note so I'd remember to come back to this.
Friends are always a reason to go, a gathering of the clan so to speak. Friends were the reason I started going to cons, but not the reason I kept going. I found as time went on and I got more serious and committed to writing my reasons changed. Going to cons also became part of the job.
And because I do view the contacts made and the networking as part of the job of being a writer, the kinds of cons I go to changed. I exchanged WorldCons for WorldFantasy, because WFC is industry focused, smaller and full of the authors, editors and agents I want to get to know. WisCon and now ReaderCon, went on the list of focused and relaxed industry cons to attend every year. I have plans to make it to 4thStreet next year come hell or high water.
I cut out all cons that were gamer, costume or media fan oriented. If I'm going to spend the money on travel, hotels, etc. it needs to go toward furthering the career I want. That doesn't mean I don't have fun, because I always, always do.
I've learned more about writing, publishing and the ins and outs of the industry in bar conversations, quiet talks with published authors late at night and even going to tightly focused panels than I'd ever have learned going to local cons. It's an education I couldn't have had any other way.
Until I have a book on the shelves to push, all local cons are off my list, with the exception of one small writer's con here in Columbus. If that wasn't $35 for the weekend and no hotel involved that might vanish too.
Don't ever let anyone tell you that networking doesn't count, but it needs to be networking with people at the level you wish to be at, not just people where you are now. Local cons will have one or two professional guests of honor, but the whole industry doesn't show up the way it does at WFC, WisCon and ReaderCon.
no subject
Friends are always a reason to go, a gathering of the clan so to speak. Friends were the reason I started going to cons, but not the reason I kept going. I found as time went on and I got more serious and committed to writing my reasons changed. Going to cons also became part of the job.
And because I do view the contacts made and the networking as part of the job of being a writer, the kinds of cons I go to changed. I exchanged WorldCons for WorldFantasy, because WFC is industry focused, smaller and full of the authors, editors and agents I want to get to know. WisCon and now ReaderCon, went on the list of focused and relaxed industry cons to attend every year. I have plans to make it to 4thStreet next year come hell or high water.
I cut out all cons that were gamer, costume or media fan oriented. If I'm going to spend the money on travel, hotels, etc. it needs to go toward furthering the career I want. That doesn't mean I don't have fun, because I always, always do.
I've learned more about writing, publishing and the ins and outs of the industry in bar conversations, quiet talks with published authors late at night and even going to tightly focused panels than I'd ever have learned going to local cons. It's an education I couldn't have had any other way.
Until I have a book on the shelves to push, all local cons are off my list, with the exception of one small writer's con here in Columbus. If that wasn't $35 for the weekend and no hotel involved that might vanish too.
Don't ever let anyone tell you that networking doesn't count, but it needs to be networking with people at the level you wish to be at, not just people where you are now. Local cons will have one or two professional guests of honor, but the whole industry doesn't show up the way it does at WFC, WisCon and ReaderCon.
Those are my reasons. Hope this helps.