Which Conferences Does Scott Go To? What do you get if I am there?? A LOT!

 I was once asked how I pick which conferences I go to. The answer was really simple and it shocked the author. 

I go to the conferences when someone asks me to come.

She said, "You mean that was it?" 

Yep! All it takes it to ask me to show up and I will be there. I have always taken that approach and here is my rationale. I could "invite" myself to your conference by sending out all of this promo material and really hyping myself up but here is the thing. If you REALLY wanted me there, you would have asked me to be there. 

I really have no desire to show up to a conference where I am going to show up and the conference coordinators "feel obligated" to have me there, or where participants really don't care about what I have to say, or even have something I don't acquire. For example, for me, going to a conference that only promotes graphic novels would get me nothing. Sure, I have a lot of workshops that would be great for them, my presence would mean nothing. 

OK, so let's talk about what happens IF I show up.

First of all, unlike a few of the agents (and editors) out there, I DO NOT nor will I ever charge speaking fees. I am sorry, but I feel this is part of the job and it is a service. In fact, there are a lot of times that I have had conferences give me an honorarium and I have given it back to them because I know the chapter needs it more (some have refused despite my attempts, but I did try!). 

If conferences are local or in locations where I have access in ways that work for me, I will cover transportation and lodging. Otherwise, I only ask for "assistance." Even then, I have always found ways to get the best deals for any conference to save people money.

At the conference, I am not someone who comes in, listens to pitches and then disappears. If you bring me in, I will be there THE ENTIRE time. I listen to pitches, I will present and if you want multiple sessions, then just ask. I will be there for panel discussions, I will do critiques, and most importantly, I will always be found in the hallways available to talk to authors. 

But Scott, our chapter is small and we can't afford this, how can we do it? Here is what a couple of chapters did several years ago. They combined forces. One chapter had a great location to meet and they pooled their resources and the workshop was for three chapters and not just one. Split the cost three ways and "badda bing, badda boom" you have a presenter.

Look, the key is JUST ASK! If you are with a writing organization (a conference coordinator, a member who has some influence or are on the board) and you are interested, or maybe you would love to have me come but are not sure how to go about this, just email me. We can talk it through. 

We just have to start a dialogue.

I am free a lot! And honestly, with All About The Memories Travel, this becomes a heck of a lot easier to get these workshops and conference connections becoming a reality!

Writing Takes Practicing... And A Lot Of It!

 

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Time To Get Those Kids Reading! PROMOTE LITERACY... PLEASE!

It's back to school season! Yes, the parents love this time, except for all of the buying that is taking place. All of the whining and complaining they have been hearing now for the last month of "I'm bored" because they have now beaten every video game on their phone has worn them out. Let the teachers babysit them now for next 180 days! 

But wait, don't give up on me yet. I need you all to listen to me now. This is the time to make a big push! It is time to start pushing reading. 

Ugh, I know they are going to start complaining, but don't give up. We can all do this! I promise!

Let me first say that the teachers, in most K-12 schools these days are not pushing reading the way they used to in the past. Oh sure, they say they are, but the reality is, it is not happening as much as we think it is. Trust me, I am in the classroom and I see it. I used to teach 8-10 novels a year and now I am told to ONLY teach 1 novel a year and, by the way, I cannot send it home as homework and the reading "has to be done in the classroom." REALLY?

So it is up to the home to take care of it!

Now, here is something to remember. First, statistically, we all will gain 10,000 words a year in vocabulary if we read 30 minutes a day outside of work (for kids this is school). So that means, adults, get those books and start reading! We also know that reading does help reduce stress and is beneficial to our health. 

So, how do we get the kids to read. LET THEM PICK THE BOOKS!

Don't be like the teachers and the librarians and tell them what to read. I have colleagues who tell them what genres to read, or you can only read in this "Lexile range" because that is all you are capable of reading. Librarians will tell kids they cannot read certain books because it is "too mature for them." 

I would put on my New Jersey dialect here but "Fuh get about it!" Let 'em pick! If kids have an interest in something let them read it!

As for you adults, don't tell the kids to read and you just sit there on your phone or watch tv. You read too! Model good behavior.

BUT SCOTT... I don't have kids...

or

BUT SCOTT... I am just an author...

SO WHAT! Go and support a school. If you are author, volunteer to come in and talk to the schools about your writing process. Volunteer to go to the local libraries and give talks there. If you are an adult, volunteer to read, or heck, even go and donate books to the libraries. Look funding sucks for public education and they will take whatever! I promise.

Just promote literacy will you!

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Make Your Story Your Own!

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