Writer’s Blog – Wheaton’s Law Revisited and ApolloCon
So, ApolloCon 2010 rapidly approaches – as in, we leave in less than 48 hours. I’m looking forward to it. But as with any convention approaching, it sparks my brain to things like packing and professionalism. Yes, when it comes to writing, it always seems to come back to professionalism, doesn’t it? I’ve been reading a friend’s blog this week on a certain aspect of this which is new-ish, and some of it bears repeating (and repeating, and repeating).
I’m going to recap a few things where conventions are involved:
• It’s It’s Not About You. Well, not ALL about you. Yes, as writers and artists we’re there to sell books. HOWEVER, if you’re on a panel, DO NOT start every response with, “Well, in my book/story/script…” unless asked a direct question about said book/story/script.
• THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK. That’s just a good rule all around. Be polite. It’s good business.
• If there’s a Bigger Name Guest on the panel than you (and there well could be), realize that some people may be there for you, but the majority are there FOR THEM. Act and speak accordingly.
• And, no matter WHAT THE TOPIC. You DO NOT KNOW EVERYTHING.
• Always remember Wheaton’s Law (aka Church of DBAA). – G Version – Don’t be a Jerk.
Now, in general, a few things to keep in mind…
• SEE ABOVE. LIVE the above.
• Just because you have had some success in on field/genre doesn’t give you a lock on another.
Let me expand on that. Publishing is an interesting creature. What works for one genre doesn’t work for another. Heck, Standard Manuscript Format? That’s a myth. From genre to genre, publisher to publisher – the rules change. Things that get you noticed in one genre will get you noticed in a completely different way in another. The way to get really (and badly) noticed in your new genre/publishing house is to break Wheaton’s Law and insist the new rules do not apply to you.
As a writer, you want to be noticed, but more importantly, you want to be noticed in the right way. Follow the rules – including the ones for professionalism – it’ll take you farther in the long run than you think.
Come see me at ApolloCon. It’s going to be fun.