I went to many wonderful conferences last year: SCBWI Florida’s regional conference, ALA’s annual conference, SCBWI’s annual summer conference, and ALAN. Out of those four, I spoke at two since last year was my debut year. Now I’m starting the new year with a conference. Next weekend is SCBWI Florida’s regional conference, which occurs every January. Unlike previous years, I’m going to be up there on stage for the first books panel. As a debut author whose book came out in July, I now have the opportunity to speak on this panel for first-time authors. Not only have I spoken at conferences, but I’ve also done phone interviews since my book came out, and my nerves did get to me during these events, whether there was a crowd or one person on the other end of a phone. I had that ill-in-the-stomach, green-face look. Hopefully, now that I have those experiences behind me, I won’t feel that way come Friday. Wish me luck.
SCBWI Florida also has a costume ball during their winter conferences. This year’s theme is Alice in Wonderland. My costume is all ready. During the previous conferences I met quite a few bloggers and Twitter folk, so in a few days I look forward to meeting more online friends and seeing their wacky dinner costumes. If you’re going, let me know in your comments. 
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50 comments:
Be sure to post pics... the Mad Hatter ball sounds like so much fun. Can't wait to see your costume!!
Good luck with everything!
I'm not going but I hope that when I finally have the means to go to a conference I will have a chance to meet you in person.
I'm sure you will do great. :)
Not that you need it but, good luck! And here's a toast to being half way through the school year!
Oh you will wow your audience and be utterly utterly fabulous!! Yes you will! Enjoy! And YAY for you!!! Take care
x
You'll be great! Have fun. :)
Good luck and have a great time!!
Sounds like great fun. Enjoy yourself!
I'm so bummed that I'm going to miss tbis year's conference. I'm sure that you will do great at the first book panel. Looking forward to seeing pics of your costume. :-)
Medeia, I am looking for a new conference to attend this year. I haven't been to one since 2010 September. It'd be lovely to attend a conference with you!
oh I'd so be green-faced too!! But I'm sure you're right, those experiences will make future events that much easier! Have fun!
I'm looking at going to my first conference sometime this year... can't figure out which one or where though!
Good luck! What a wonderful set of opportunities you've had.
Sounds like you can handle it though. Speaking in front of others is not my strong suit.
Oh wow. That sounds awesome that you are going to be on a panel. Ooo the attention you will get not to mention some book sales. Congratulations on your success!
That's great! You'll be awesome on the panel I'm sure. No worries. You have to post pics of your costume party on your blog!!! Sounds like a lot of fun. :)
All the best and have a great time!
Hi Medeia,
Enjoy and have a terrific time! Looking forward to photos.
That's so cool that you get to be on a panel at SCBWI! You're going to do great and inspire so many writers. Have a great time!
A masquerade ball!!! Ooh, I'm so excited for you. Books + costumes = a fun time!
Good luck, don't forget to have fun on the panel!
Good luck! That's so exciting, and I'm sure you will do great.
A masquerade ball sounds so fun. You will have to post pics!
I'm wishing you luck, but I'm sure you won't need it. You'll do great! I think you're going to have to share a picture of you in your costume, though.
A costume ball? Sounds like fun. Yes, please post pictures if you can. I think now that you've been asked and have answered the usual questions about your book and the writing process, you probably have your answers well-reheased and are good to go. Enjoy.
Oooohhh! I live in FL! What part of FL is the conference. I'm in Tampa and Orlando. :)
Have a great time! I can't wait to hear all about it.
Ugh, I would be so awful at phone interviews! Good luck!
I went to SCBWI in LA last year and plan on going again. I am deciding which other ones to attend. I love recommendations. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on being on the panel.
Good luck! :)
It sounds like it's going to be a great event.
oh, you even have masquerades? How great is that!
Have fun! You'll do great and have a wonderful time. Hope you'll post photos - especially of your costume.
Alice in Wonderland? What fun! I want to see pictures, too.
You've had a busy, exciting 2011. May it continue in 2012. Sounds like you're off to a good start.
I know you'll do great, Medeia! Have fun with your presentation. :)
Hey Mederia. You are so brave speaking at conferences etc. Good for you. But you must learn such a lot.
Denise
You can get through this! :)
I don't doubt for a second that you'll do a brilliant job. How exciting!
Glad you got through it ok Medeia. I'm sure each time it will get better. Good luck with future projects and talks.
A costume ball! Alice in Wonderland! Oh, can I go along in your suitcase?
Good luck being on the panel - I'm sure you'll be fantastic! And have fun!
Best of luck -- that's really exciting! Have fun!
Pictures, pictures!!!!! We had a costume ball at SCBWI CAROLINAS one year. So much fun.
Speaking at a conference. How awesome. I would love to do that someday. :-)
I hope you have lots of fun and I know you'll do well at the conference!
Have fun at the conference, Medeia! I totally understand feeling nervous (I would too!), but I'm sure you'll be great up there! Have someone take a pic of you in your costume so we can see! :)
Too fun! Can't wait to hear how the conference goes for you. Are you nervous about being on the panel?
Thanks so much for your encouragement. I feel so much better about the upcoming panel. And I would love to see all of you at a conference some day.
Have fun!!! I haven't been to one in a while, and I've never spoken. Way to go with that! I'd love to go just to hear you!
Best of luck on your conference presentation! You'll do fine. :) How FUN that your local SCBWI has a costume ball!! I wish Oregon would do that. Too fun!!
I'm volunteering once again at our regional conference, but this is the first time I'm "shepherding", introducing the speaker and such. I normally don't get nervous in front of a crowd, so I'll probably be more nervous talking to the speaker if it's a good one!
P.S. and congrats for making the short list on the Story Sirens--I voted for you!
I went to last years in Orlando. Not able to go this year - but wish i could go to meet you. Have fun at the costume ball and good luck!
The ball sounds like a blast. Pix please. Knock 'em dead at the conference.
Congratulations, Medeia. I hope you had a wonderful experience and fought off that "green" feeling.
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