There are so many conventions and conferences out there that might well further my reach into "author world," and increase the sales of my books, and I have to come to terms with "which, if any, do I do?"
I worked six very different author-related events in 2013. In 2014, I narrowed it down one event: Clockwork Alchemy, where I shared an author table, conducted my panels, and met some awesome people.
This year, I've been mulling over whether do to Clockwork Alchemy again or not. I'm not a fan of doing panels, (many writers aren't), but it's a requirement there. So, I have been seeking out other opinions.
Charles de Gaulle, by all accounts a most decisive and commanding individual, once famously said, "I have heard your views. They do not harmonize with mine. The decision is taken unanimously."
Whenever I receive well-intended advice, I tend to place it on a shelf in my mind where I can access and evaluate it. If I find, at some point, that the idea seems valid or helpful, I generally follow it.
If, however, that advice proves otherwise, I'll just keep it on that shelf. Within the undulating morass of recommendations and proffered guidance, its just too easy to toss a good idea away.
This technique also comes in handy when I'm talking with someone who is adamant about and idea and etc. When I tell them that "I'll keep it in mind," or say, "Let me think that over awhile," I mean it.
Sometime later I'll find myself in a situation, or maybe someone will make an off handed comment, and suddenly my mind will begin to resonate with, "Ah ha! That's what so and so was talking about!"
That bit of advice has just jumped down off the shelf, eager to validate itself, and sometimes there's a definite "ka ching," of approval to run with. Otherwise, it will be sent back to the shelf.
Charles de Gaulle listened to his advisers. He didn't always agree with, or take, their advice, but he listened. Since I have an important decision to make, I'm asking for advice and entertaining all opinions.
It comes down to this: Is it worth it? Financially, no. In terms of outreach, yes. And then there is the question: Is it necessary? These are the balance scales I'm using, and I'm still undecided at this point.
Image: newsroom.ucla.edu
I worked six very different author-related events in 2013. In 2014, I narrowed it down one event: Clockwork Alchemy, where I shared an author table, conducted my panels, and met some awesome people.
This year, I've been mulling over whether do to Clockwork Alchemy again or not. I'm not a fan of doing panels, (many writers aren't), but it's a requirement there. So, I have been seeking out other opinions.
Charles de Gaulle, by all accounts a most decisive and commanding individual, once famously said, "I have heard your views. They do not harmonize with mine. The decision is taken unanimously."
Whenever I receive well-intended advice, I tend to place it on a shelf in my mind where I can access and evaluate it. If I find, at some point, that the idea seems valid or helpful, I generally follow it.
If, however, that advice proves otherwise, I'll just keep it on that shelf. Within the undulating morass of recommendations and proffered guidance, its just too easy to toss a good idea away.
This technique also comes in handy when I'm talking with someone who is adamant about and idea and etc. When I tell them that "I'll keep it in mind," or say, "Let me think that over awhile," I mean it.
Sometime later I'll find myself in a situation, or maybe someone will make an off handed comment, and suddenly my mind will begin to resonate with, "Ah ha! That's what so and so was talking about!"
That bit of advice has just jumped down off the shelf, eager to validate itself, and sometimes there's a definite "ka ching," of approval to run with. Otherwise, it will be sent back to the shelf.
Charles de Gaulle listened to his advisers. He didn't always agree with, or take, their advice, but he listened. Since I have an important decision to make, I'm asking for advice and entertaining all opinions.
It comes down to this: Is it worth it? Financially, no. In terms of outreach, yes. And then there is the question: Is it necessary? These are the balance scales I'm using, and I'm still undecided at this point.
Image: newsroom.ucla.edu
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