My brain is all over the place right now. I leave for Vegas tomorrow evening for the RNConvention, and I’m nervous, excited, and other emotions that are all over the place. I haven’t even posted in about four days because there’s been so much to do. I also haven’t had time to comment on other people’s posts, so I hope I’m forgiven. 🙂
Anyway, there’s a buzz all over Facebook about this convention, and there are so many excited people posting on the event page about all kinds of things. But I’m seeing a trend that’s bothering me just a bit. Yes, I KNOW it’s Vegas. And Vegas is about fun. But this is a convention with lots of classes that Jimmy set up for us to learn. He worked hard on getting the speakers lined up. But I’m not seeing ANYONE saying how excited they are to be attending these classes. It’s all about drinking and dancing. I’m not criticizing this at all, because I know most of these people have never been to Vegas, and many of them have never been to any writing conferences. It’s okay to have fun. (I’ve even posted about how I’m worried about what clothes to bring.) But I think some people have missed the whole point of the convention. As writers, we need to learn all we can about this business because it’s not as easy as it used to be. When I first started publishing, there was very little competition. Now there’s LOTS of competition, so it’s hard for readers to find us unless we stand out. Yes, we need to write a good book. But then readers have to FIND that book. It’s getting harder. I’m hoping to learn some marketing strategies as well as how to write a better book.
So what I want to bring back from Vegas is lots of knowledge that will help me in my business. Well, that and something for my husband from the Pawn Stars shop. 🙂
lauralynnelliott.com 
Enjoy. Learn a lot, but make time for fun too. My dad loves Pawn Stars! If you get talking to the boys tell them they have fans in Ireland.
There are two parties, a costume ball, and movie nights (where we watch movies in our pajamas). I think I’m going to have plenty of fun. 🙂
I doubt if the guys will be at the shop. Hubby told me he thought they were only there when they are filming. But you never know. I will definitely mention their fans in Ireland if I get to talk to them.
What??? You don’t want to bring back any of the male eye candy? LOL Well, hubby did tell me I couldn’t bring them back either so oh well.
I think a lot of the people posting a lot of those comments are readers too so they really don’t care about the writing classes. They have panels and such to attend to learn more about some of the authors and how the books are brought together to what they see as the finished product so they might enjoy those.
Anyway….is it time to go yet? 1 day…2 hours….
Hubby doesn’t even like my cats. He probably wouldn’t want to add eye candy to the mix. Hahahahahaha.
I think you’re right about some of them being readers. I really hope the readers aren’t too tired to attend the book fair Saturday. 😉
Today was long. But tomorrow will probably fly by since I’ll be at home and trying to think of last minute things to take or do.
Sounds like the convention I attended in April. LOL It wasn’t business-y enough for me. I’m not a party person anyway, but I like to get the most out of my money and learn as much as I can so I can better do my job. I’m a total nerd. LOL
But you’re right. You want to learn everything you can because drinking and partying won’t help you sell books. The next convention I go to will hopefully be more business oriented.
I hope the classes will give you what you need and may you have safe and (uneventful) travel!
I feel like Jimmy has done a good job at having a balanced mix of fun and learning. I just think some of the people aren’t thinking of anything BUT fun. Some of the people on FB actually agreed with me that the classes were the most important, so at least I’m not alone.
Nerd! JK 🙂
I hope you find a nice balance of both information gathering and fun (you didn’t make that lovely dress for nothing). And hopefully the trip goes much netter than your last trip.