Writing Excuses Transcripts

Writing Excuses Season Three Episode 10: Do's and Don'ts of Attending Cons

From http://www.writingexcuses.com/2009/08/02/writing-excuses-season-3-episode-10-the-dos-and-donts-of-attending-cons/

Key points: Don't be a booth barnacle. Beware of the fan moment! As an aspiring professional, present yourself as a professional. Know who you want to meet, and why, and respect their schedule. Have leading questions that are easy for them to answer, such as "Do you have a few minutes some time to talk?" "What panels are you on that you would recommend for an aspiring writer?" or "What are you working on now?" Don't ask "What are you looking for?" Don't be belligerent. Have a plan, and listen. Go to the publisher panels and listen. Don't carry a manuscript. Do carry a business card. Do plan to take notes. Do look for blogs. Do go to panels on writing. And mostly, quite sincerely, have fun.
( on the con floor... )
[Brandon] I think we've gone long enough. Let's go ahead and finish our writing prompt. Dan? What does the person have in their pocket?
[Dan] What does he have in his pocket?
[Brandon] It's not the one ring, that's not allowed. And it's not allowed to be nothing, either.
[Dan] It's not the one ring? He has an entire universe in his pocket.
[Brandon] Um. And it's not peace-bonded.
[Laughter]