Last weekend, I attended the Killer Nashville International Writers conference. I’ve been a number of times before but I think this latest was the best. I learned a lot, had fun, and made new friends. It was truly a killer time.
Confession time:
I have a love-hate relationship with conferences. Like many writers, I am an introvert. It can be very difficult for me to socialize, especially for extended periods of time. I love going to conferences because I always learn new things, come back reinvigorated with ideas and ready to write. I “hate” them because they take away precious time from my writing and I’m forced into uncomfortable (for me) social situations (Although I admit that hate is a little bit strong for how I feel about conferences). Usually I can just paste my best sorority girl smile on and tamped down my social anxiety, although I have been known to have full-blown panic attacks.
None of the writers that I normally attend this conference with were able to go this time, so I was pretty nervous. Even though I’d been to Killer Nashville before and had met many of the attendees, walking into a room where I don’t KNOW anyone is nerve-racking for me. Walking up to complete strangers and introducing myself generally never happens. I am envious of people who can strike up a conversation with anyone.
I was extremely fortunate this conference. Despite only very casually knowing anyone, I managed to run into members of the Atlanta Sisters in Crime chapter. They took me in as one of their own, despite my genre only being tangentially crime. We went to dinner, had drinks, and they even invited me to the Decatur Bookfest (sadly, I was unable to attend this.) This is very similar to what happened to me several years ago when I attended my first Moonlight and Magnolias conference solo. There the members of the Georgia Romance Writers welcomed me with open arms. I cannot express how thankful I am for people who go out of their way to include people like me. I came away from Killer Nashville this year with a whole new group of friends and membership in a new organization.
Panels and signings:
This was the first year that I was a panelist at Killer Nashville. I sat on two panels: Writing Horror, Paranormal & Supernatural and Time Saving Research and Organization. I had a blast with the other panelists and made some friends. I even met my sister from another mother. Apparently, my day job of teaching doesn’t help me when I’m nervous however. I had a lot of pauses, ums, and other ticks during my first panel. I really need to work on these.
I think this was one of the best panel lineups Killer Nashville has had in a while. Beyond the panels that I sent on, I attended a number of others that were very interesting and informative. I learned about such diverse subjects as: trace evidence, social media marketing, and poisons. There was so much going on and I was almost constantly on the go.
I also had three signings in this time, I actually sold a couple of books! I also had a number of people stopped by and talk to me (I’m fine with strangers approaching me to talk it is only when I need to take the initiative that my social anxiety kicks into high gear.) I did buy a number of books from other authors and I’m excited to start reading them.
By the time I got home late Sunday, I was exhausted but also energized. I know this sounds like an oxymoron but it’s true. Physically I was wrung out. The day started at about 6 AM and lasted until eight or nine at night. Then I hit the gym for a workout. (I’m now 36 days straight of making my step goal and am past 5 miles a day!) Even though my body was tired, my mind was running full bore. I’ve managed to solve a few plot problems I was having on Under the Harvest Moon and had some fun ideas for other things.
I had a killer time at Killer Nashville and I can’t wait until next year! I’m also super excited for my next conference, Moonlight and Magnolias in October. If you’re in Atlanta on October sixth there will be a free literacy signing at Moonlight and Magnolias. I’ll make sure to post more information about that but I’ll be signing there as well. So stop by and see me.
Until the next time, may midnight and moonlight make magic in your life.