My blog schedule this week has been turned upside down. I can’t believe I almost forgot about IWSG.
As always, we have Alex J. Cavanaugh to thank for gathering like minded writers together to vent and support. This month, we also need to thank Misha Gericke and Joylene Nowell Butler. Even a Ninja Captain needs some help every once in awhile.
My goal this month with IWSG is to stave off some future insecurities. As I mentioned before, I’m attending a few writer’s conferences this year. The first one is March 22-25, the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival. There is this great session about using the city of New Orleans as the setting in your novel. Since, my first novel is set in New Orleans, I can’t wait.
Here’s were I need help. I’ve been thinking about how to introduce myself. I was thinking something like, “Hi, my name is Sydney, I write romantic comedies are you a writer/agent/publisher/editor/reader/blogger?” Then depending on their answer, the conversation will continue accordingly?
I am joking. I want to leave an impression somewhere between “let’s give her a 100,000.00 advance today” and “Did you hear about that girl Sydney? Stay away from her.”
What is the best way to introduce yourself at these event?
Btw, check out my new business cards. Suggestions welcomed. I haven’t gone to print, yet.
Sydney Aaliyah Michelle 
First of all, I think that is the most hilarious name for a writer’s group.
Second, love the business cards! Just make sure they are printed on good quality cardstock.
And last, I’m pretty sure you can introduce yourself any old way you like, but I usually go with, ‘Hi, I’m Tameri. What do you write?’ If they are a writer, they’ll tell you and if they’re an agent/editor, they’ll tell you. If they are the latter, hopefully they’ll ask you what you write, but if they don’t, then try to talk about them. What agency are they with? What genres do they like to read? The more you are interested in their job and what they do, the more they’ll be interested in you. Kind of cool, right?
Have fun in New Orleans! Next year I’ll be there for RT in May. I’ve never been and am super excited. Take lots of pics and post them on your blog!
I like the colors of the business card. Now what’s your name again?
Haha. I know. I wasn’t sure about that. How do I make sure everyone can find me? I’ll work on that part.
Your business card is so cute! I’m jealous. There aren’t as many conferences that come through Australia ….*sniff*
Nice business cards and make sure you take Tameri’s advice and get them on good cardstock. Don’t skimp when it comes to cards…you don’t want to give the wrong impression 🙂
I think it’s great that the conference is going to have a panel on something you’re going to be using in your book….how lucky!
Since I used to design business cards, let me just offer up a suggestion… make your name slightly bigger and the logo a little smaller. You want people to be able to see your name in a quick glance. The logo is only important if you are with a company with a household name/symbol. Sure, you want to catch the eye, but that comes later after catching your name. 😉
Thanks Mel. Great advice.
Great post, Sydney. Some wonderful suggestions concerning the business cards. One thought that I had was, “So what does she do?” There’s nowhere on the card that indicates that or your genre. Yeah, you’ll be passing them out and explaining this, but when they’re alone, going through all the cards they’ve received, they won’t remember. I’d also put your website address under your name, not your email.
Excitement looms! I’m thrilled about a New Orleans setting!
I never thought about that. You are right. I know my lotus logo is the only symbol of me anyone ever saw for so long online, but I do want my name and what I do to be a focus, now. I know, New Orleans is a great setting for a book.
I’ve not even thought about writer’s conferences yet! But I suppose the best way to get to know people is the old fashioned way: Say hello, and ask questions. 🙂 People love to talk about themselves!
And I would love to read more about the novel that’s set in New Orleans! 🙂
I like that idea. Get people talking about their favorite subject, themselves.
Can’t help you with the introduction, but I think I can give a good tip for the business card.
Dark colors look nice on the computer screen, but can look cheap printed and the lighter lettering can be difficult to read. I think you should go for a lighter green with your words printed in black. Should look great with your symbol.
🙂
that sounds like an awesome conference! and in new orleans, i’m jealous!
just be yourself. ask questions, be nice, there are so many people there just like you! have fun and be yourself.
Crap, I’ve never been to one! No idea.
Liking the business card honey, but, as someone above has said, be careful it doesn’t look cheap. Personally I favour an off white card with coloured lettering, but that’s just me 😉
Hmmmm, how to introduce yourself? That’s a hard one! But I wouldn’t go straight in for the kill asking them what they do, it might sound too much like youre fishing, if you know what i mean. I like the idea that you tell them what you do, but perhaps something like “Hi, I’m Sydney, I write romantic comedies, this is my first time attending, have you been before?” Then let the convo go from there, you’ll soon find out what they do 😉
Just a suggestion honey 🙂
Can’t wait to hear all about it though!!!!
Xx