Conferences over, Now What?

I’ve been to two writers conferences (one in-person, one virtual) in the last few weeks, and, boy, is my brain tired.

The in-person conference was literally a breath of fresh air, as I emerged from the quarantine/lockdown cocoon into my true form as a social butterfly. It was great seeing so many friends in one place and catching up after a long two years away. Oh yeah, there were classes and appointments as well, which were all valuable.

I didn’t get to participate in all of the sessions of the online conference due to some different concerns, but what I did get to hear was extremely helpful. I got practical tips for continuing my writing journey and inspiration for what lies ahead.

Now comes the FUN part: the conference follow-ups. I’m SO excited and SO ambitious about the work ahead. I believe I have mentioned before that sarcasm is my love language . . . along with chocolate, but that’s another blog post.

I always have good intentions: return those emails; write those new proposals; respond to those invitations to write blogs, articles, etc. But then life happens. There’s stuff to do for my day job; housework; people to help in my own backyard. Plus, all those games of Spider Solitaire and Word Crossy aren’t going to play themselves, you know.

In the past, I have been the King of Procrastination, but I am making progress. I have already made email contact for a prospective blog writing assignment (Shhhhh, don’t tell the A3 people!) and worked on two different proposals. I once heard that editors don’t hear back from over half of the people they meet at conferences, and I don’t want to be in that number. I want to be that one who makes contact and follows through, even if it means rejection. I won’t know until I try, right?

I’m setting aside tomorrow to finish those proposals and to make some more email contacts. Right after the Andy Griffith Show marathon.

Old habits die hard, people.

Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate—all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb.