It has been more than two weeks since I came home from my first Balticon. I wanted to take some time to really absorb all the things I saw and did before I spent any time talking or writing about them.

Let me begin by saying Balticon was something special. Someone very accurately said, “It is like coming home.” As odd as it may sound she was absolutely right.

It was home for so many different reasons.

Let’s start with the people. I have met many people online over the past year or so. Facebook, Twitter, email. I’ve gotten to know many of them reasonably well. I’ve even had the chance to talk with many of them via Skype for Interviews on Get Published and just for the sake of talking. None of those ways of communication hold a candle to meeting someone in person.

Over the course of Balticon I had the opportunity to really connect with many of those people and even meet several new ones. There were lunches and dinners together. Time spent in the bar and at gatherings in the Convention Suite and in people’s rooms. There were evenings just sitting outside talking. It was wonderful. Those people who were words on the screen or voices over Skype became 3-dimensional. It was wonderful.

Of course, Balticon is about writing and Social Media. I got to sit through many interesting panels where people talked about two of the things I really love: writing and podcasting. I got to hear many different ideas and opinions about the craft. Since I can talk about both podcasting and writing for hours, I was in my element.

Did I mention the people? I had the opportunity to go to many readings and live podcasts during Balticon. It was a blast hearing authors I know and like reading their own work. Seeing the passion and joy they have for it reminded me of why I do it too.

Books were, of course, prominent everywhere. Used book sellers, new books. Everybody jockeying for position and having fun doing it. I had the privilege to attend the book launches of Nathan Lowell, PG Holyfield and Patrick McLean. I also got to attend the big announcement by Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine. Sharing in the joy of both events was a real highlight for me. I can’t wait for my turn to do the same.

Balticon is simply comfortable. Writers are in their element and are relaxed. It was so much fun to be able to shove any feelings of social awkwardness into the background and just enjoy each other’s company.

My final point, at least for this post, is the energy. All the creative people feeding off each other built the energy to a crescendo. I came home feeling revitalized and excited about all the possible projects that are out there. It has really served to drive me forward.

I can’t wait until I can go again.

Personal Update

Lots on the go as always. I’m still busily trying to find gainful employment. It has been a slow, uphill battle but I hope I’m gaining ground.

Writing wise, I got a short story rejection. I immediately sent it back out so that means two short stories are still doing the rounds. I’m going to resubmit my Fantasy novel again, but as a YA novel. I’ve had a couple people say they thought it would fit YA so I’m going to take a shot at it.

I continue to write GalaxyBillies and podcast it as I go. The story is now at more than 50,000 words. I’m aiming at 80,000 for the podcast version and expect the book version to finish slightly higher than that.

I’m also revising my MG novel at the suggestion of a publisher. They have expressed great interest in it should I successfully revise it and have given me some fantastic feedback. I’ve finished the first two chapters and I already see a much stronger book. I hope they agree with me.

Have a good week.

Tags: balticon, facebook, Galaxybillies, Get Published, Michell Plested, nathan lowell, patrick mclean, pg holyfield, philippa ballantine, skype, Tee Morris, twitter, YA

I’ve been thinking about my involvement in social media, podcasting and general networking, specifically with a focus on how I hope it will help me get my work published. I’ve come to a conclusion and it is this: the people who podcast thinking it will get them published directly are missing the point.

Now, if you’ve read any of my posts, you know that I rarely make inflammatory comments. It’s not that I’m afraid of starting controversy, but rather I just don’t care to do so. So why do I make one now (and yes, I know on the flame scale it still rates pretty low)?

Let me put it this way; those of us who listen to podcasts know of at least one (and likely several) podcasters who have managed a book contract. Naturally, if you jump to conclusions you might do the calculation: write something + podcast it = book contract.

That has been true in a couple situations but if you really start to look under the covers you will find an individual who has been working his/her butt off to get their work out there. Often, although we don’t necessary realize it, the work is put under contract because of the author’s hard work and outreach, not because it was podcast.

This leads me to the point of this post (I knew I’d get there eventually): podcasters and people involved in social media are exactly that, involved. Those people are actively seeking out an audience and talking about what they do and THAT is my point.

At the end of the day it doesn’t matter whether you podcast your work or not. What matters is that you engage people. Do it through a blog, Twitter, Facebook, podcasts, whatever. Just do it.

Let me give you a couple of personal examples of how I have reached out and made some great contacts which, I believe, is helping me move forward in my quest for publication.

1. I have volunteered for the past six years at the Calgary Young Writer’s Conference – this volunteering hasn’t gotten me any editor/publisher contacts, but it has let me meet some amazing writers. Writers who have become my mentors in various ways. It has also given me contacts within the Conference committee so I can become a guest presenter when I get a book published. Immediate access to my fans.
2. I talk to those writers you see sitting alone at book signings. This has introduced me to more great writers including one who I consider a mentor and guide. It also gives me insight to how the publishers work and what can work/not work in signings.
3. I’ve attended conventions with other writers. I’ve met several publishers who have considered my work and given me guidance. In many cases, these publishers have given me insight about my work that I wouldn’t have received through traditional submissions. I’ve also gotten good insight into the publishing industry through these publishers. The authors I’ve met have shared their experiences with me and made suggestions that have helped me to improve my craft. This advice has been worth its weight in gold.
4. Podcasting. I can’t even begin to tell you how much great advice I’ve gotten through my podcasting. I’ve made connections with Publishers, Editors and Authors who all have valuable things to say. I’ve learned about contests and submission opportunities and what to do and not to do in my writing and submissions. I have had the benefit of meeting and connecting with the wonderful people who make up my audience and I’ve become a member of the dynamic podcasting community.
5. Blogging. Just writing down some of the challenges and successes I’ve had has really put things into perspective for me. The added bonus of growing a reading audience is exactly that, a bonus. Having the site also shows perspective publishers that I care about having a presence.
6. Twitter/Facebook. I’m lumping these together even though they are very different. At the end of the day both tools (and they ARE tools) allow me to get to know people I never would have met before in a very personal way. I’m getting contacts this way, it’s true, but I’m also making friends. An even more valuable thing. AND I hear about all the cool things (like contests and open submissions) that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
7. NanoWriMo. I’ve tried to be involved in the regional group as a cheerleader, writer and mentor. This increases my local exposure as well as allows me to help others with their craft. I’ve made several friends through NanoWriMo.

I’m sure I’ve done other things, but you get the point. There are TONS of ways to get involved with people through your writing. These connections may help you get published and they may not. But having a community you can rely on is so important. Having your own group of cheerleaders can always prop you up when you’re down and you never know if it will translate into a sale. I’m still waiting for that first contract, but I know it’s coming and that’s largely because of the people I’ve met through my efforts.

Personal Update

I discovered that this blog has made it to the short list of the “Author Blog Awards”. I’m up against some pretty tough competition (i.e. Neil Gaiman) so I could really use your votes. Go to http://tinyurl.com/ydusrwo and vote for me. Did I mention that anyone participating in the vote is eligable for prizes? I didn’t? Well, let me tell you, several publishers are offering books and other prizes to any people that vote. Look for www.michellplested.com and vote for me. And before I leave this topic, thank you to everyone who nominated me to make it this far.

Tags: author blog awards, blogging, facebook, irreverent muse, Michell Plested, neil gaiman, podcasting, twitter, www.michellplested.com