Going to the Show

In a few weeks, I will be heading to my first writers convention, the CWC.

I've been to conventions. They can vary depending on what the topic is and how excited I am about it. The ones I used to do for work about dialysis and floral arranging? Dull as hell. The ones about comic books and entertainment? Absolute blast.

But this one is different. This is something I'm passionate about. This is something I've coveted since I was eight. This is the Show, man.

I am debating my approach. I have a first draft getting the second draft overhaul at the moment. It's not ready for an agent. But maybe the idea is. Perhaps someone will be interested in my YA contemporary supernatural book.

I would love to spark interest, but I don't quite have something to show for it. I could possibly have a chapter I'm OK with in three weeks, but I'm still going through the second draft process on more than half of it and who knows, that chapter may get cut or severely altered.

(And have I mentioned how long this thing is? Longer than it has to be, for sure. The copy editor I eventually hire will have quite a red pen party.)

Or should I just relax and go to the panels and talks and absorb it all, keeping to myself and saving it for next time?

So far, I have been advised to get business cards and drink at the social gatherings. I can handle that. I will mingle and act like I'm not internally freaking out.

And then, I'll go to another one. And it will get easier.

Right?