Aspiring Advice: Making The Most Of WriteOnCon

Guess what, fellows? It's time to get your Con on - WriteOnCon!

What is WriteOnCon? Just one of the coolest online events for writers ever, having all the networking and conveniences of a live writer's conference without having to pay for admission, parking, hotel rooms, or those fancy lunches with undercooked vegetables.

FYI, I like them that way.

This is my second year. The first propelled my networking capacity in astronomical ways. I even hooked up with a critique partner who has an agent now. Talk about awesome! I also posted our first query for Woven, which I know has helped us catch a few eyes and appreciated requests. I'll be the first one to say ... "This year will be epic!"

If you are going in for the first time, it might be daunting. There's so many links, tabs and forums that it's easy to get lost. And unless you plan on sticking with your computer 24/7 for the next week, it might be rather difficult to get the most out of this online conference.

I can fix that!

I know you can, Sam, so let's do this!

Everything you need to know about the conference is here, but the great thing about this conference are the forums. No matter what market or genre you write, you can submit queries, synopses, the first 250 words or first 5 pages for attendees to read and provide feedback. For each work you submit, you are asked to critique at least five others. If you critique more, the more help you'll receive.

Here's a few ways to make the most out of critiquing:

Be courteous and helpful - All submissions are a work in progress. The last thing you want is to give a bad first impression. Don't act like a know-it-all, whether you've been writing for one year or fifty. It also isn't enough to say "this isn't working" or "this is confusing." Tell the author why and offer suggestions (without rewriting their work).

Consider people's feedback - Those who decided to visit your thread and comment are your friends. They want to help, even if you may not agree with their suggestions - but you might later. Apply them to your submission. See how it looks. Thank everyone who comments. Be sure to visit and critique them back. Karma is also your friend.

Make friends/Be yourself - If you're in this only to showcase your work and get everyone to pay attention to you, it will show (unless you're some kind of evil genius?). This is an opportunity to find friends and allies. I owe WriteOnCon for my current critique partners who I never would have found otherwise. And most of all, have fun!

What not to miss on Tuesday and Wednesday:

Live chats - Seriously. Be there. This is a great way know what goes on inside the industry and maybe have your questions answered.

Posts and workshops -Lots of agents, editors and authors will hold workshops and share their experiences with us. Take notes.

Everything! - Who am I kidding? It's all great. And since this is an online conference, you can leave for a few hours, come back, and catch up on what you missed. It's all saved on the Interweb!

The most important thing of all?

Have fun! - This can't be stressed enough. Sure there are contests and agents might poke at your threads and make requests, but let that happen when it happens. Until then, no expectations. Show your best, revise when needed, and keep being awesome.

Because you are.

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I have a query for Woven up this year and the first 250 words of my MG Zombie novel, which I've finally decided to call The Undead Road. Please check it out and tear them apart. They need lots of help.

I'm also going hiatus this next week to "make the most" of this conference. You can find my profile here. See you there!

What's the best thing about this conference? You're going, right? If you're not going, what are your plans next week?

I'm David, and I'm NOT a little teapot ... or short ... but stout!