Society of Children Book Writers & Illustrators Part 2 (finally)

So as I mentioned in Part 1, the first scbwi conference I did not meet any new friends. 

Now, if I attend a conference I am blessed with being greeted by my wonderful and growing tribe!  How did that happen?

PART 2 / FINDING A FRIEND / MAKING CONNECTIONS

It was not something that I forced. I didn't walk up to a group of people and push myself into the center. I didn't stand on the sidelines and melt into the wallpaper either.  So how? 

It happened naturally. 

I met some local authors and illustrators, I went to another conference, I sat with one person I recognized from a local group and who I really got along well with. That person knew a few others. We kept in touch. 

We went to a conference together. 

We met more people we liked, and so on and so on.

Why am I bringing this up? 

Because you go to a conference with hopes of publication, hopes of discovery, signing up for critiques, hopes of meeting editors, hopes of finding new friends, and I can tell you all those things can happen, but not at one conference.

Not at the first conference. 

YOU invest in a meaningful friendship.

YOU focus on what you have to GIVE, not get.

YOU treat everyone as you would want to be treated.

YOU share your story. No, not that story. The story of YOU.  (not in a creepy- "let me tell you all about myself" way) but in a genuinely interest of sharing way.

Then maybe you will find a friend.

This is how you find a friend.

This is how you find a spouse, wait, we aren't talking about that. But lets. This IS how you find a spouse, isn't it?

YOu be you. YOu be open. YOu share your interests, and your time. YOu don't look at people as though they have something for you. 

Let me repeat... DO NOT LOOK AT PEOPLE AS THOUGH THEY HAVE SOMETHING YOU NEED TO TAKE FROM THEM.

You are not a  creepy predator. 

If you want a relationship, personal or professional, you have to be genuine.  

Be patient. 

Meeting one friend. One good friend can mean the world.

So now you went to one conference and soaked up the advice, and you went to another and met one friend.

Now you may also want to submit a story for a manuscript critique, or a portfolio for review. 

That is going to be Part 3 ! : )