First seminar was a success!
I’m pleased to say that my first speaking engagement at the Writer’s Convention last weekend went really well. I survived all of the pitfalls and problems that were likely to occur at a “First Annual” event, and which did indeed happen, and managed a respectable presentation. Or so I was told afterwards by people I trust to tell me otherwise, had I not.
A slow start due to a problem with seating meant I was a little rushed along the way to fit my time limit, but the faster pace didn’t seem to harm the content. I would have liked to go out to the audience and solicit questions along the way, but I just didn’t have the time until the end, and even then, only two or three were answered. I’ve been asked if I’d offer the seminar again, at a later date and a different venue, so perhaps I’ll have the chance to tweak things on take two.
For a first time, I’d say that I am pleased with how things went, though. The slides worked well, or so I was told, and all those little things I did to make myself look a bit more professional paid off. Which has earned me a few more speaking engagements, I think.
Beyond the chance to reoffer this seminar, I’ve already been scheduled for a second, on a different topic, and asked also if I would be willing to sit down and be interviewed. I’m not sure about the interview, as I’ve never been the topic of conversation before…at least, not to my knowledge — what happens around the water cooler, I’m sure I don’t know — but I’ll manage. It’s what I do 
Both events will help me market myself and my first Second Life book, which I expect will be published in early October. I’m looking forward to seeing the reaction it garners and have high hopes that it may actually succeed. Time will tell — and sales, of course…
My first convention as a speaker
I have been invited to speak at an upcoming writer’s convention in Second Life. I’m pretty proud of that, and a little more nervous than I’d like to admit.
You see, the headline Guest of Honour is Larry Niven. The NY Times Best Selling author of the Ringworld series, among others. There will be other writers and guests of course, and even some music and poetry, but Larry is the main draw, to be certain.
I’ll be speaking about how to set up a successful critique workshop within Second Life. I’ve learned a lot over the last nine months (has it really been nine months!?!) and much of it has to do with the differences between running a workshop in Second Life as opposed to first life. Heaven knows I’ve answered more than my fair share of questions from residents about my own workshop. My FAQ has grown substantially over the last while, so I figure that will be my starting point.
Kat Klaybourne (Kat Alderson inSL) will be following my seminar with a lecture on how to market your publications in Second Life. I’ll be paying close attention to this one, because I’ll be publishing my first book in Second Life shortly, but that deserves it’s own post.
For now, you’re more than welcome to join me at The First Annual Monogram Virtua Writers Convention on Saturday, August 30th. Just follow the link to the convention centre. The event begins at 11:00am SLT (that’s Pacific) and runs until sometime after 8:00pm. My speaking engagement runs from 4-5pm SLT.
Wish me luck!
