I didn’t plan on making friends at a writers conference. As most writers are, I’m extremely introverted and the size of my intimate social circle was perfectly adequate. The purpose of the conference was to learn and get writing feedback.

However, it is the friendships that developed from those writing conferences that are the most prized treasures—beyond any contract or writing opportunity.

Today’s conversation is all about the times “in-between” and “after hours”—the breaks on your calendar for meals, between sessions, and after the final keynotes. Those are the special moments that can change your life. You aren’t officially pitching anything, you’re not taking notes in a class. You can just be yourself and get to know the attendees and faculty members on a more personal and relational level.

I know of what I speak.

In fact, it was during one of these non-scheduled times that I shared a couch with one of the faculty members I’d pitched earlier that day. We drank soda, chatted about popular movies, and connected as new friends.

She’s now my agent.

Or how about my first year as faculty at the Blue Ridge Conference? I wandered into the Clouds Coffee Shop and nervously sat down to a bestselling author whose class I’d just attended. Our conversation lasted maybe five minutes, but she spoke words of truth to my soul that bolstered my confidence in a way that I’ll never forget.

Often times it is the small moments when God shows up in big ways.

If Meeting People Makes You Nervous…

I found that God allowed my circle of people to grow. There was room in my life for more friends, especially ones that understood things like “one sheet, elevator pitch, proposal, publisher, and acquisitions.

When I get self-conscious or nervous, I remind myself that everyone is nervous. Most of the people at the conference are introverts…which means we recover and rest better when we’re by ourselves. We crave alone time. But a lot of people are “outgoing introverts” which means we love to be around people, but we’re still nervous to talk to someone!

If you allow yourself the opportunity to be open to meeting new people, you’ll find that your intimate social circle will get bigger…and it won’t stress you out!

The “In-Betweens”

The Blue Ridge Conference is action-packed with great workshops, classes, keynotes, and fun events, but there is still time built-in to the schedule for you to have some free time. We strongly believe that God has brought you to the conference for a personal and specific “for such a time as this” moment in your life. There are times when the reason isn’t clear right away, but this is your conference and you get to decide how you spend your days.

You may find breaks in your schedule that allow you time to hang out in the lobby or outside in the rocking chairs between classes. Maybe you’ll stop by the Clouds Coffee Shop for a latte or snack. Their website says that the hours of the coffee shop vary, but you can text the word “outlets” to 828.539.1880 to receive the day’s schedule. Might be worth saving into your phone!

After Hours

“After hours” is not an official thing…you are free to sit outside and look at God’s beautiful creation, or even go to your room and rest and prep for the next day. But I do know and believe that spending time with your fellow conferees is rest for the soul and extremely fulfilling. It’s a time where you’re not thinking about your pitch or your proposal, but really getting to know the people who are there with you.

It literally takes me a day of hermit-like recovery for each conference day but it’s well worth it. Throw your whole self into it. Be the person who starts a conversation. Hang out in the lobby after the day’s final keynote. You can sleep when you get home!

Some of my favorite business connections and friendships resulted from spending time in the lobby and hang out areas, not pitching, not in “writer” mode, but just being myself and letting the other people relax around me. It’s a great gift to be someone who makes other people feel comfortable, and we can all do that by being friendly, open, and engaging in lighthearted conversation.

I love how everyone has been helping each other with their pitches and forming relationships! Please make sure you’ve joined us on Facebook in our group page so we can stay in touch and keep connected. Plus, there will be lots of conversation, quotes, and pictures that will be added to that page and I don’t want anyone to miss out!

See you soon!

[reminder]

Bethany Jett is an award-winning author, speaker, ghostwriter, and founder of JETTsetter Ink, a consulting and editing company. An avid learner, Bethany is working on her Master of Arts in Marketing: New Media and Communication. Her newest work, Through the Eyes of Hope is now available online and in retailers nationwide.

Bethany is a military wife and all-boys-mama who is addicted to suspense novels and all things girly. She writes on living a brilliant life at BethanyJett.com. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.