Cons - Where to Start
Okay, Cons seem cool. Where do I start?
Compile A List of Cons
First, figure out why you’re going. Conventions range from fan-focused conventions (Comic Con, Dragon Con) to conferences targeted at professional writers (Nebula Conference, World Fantasy). Both types can provide a lot of value, but before committing to a weekend somewhere, you’ll want to have a good idea of what you’re looking to get out of the event.
Next, find a con that matches your interests. Search online for writing conferences and conventions. It helps to look by genre, so for example, you may want to search for Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions--Wikipedia has an extensive list. Another way to find cons you may be interested in is by visiting the website of your favorite author. They will often have a list of conventions they are attending. But the best way to find cons that suit your interests is by asking people in the community. If you don’t know any writers yet, check out online forums (like Reddit’s /r/Writing) or subscribe here! I’ll be covering a series of cons I’ve attended in the weeks to come and explaining why I recommend them (or why I don’t).
Estimate Cost
Once you have a list, you need to figure out what’s reasonable. Conventions can be relatively affordable all the way up to VERY expensive. The first convention I attended was Ad Astra in Toronto. It’s a small (several hundred attendees) fan-focused con that has some decent writing panels and occasionally draws in a big name. The convention center was within commuting distance of where I was living at the time, so I didn’t have to pay for a flight or a hotel, and the cost of the weekend pass was only $50. Contrast that with the trip I took last year to WorldCon in San Jose. The conference ticket was $250, the flight was $400, and the Airbnb was $100 a night (for 4 nights). That’s not counting the cost of taking time off work and the money I spent on food and drinks.
Start Out Small
If you’re just starting out, I recommend testing the waters with a local con to see if the experience appeals to you. Get a feel for what you like and don’t like in a conference. Then, when you’re ready to take the leap, start making plans. Pick a big con and mark the date on your calendar. Take a chunk out of each paycheck and put it into a con fund. Having that convention on the horizon will give you something to look forward to. It will also help keep you motivated and keep you focused on writing.
In my next post on Cons, I’ll cover what the value is in attending cons and help you decide if it’s worth spending the big bucks.
