Nathan Bransford - The Forums

So where are people normally located -- people who think they might possibly actually be interested and have a half-realistic chance of being able to afford reasonable airfare, lodging and food? That would help figure out what area would require the least amount of travel for the fewest number of people. And why couldn't be put together our own small scale writing conference?

I'm in Central CA.

I am in Omaha, NE. The center of the world.

Sommer Leigh wrote:I suspect someone would probably set something on fire? Probably Margo?

[indignant huffing noises]

Margo wrote:So where are people normally located -- people who think they might possibly actually be interested and have a half-realistic chance of being able to afford reasonable airfare, lodging and food? That would help figure out what area would require the least amount of travel for the fewest number of people. And why couldn't be put together our own small scale writing conference?

I'm in Central CA.

I'm starting to think that this small-scale writer's conference would actually be a great idea. Finding people to give "keynotes" wouldn't be hard - seriously, look at the amazing talent - writing and blogging - that we have around here!! And if we could convince dear ole Nathan to help us out...well then! We've got a conference!

I'm in southern Arizona. Unless y'all wanted to go to Phoenix I'm pretty far away from everything (and even that's about 2 1/2 hours of driving).

dios4vida wrote:

Margo wrote:So where are people normally located -- people who think they might possibly actually be interested and have a half-realistic chance of being able to afford reasonable airfare, lodging and food? That would help figure out what area would require the least amount of travel for the fewest number of people. And why couldn't be put together our own small scale writing conference?

I'm in Central CA.

I'm starting to think that this small-scale writer's conference would actually be a great idea. Finding people to give "keynotes" wouldn't be hard - seriously, look at the amazing talent - writing and blogging - that we have around here!! And if we could convince dear ole Nathan to help us out...well then! We've got a conference!

I'm in southern Arizona. Unless y'all wanted to go to Phoenix I'm pretty far away from everything (and even that's about 2 1/2 hours of driving).

[scribbles out the word "conference" and writes in "happy hour martinis"]

Sommer Leigh wrote:[scribbles out the word "conference" and writes in "happy hour martinis"]

Ssshhhh! Sommer! How can I convince my husband to let me go unless it's a conference?!?! I don't think he'd appreciate the expense for me to go wherever we'd go just to watch my virtual buddies drink martinis (I'd join in but my medications... ). Remember, it's not happy hour. It's a "conference." < wink wink>

Oh, god, this is like the best idea ever!! if only it weren't hypothetical...

I am totally down for a Writer's Happy Hour Conference.

I live in Western MA. The not quite as cool cousin to Eastern MA.

Everyone knows these things are best held in the US city with the busiest airport.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_th ... ted_States

hektorkarl wrote:Everyone knows these things are best held in the US city with the busiest airport.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_th ... ted_States

Chicago does spring to mind, because of its fairly central location. I have been to two conferences there and can contribute knowledge of reasonable hotels and cheap shuttle fares. There's actually a place just outside of Chicago, about a 20 minute shuttle ride. We might be able to get a discount on the hotel for multiple rooms and perhaps even a small meeting room. People could also save money by pairing up as roommates. I seem to recall the room I stayed in had two queen beds, and the price had been negotiated to $79 a night per room. Lots of variables, though. The conference was about 40 people and had booked a a meeting room and was doing catered lunches every day for a week. But on the other hand, the economy hadn't dipped yet!

Edit: I should mention that the $79/night included catered meals. Now that i think about it, it was three meals a day, not just lunch.

hektorkarl wrote:Everyone knows these things are best held in the US city with the busiest airport.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_th ... ted_States

All I know is my boss hates ATL airport, because the layovers are never long enough to get from one gate to the next. But I suppose, if you were going to ATL, it wouldn't be that bad.

Cookie wrote: All I know is my boss hates ATL airport, because the layovers are never long enough to get from one gate to the next. But I suppose, if you were going to ATL, it wouldn't be that bad.

It's even less bad if you're already near Atlanta!

So I stand by my completely objective criterion.

Maybe "conference" is the wrong word. I don't think it would need to be a big thing - although I think hunkering down in a room with a bunch of writers, WIP-swapping (which sounds kind of naughty, when you say it out loud!) discussing specific topics, letting Polymath pull out a white board and teach us things, afternoon drinks in the bar, returning to spend all night writing and drinking expensive coffee, waking up to break into groups to talk about yesterday's bits of writing, WIP-swapping some more, trading stories and dreams and hopes and silly youtube videos, sightsee research and take pictures of everything, wear matching orange shirts and take cheesy group shots.

hektorkarl wrote:

Cookie wrote: All I know is my boss hates ATL airport, because the layovers are never long enough to get from one gate to the next. But I suppose, if you were going to ATL, it wouldn't be that bad.

It's even less bad if you're already near Atlanta!

So I stand by my completely objective criterion.

I was stuck in a long layover in Atlanta once and did not enjoy my stay very much. That is all I have seen of Atlanta though.

I heart Chicago

Sommer Leigh wrote:...sightsee research and take pictures of everything, wear matching orange shirts and take cheesy group shots.

In that case, someplace more picturesque than a Chicago suburb would be in order. I hear Atlanta has some gorgeous architecture.

Sommer Leigh wrote: I heart Chicago

I've driven through Chicago, but have never been in the city itself.