Was reading a discussion thread with a well-known writer. Her anecdotes about people's bad manners and lack of good etiquette towards her and others at conventions and writing organizations reminded me of an incident that took place at the Miami Book Fair International.
When I was an 'early career' writer, I attended my local annual book fair. It was in 2010, I believe, and I approached this booth representing a South Florida writer's organization with a very handsome guy in a suit to get more info. There were also copies of the association's official publication. He was so rude and abrasive to me that, for a long time, it turned me off from wanting to join any organizations and local chapters.
I don't know whether this may or may not have impacted my career trajectory - isn't that what job fair people say? - but as an introvert, it made me suspicious and wary of organizations and clubs that I did encounter afterwards. To the handsome suited guy who was a pill to me, I hope you're no longer affiliated with that writer's organization. If they only knew how many potential members you turned away because of your snot-nosed and snobbish attitude...
By God's grace, I'm now a member of two lovely writer guilds now and I'm forever grateful!
I will blog more about convention and book festival/fair adventures in future posts. And, Happy Veteran's Day!
