Bringing the Essentials

By Regina Allen

When writers attend conferences, workshops and retreats, they know to bring the essentials: pen or pencil, notebooks and business cards. Though rarely mentioned, another essential is medication. Occasionally, a writer may forget to bring medication. If this occurs, the writer may leave the conference earlier than anticipated or remain in the hotel room for most of the conference. When preparing to attend a conference, include contacting the local pharmacy and physician on your things-to-do list.

Local Pharmacists: Last year before I attended a conference, I realized my medication would run out while at the conference. I went to my local pharmacy and asked if it were possible to get an advance on the medication to which the answer was yes. Some medications can be ordered in advanced or need your physician’s approval. Ask your local pharmacist about your medication schedule. Also, ask your pharmacist about worst-case scenarios, such as losing your medication. If your pharmacy is CVS, Walgreen’s or another widely distributed pharmacy, there’s a good chance a branch is near the conference site. Ask your local CVS or Walgreen’s if they could help locate an out-of-state pharmacy near your conference site.

Primary Care Physician: Let your primary care physician know you’re taking a trip out of town. Get tips and advice about your medication. It’s possible your physician would schedule an appointment before you go and that’s actually a good thing. You want to be in good shape at the conference and if there’s anything amiss, it’ll be caught before the conference. It’s difficult to find a doctor, nurse or clinic at a conference so take care of things before you go to a conference.

Vitamins: Though not considered medication, if you take them, bring your vitamins! There were several occasions where I forgot to bring my vitamins and I suffered the consequences! Now I put my vitamins in a pillbox or empty change purse, which is kept in my purse or briefcase that I carry to all panel sessions.

To have a good time at a conference, retreat or workshop, be sure you have all your essentials for your next conference: pen or pencil or both, notebooks, business cards and medication.

Regina is a fiction writer who now lives in New York. She is collaborating with author, Joel S. Ross (http://www.joelross.net) on a medical thriller.

The summer always hosts many conferences, workshops and retreats. For an extensive listing of conferences, check magazines like the Writer, Asimov’s Science Fiction, Poets & Writers and the June issue of Writer’s Digest. For websites, Writer’s Digest (http://www.writersdigest.com/conferences) and Shaw Guides (http://writing.shawguides.com) have an exhaustive listing of conferences and workshops.

National
PNWA Summer Writers Conference
July 7-10, 2005
Seattle Airport Hilton, Seattle, Washington
This is PNWA’s 50th anniversary conference. Writers will learn from well-known authors and meet agents and editors.
For information, visit their website: http://www.pnwa.com
Telephone: (425) 673-BOOK

32nd Midwest Writers Workshop
July 28-30, 2005
Ball State Alumni Center, Muncie, Indiana
Programs include six workshops and manuscript evaluations.
For more information, contact: Midwest Writers Workshop, Department of Journalism, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306-0675.
Telephone: (765) 282-1055
Fax: (765) 285-7997
Website: http://www.midwestwriters.org

International
Interaction
August 4-8, 2005
Glasgow, Scotland
This is a genre conference. For more information, visit their website: http://www.interaction.worldcon.org.uk
Contact information: Interaction, Box 58009, Louisville, KY 40268.

Zoetrope Short Story Writers’ Workshop
September 16-23, 2005
Francis Ford Coppola’s Blancaneaux Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
in Belize, Central America
Programs include short fiction workshops, readings, publishing seminars, private writing time and day trips to landmarks in the Maya mountains. The workshops are led by Zoetrope: All Story contributors and editors.
Tuition: $2,500-$3,550 depending on preference in accommodations. Price includes workshops, lodging, meals, day trips and transfers to and from Belize City.
For more information, contact: Zoetrope Short Story Writers’ Workshop, 916 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94133.
Email:  Michael Ray, Editor info@all-story.com
Website: http://www.all-story.com/belize.cgi