We have all been there. Our first huge writing conference. Where to begin? When? So many panels! So many parties! SO many writers! It is like attending Disneyland for the first time. Pretty much, you just gawk.

Pen Parentis presented authors Mira Jacobs, Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, moderator M. M. De Voe, founder of Pen Parentis, and Ben Tanzer at AWP in LA

It is too easy to feel overwhelmed and that leads to immediate imposter syndrome. But… deep breaths. Find your center. Eat a candy.

The important thing is to remember that all conferences are for two things: to stay abreast of the newest ideas and to…