As I’ve mentioned already, I am going to be a panelist at the World Horror Convention this June in New Orleans. This will be my first panel, and I am a little nervous and excited about the whole thing. I went to my friend, Joe McKinney, and asked him if he had any tips on being a panelist. I have seen him at many panels and book signings over the last couple years and he always knocks it out, so I knew anything he had to say on this subject would be gold. And I was right.

I encourage anyone interested in being on a panel to read this. It’s really helpful and informative.

It’s a blast.

First tip. Be funny, have fun. The audience will appreciate it.

Second tip: Make sure you’re up on the topic, and whenever possible, direct the conversation to your strong points. If the question is: “What’s so cool about tables?” and you don’t know anything about tables, but know everything about chairs, tell the audience: “You know, the greatest thing about tables is how well they go with chairs,” and run with it.

Third tip: Don’t be a time hog and don’t be an ass. The first panel I moderated, this one guy (who was the only guy on the panel who hadn’t published in some recognized major venue) started talking about how great his world building skills were. I couldn’t shut him up. I kept waiting for him to take a breath so I could interject, but he just droned on, even as people got up to leave. Finally, one of the other panelists asked him if he was ever going to come to a point and that shut him up.

So, the moral of that story is: if you encounter an ass, and they’re causing people to leave, let them know they’re being an ass. People hate smart asses, but they love it when someone says what everyone in the room is feeling. Make sure you’re plugged in to the mood of the room. You’ll feel it, believe me. Listen to your instincts.

Above all, and this is point four, if you’re keeping track: Make sure you’re interesting. Invariably, there will be a blogger in the audience, someone who is clued into the internet and ready to report their thoughts on the convention. Be relevant. Be smart. Be the guy who surprises the crowd. Do this by being honest.

Remember that you approached horror, and made it your favorite, from some personal agenda. Something about you made you a horror fan, rather than an SF fan, or a fantasy fan. You are unique. Make sure that uniqueness shines through. For me, it’s always been the police angle. For you, maybe it’s the hotel angle, which is every bit as cool and pregnant of experience. In short, call every question back to what you know intimately. Be smart, be well-spoken, but above all, be informed.

This is the first among many, Max. You’re going to rock the house.