92 You Have a Book in You of an idea that can have many di昀昀erent manifestations. Everything eventually turns into a book, and a book eventually turns into everything else. Every movie is a book. Every play is a book. Every story is a book. Every song is a book. 吀栀at’s why it seemed like everybody who was anybody was at the BEA. Muhammad Ali was there. Charles Schulz, the “Peanuts” cartoonist, was there. Over that three- day weekend, 60,000 people were at the con- vention. We were able to meet them, get pictures with them, and have fun with them—and we also got lots of free books! Inside the convention center there was even a UPS booth where you could quickly mail your stash of books home. 吀栀ere are countless opportunities at the BEA. Attend- ing the convention every year is really a vital part of pro- fessionalizing yourself in the book business. Don’t be intimidated by the size of the event, the “who’s who” in attendance, or the parties that last all night long. Instead take advantage of all the opportunities. Decide you belong there. Enjoy yourself. Bring someone with you, and live it up. I give you permission. Carry your charged- up smartphone to record all your favorite authors’ words for you. Have your journal in your com- puter bag or purse. And by all means bring your WOW OF A BOOK BUSINESS PLAN. Bring multiple copies! Meet as many people as you can, talk about your book, and pay attention to what you hear. By the end of