FIRST Robotics - Journey To Worlds

Use unexpected experiences reinvigorate your writing

First Robotics Sign World Championship

My son is on his Middle School Robotics team. His team had an exciting season that surprisingly ended in Houston, Texas, at FIRST Robotics Worlds. The experience was unexpectedly rejuvenating for my writing career. While I do enjoy technical discussions, robotics competitions overstimulate and exhaust me. After complaining to my author friend, she set me up for success. If you, too, find yourself up against an event you want to avoid, try these steps. 

Go with the eyes of a writer. 

Before we left for the event, I put on my writer's hat. If this were a writing conference, I would prepare before leaving my house. I did the same for the FIRST Robotics WORLDS competition. Three leagues attend: First Lego League (FLL), First Tech Challenge (FTC), and First Robotic Challenge (FRC). Each of those leagues corresponds to my reader's age range. By viewing their displays and interacting with them, I can gather information on their interests. I planned to take a lot of reference photos for story details. 

Research the event. 

This event offered conferences. I marked which conferences I would enjoy. Leadership, personal time management, and goal setting are common themes across industries, so I marked my calendar for those sessions. To my surprise, several events aligned with another series I am working on. I made sure to hit those sessions, too. The details and observations are more than I expected.

Listen with the ears of a writer. 

I found a cozy, padded bench in the main hall of the event. I jotted down phrases, created word lists, and listened. As WORLDS is a global competition, nearly every country is represented. The halls were filled with many different languages. I worked while I rested. 

At the end of four very long days, my son's team did not make the final alliance. He and I were able to explore Houston. Mostly, my attitude during the time was open and willing to experience the competition, the city, and the event details.Rather than feeling resentful about having to give up my writing time, I enjoyed being with my son. When I returned, I organized my notes, photos, and word lists. Then, I wrote a manuscript. By looking at the experience as field research, I became a better writer and mother.