Monday, October 17, 2016

One book event out of the way and two more to go in 2016. I haven't participated in this many book signings ever. I'm so happy to be part of the writing groups I am for many reasons. But one of the big ones is the group of us finding venues to showcase our work. With fewer and fewer bookstores around, arranging a book signing can be a challenge. This past week, the York Book Expo, was all about books. The crowd wasn't as large as last year but the people who did attend were there for books. It was a successful day.

I had a highlight moment at the book expo. A young couple who had purchased two of my books last year came back just to see me. The young woman raved about the book with her husband adding tidbits about her delight. They attended to see me and purchase more books. It made my day, week and month as a writer.

I noticed at the book expo yesterday that three different writers had their own version of 'How to Self-Publish' for sale. I have no idea on how accurate their advise would be but there are lots of similar books out there. And a lot of people offering classes or workshops to teach you how to self-publish. Probably many are legitimate but I hope new writers investigate first before laying down money for someone to tell you how to do something you can learn for free.

Speaking of opportunities, the countdown is on to enter the IWSG anthology contest. Get your fantasy, short story sent in before the end of the month.

My children often recommend books to me, and they know what I like. An author my daughter introduced me to is YA writer, Leigh Bardugo. She has two fantasy series that tie into each other. I like her unique world of magic but what makes me love her work is the way she creates such flawed, but lovable characters. Her people live in a harsh world filled with tragedy but somehow they can still make you smile between bouts of tears. Highly recommended. I'm reading her latest, Crooked Kingdom now.

I'm enjoying the new show, Pitch, and finding the return of The Flash and Supernatural satisfying. Not sure about any other new shows though I've watched a few and am giving them a chance. Once Upon a Time, one of my long time favorites, is okay so far. I do get a lot or writing done with the lack of distractions. I did catch the final season of The Musketeers on Hulu last week and it was very satisfying.

"I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now." Louise May Alcott

I need a lot of coffee while working on a bunch of rewrites for the recently completed first draft. It's very ugly. Timeline problems and some things that don't make sense because I changed other things. Sigh... That is why we do more than one draft. I'm still flying high on the return customers.

Have you read Leigh Bardugo? Have you had a particularly wonderful experience at a book event? Have you watched The Flash? How badly did Barry mess up the world? Ouch. I'll end with an answer to a question we've wondered about for a long time.













23 comments:

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Wonderful that the event was such a success. I've had people come to events just for me, and it's a special feeling. But there are so few places to do that anymore.

Yes, I know there are a lot of people with self-publishing books out. LOL I've taught my seminars for 8 years so hopefully I know what I'm doing.

mshatch said...

Glad your event went well, especially the return visitors. You have Fans! :)

Pat Hatt said...

That is great with the event and fans coming back just for you. Barry sure mucked up the world indeed. Yeah, have to watch those ones just after money as they "teach" useless crap.

Maria Zannini said...

What a nice boost to meet such avid fans!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

How wonderful that the couple came back to see you at the Expo!

I've got a Bardugo title or two on my TBR list.

I so enjoy the TV show Pitch! I love the acting and the snappy dialogue. I'm also loving This Is Us.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Dig The Flash and yes, Barry really messed up the timeline.
Awesome those fans sought you out!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I've had that happen. It's surreal. Glad your talent for writing great stories is appreciated, Susan. Savour the feeling always.

Christine Rains said...

How awesome about those fans! I'm not a Flash fan, but I liked the premiere of Supernatural. The Walking Dead is coming up this Sunday!

Arlee Bird said...

Return customers are the best endorsement a business (or an author) can get.

I'm still watching The Flash but the timeline change is bugging me. It goes against my personal views of time travel (if it were possible).

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

A Beer for the Shower said...

I haven't watched or even heard of any of those shows. Yeah, I'm behind the times. But at least I get more writing done.

I love return customers at a book signing. It's flattering to know that people loved your work enough to come seek you out again, especially when you're not a household name. And even better, no one's ever stormed into one of our signings a year later, looking to demand a refund because they hated it THAT much.

Liza said...

Yep, I just started editing for draft 4. I can't even get through the first ten pages without going "gaaaaah."

J E Oneil said...

That expo sounds like so much fun (just the idea of a book expo makes me giddy). How awesome is that couple. I hope you remember that feeling forever.

The Happy Whisk said...

Love that the couple came back to see you.

Melissa Sugar said...

Sounds like an exciting event. I'm sure it felt good knowing people came just to see you. I'm glad it was fun and such a success.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan - did you get the answer from that chicken?!

I am just grateful to be part of a blogging fraternity I trust and can get sensible ideas for publishing .. and can work my way through absorbing what is necessary, and slowly move forward.

Brilliant news about your couple ... that must make you so chuffed ... cheers Hilary

nashvillecats2 said...

Congrats on one book event and all the best with the other two. Lovely to meet the people who read your books.
Yvonne.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Isn't it awesome to meet some fans. What a great feeling you must've had.

Nicola said...

Joining forces with fellow authors and getting out there to promote your books is a great idea. Sounds like a lot of fun too. What a super way to build up your fan base. Congrats on all that you do!

Anonymous said...

That's awesome you had fans seek you out. I've had that happen once too and it totally made my day. =D

Crystal Collier said...

That so awesome--the couple that came just to see you! Landmark moment. =) I did read Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone, but it was a little too grown up for me. I like things that are less gritty. The writing was good though.

Ellie Garratt said...

Wonderful the couple who came back to find you. Makes it all worthwhile!

Coffee is also my fuel ;)

Ellie Garratt said...

Wonderful the couple who came back to find you. Makes it all worthwhile!

Coffee is also my fuel ;)

Shannon Lawrence said...

One thing that drives me nuts is when someone publishes a book on self-publishing, but they don't have any other books out. Congratulations on your return fans!