Thinking About Events
Attending events is something all those in the arts must consider. Showcasing your work, and allowing people to actually meet you, creates connections. That being said, I have zero desire to do book signings in a bookstore or library. And I will NEVER do a reading. Still, it is something I must consider.
It's been on my mind quite a bit lately. My little city has a convention called ThunderCon that is celebrating its fifth year. It has grown a ton, and I was seriously considering having a table in it this year. Of course I convinced myself not to do it. The authors who have tables at it are those who have a ton of reviews on their books, and I barely have any. Who
on earth would want to see someone with only a few reviews? No one reads them, they just look to see how many you have. (I'm not kidding either) Perhaps next year.
My idea of a signing would be something like a Con. Other ideas are an event happening in a bar, or a bbq somewhere. (perhaps the street fair that is a few blocks away) I like different, which is probably why I write fantasy.
There are a ton of festivals that happen here as well. None grab my interest in regards to setting up a table. So this is my dilemma. I know I need to get out there and shove my work in people's faces, but nothing intrigues me. So I fall back into the same routine. Sharing links on Twitter and Facebook.
The same three people sharing my links on Facebook isn't doing anything, and trying to get others to do it appears to be impossible. I've had people tell me that they don't know anyone who reads fantasy. So I ask this; do you actually know what every friend on social media reads? Are you certain they don't find an interest in fantasy? You really don't know, and sharing the link gets it out there to so many people. You would be surprised who might actually be interested.
Perhaps next year I will figure out what and where I should be. (cost is a factor too) Until then, expect to be annoyed repeatedly with links to things you have already seen a bajillion times.
That is only a slight exaggeration.
You can find me on Twitter as @Melarandra My Facebook Page is just P.D. Stewart.