(I’m guest blogging over at The Write Stuff today, where Marcia Meara has graciously invited me to share the experience of attending my first book festival as a published author — as opposed to the ones I went to because of the free bookmarks…)
Two years ago tomorrow, I attended my first book fair as an author. Today, I’m going to share that experience in a post I’m calling:
Reasons to Hide Liquor Under Your Book Fair Table
Admittedly, it’s very exciting to walk into a room of 50 or so booths with publishers and authors offering their latest releases and services. And when you see your own booth tucked among them, with your book cover on display and a large photo of yourself hanging on the wall behind your table, you can’t help but pause and quietly think: I have ARRIVED as an author and, judging by its size, my nose arrived about an hour before I did.
My point is that book fairs are about taking the opportunity to become three-dimensional to readers and making a connection beyond the printed page; it’s about revealing yourself to people in ways that are spontaneous, real and unrehearsed, and giving them an experience they can take with them and talk about with others. This led to another realization almost simultaneously: Why is there no liquor at this thing? (More at The Write Stuff…)
Ned's Blog 
On my way to Barnes & Noble now. The boss won’t mind, I’m sure.
I can write you a note if you need me to.
It wasn’t my fault, Ned – WP put in that “&” in my comment – I only put in “&”. Wouldn’t want you to think I can neither read nor write. 🙂
Haha! I’ve been a victimof the dreaded “&” before as well 😉
A dream come true! I would love to have my nose be even larger in a glorious big glossy poster. You are SO lucky.
Thanks, Tara;)
Wait… Lucky about the big nose or the book?
Why, the big nose of course! :p
I hope I am lucky enough to “arrive” at a Book Festival someday… heading over to Marcia’s to read the rest! 🙂
I’ll be looking forward to your arrival, Courtney!
You just do these book fairs as an excuse to have your photo as poster size. You lucky dog!
With this face, Kevin, a poster-sized version isn’t a good thing!
I love cranberries, scones, not so much, they are too hard and crunchy for me but then maybe I am baking them incorrectly. Love your strategy on book selling. 🙂
Maybe it’s a dog biscuit recipe?
Sleepyhead or not, you’re still my hero, Ned.
I count on that.