Book Events

     Is anything more nerve-wracking than standing before strangers to talk about your project?

     Yes! Having people walk by you before you get a chance to say a word. Rina is seasoned, she's been sharing her stories for almost 5 years now. She's stood in the rain in Florida because the bookstore hosting her felt she wasn't good enough to be in the author room where famous writers had events. (The candy shop next door felt so bad for her that they gave her free treats!) A shop in Texas put her outside in the heat because she's an unknown. She signed tons of autographs that day.  In Kansas, all of the authors were put in a gymnasium at the end of a downtown vendor event.  No one knew we were there. But we met other authors and made connections. Traveling to these locations was expensive, not just monetarily, but emotionally. 

     I've told you about some of the challenges of being an author. Writing the book is the easy part, remember?  

     Now that I have joined the author journey, I have a whole new appreciation for Rina's perseverance. We recently did an event in a busy mall and an unexpected snowstorm hit. We sold 2 books and had quite the adventurous drive home. That wasn't the challenge. Having people drift by without giving us a chance to talk about our books... was tough. On the flip side, the staff at 2nd & Charles were incredible, warm, welcoming, and lovely.  They put us right up front, and were just as excited as we were. 

     90% of people don't see you or want to engage. Of the 10% that do stop, 80% are aspiring writers, curious about the process, or looking for how to forward their careers. The remaining few, that is what we live for. Readers! Huzzah! But do they like what we do? Alas, not always. 

     I don't mean to sound discouraging, but I am being realistic. It's a tough road to travel, but we have our feet firmly planted on the path and miles of experience behind us.

     We have almost 200 events coming up with the Authors in Grocery Stores, markets, high schools, 2nd & Charles, holiday festivals, and more for 2025.  Some will flop, others will be amazing, but we will learn learn learn. Watch out world, we are coming to a location near you soon.