November Book Events
The night of the memoir showcase, there was a big rainstorm in the forecast. I was concerned that the turnout may be poor but I needn’t have worried. Despite the dark skies, there was no rain and, upon arrival, I was able to unload my books and supplies easily without getting soaked, and there was a full house.
It felt easier than my last events, maybe I was more streamlined and prepared? Maybe I was just more relaxed? It was a good feeling. There is something about being nine months out from a book launch, much of the worry and angst was gone. I was here to have fun and connect with my author friends, old and new.
Setting up the banner and arranging the table took less than ten minutes, leaving me free to visit with the guests as they started arriving. I was peaceful, like I was where I was supposed to be. Not focused on selling books alone, I was more focused on connecting with people, asking them what they were writing and what they were interested in. The hour before the show passed quickly and, before I knew it, it was time to go into the auditorium for the performance.
And what a performance it was. It feels like each year, the quality of the writing and acting gets better and better. This year was exceptional with amazing stories brilliantly enacted.
Thank you, Memoir Association, for the opportunity to have a table in the lobby and for all the interactions with our fellow creatives.
The following morning the storm had finally arrived and the freeway was awash with deluging rain and swirling fog. Driving slowly to avoid hydroplaning, I made it safely up to Escondido for the Once Upon a Book Fair. Arriving at ten in the morning, I was met with a team of assistants to help us authors find our tables and guide our book laden wagons and rollies to our respective spots around the mall.
I found my name near the entrance, facing the massive three-story Christmas tree and Santa’s giant red velvet throne. People were friendly and I struck up conversations with my author neighbors, all more experienced with book fairs than I.
And, like the previous night, I was relaxed and open to conversations about people’s hopes, dreams and accomplishments. I recognized and shared a catch-up conversation with a classmate from SDSU’s Nutrition Program that I hadn’t seen in twenty years! And it was rich and rewarding to meet Tanya, an author and the organizer of the event, and Jason, a screenwriter and our video producer. Thank you both again for the wonderful event.
The afternoon flew by. My only regret was I couldn’t leave my table to walk around to meet more of the other exhibitors. Next time I’ll bring a helper!
It was still raining when it was time to pack up and roll my cart back out to the car. Despite the angst of preparing for book events, it was gratifying. The book fair was a positive and engaging activity, and I even sold some books! But, book sales aside, it was rewarding to participate in as I felt vibrantly reconnected to my book and my continuing role as an author.
