Well, yesterday I went public. No, I don’t mean I formed an IPO, I mean I stood in public and sold myself as purveyor of words for the very first time.
This weekend Whatcom Writers and Publishers and Chanticler Reviews hosted a local book faire, Books and Brews, at Boundary Bay. Many great authors, both traditionally published and indy, as well as up and coming authors whose books are coming out later this year, and local writing organizations such as Whatcom Young Writers, attended. I felt honored to be included in such a group.
While at all times, there were more authors present than paying public, that didn’t dampen the mood. It was a great chance to swap cards and stories, marketing ideas, writing strategies, hopes and fears. I saw lots of familiar faces, and made several new friends.
I thought I was pretty optimistic bringing eight books, but by the end of the day I had sold 6 copies, handed out most of my bookmarks, and got a couple of email addresses to add to my newsletter list. The success was encouraging and addictive; it made me want to do more events.
Best of all, talking to people about my book and the story of QaiMaj, knowing that the story is being read by friends and strangers alike, gave me a little extra motivation to get up and write this morning. A couple of weeks back, my block broke and the end of book 2 started pouring out. I am now well past dreaded chapter 13 and deep in chapter 15, barreling down on chapter 16 and considering adding a 17 and possibly 18, if the story requires it. The best news is that I know where I’m going, now, and how this book will wrap up.
And then, with a short break to revise, edit and format Book II, it will be on to Book III. Because now I really want to know what happens next.
In the meanwhile, I’ll be looking for venues to go public again. Not IPO like twitter and facebook. Just me, standing nervously and awkwardly behind a stack of my books, smiling and greeting passersby. Selling my wares, and proud of it.
