Goodie Bags!
That’s the end of the book fair season for me! After two ginormous book fairs, one in Las Vegas and one in Vancouver, Washington, I’ll pack away my book display stuff until the next local book signing. Whew! These big, multi-author signings are enriching, exhilerating…and exhausting. I love the chance to catch up with author friends, meet new ones, and squee with readers over our mutual love of romance books, but after hours of high-volume people-ing, I’m wiped out!
Both events I attended this year were superbly organized. First up, Book Lovers’ Con in Las Vegas, mid-May. Though there were two huge book signing sessions, this event was equally about socializing, with parties, panel discussions, meet & greets, and more. I met romance readers who’d been coming to these events since the days of Romantic Times Cons, which are now rebranded as Book Lovers’ Con. The only down side: I had to hobble in a CAM walker boot a looooooong way from the event rooms to the WC!
I always learn so much from other authors at these big signings. I think my table at BLC was a bit messy, with stickers, candy, bookmarks, and coasters scattered across the table.
Sadira Stone at Book Lovers’ Con in Las Vegas. Messy, messy!
For Hot & Steamy in the Pacific Northwest, held in Vancouver, WA, I organized all my swag into goodie bags, including 140 tiny bottles of hand lotion to which I stuck 140 HEA or GTFO stickers! I gave them all away to readers, who seemed to like them, so I’ll count that as successful. And wrangling the swag into goodie bags made for a neater table. What do you think?
Sadira at Hot & Steamy in the Pacific Northwest
After the Vancouver event, we enjoyed a few days visiting family–thanks, Bro & Sis-in-law!–and driving up the Columbia Gorge. Hiking and long beach walks were out, alas, because of a nagging case of Achilles tendonitis (hence the boot), but check out these gorgeous views!
Driving up the Columbia Gorge
The Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia River, seen from the Oregon side.
All this cool green has done my heart so much good! I feel relaxed, refreshed, and ready to write.
Have you attended any big book events as an author or a writer? I’d love to hear about your experiences. Until next time, cheers!
