Every Author Event is a Lesson Learned

This past weekend I was super excited to be part of the Monroe County Public Library Author Event! I got to meet different people, as well as talk about my book. I also met someone as much into K-dramas and K-pop as I am (hi Joanna!).

I’ve only been to two events thus far, but I’ve learned something from both of them. At my first one, I learned that while it is nice for my husband to attend to be my helper, it’s also difficult because he doesn’t really talk to people. He’s just there to to keep an eye on stuff. I need a helper that can chat to people about my books.

This event was no different. Here are some things I learned.

1. Organization is an absolute must – My books are in these cute little organizers I have, which is fine. However, my stickers, tea, and bookmarks are in this wooden box. When I chose it, I thought it would be a cute kitschy design for my display. However it is unwieldy and takes up a lot of space. As a result, I’ve ordered a few things to replace to boxes. I chose these flat boxes for tablecloths, electrical supplies, and things like that. For stickers and bookmarks I chose this box that has mini boxes in it. They are a standard shape, so they will fit into my little wagon. Hopefully it will also allow me to get rid of the cardboard boxes that I’m constantly dragging with me as well. I need to reorganize my stack as well. Things got chaotic when I was trying to pack up.
2. Knowing how to end a conversation – There was a gentleman who unfortunately did not get a table at the event. He did not care. He decided he was going to show up and pitch his book for purchase to every author at the event. However when he found me, he stuck to my table for over an hour and a half. The event was three hours long, so you can see how this was problematic. This is also my lot in life. It has always been this way for me. People like me even though I am a terrible awkward mess. The event coordinator tried to get him away, but he wasn’t taking the hint. She even offered me the out of getting something to drink so maybe he’d go away, but I’d chosen a corner slot and with that, I was sort of stuck getting out by my wagon. I now have some handy phrases in my pocket to gracefully eject myself from a conversation.
3. Water – I had a water bottle on my list of things to bring. I forgot my water bottle. I am someone that needs to constantly remain hydrated. I think I’ve talked about it before, but if I don’t drink enough water, I get muscle spasms. When I got home I slammed water. Half of me wants to just keep a water bottle in my things, so I don’t have to remember to pack one each time. But that’s the half that really enjoys buying drink containers and needs to cool it. Btw Meoky, sponsor me.
4. Cool it with the bags – Going into my 9-5 job, I carry three bags. There’s my laptop bag, my massive purse, and my Telfar bag that has my tablet, writing supplies, camera, and social media stuff. At an author event I need to consolidate. I typically bring my purse and my Telfar. I need to get it down to my Telfar, especially during events where it is just me with no help. That reminds me, I need to charge my ring light.

I’m sure once I think about it, there will be more that I learned, but these are the primary things. Have you ever learned anything from an author event? Please feel free to share. Also, this Saturday I’ll be at The Center for Black Literature & Culture at the Central Library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for their author event. Make sure you stop by, have a chat, and maybe buy a book!