Every Event is a Learning Experience!

Franklin Holiday Market, let’s talk about it.

I’m going to admit to you, I was a little leery. I haven’t been to Franklin, Indiana in a while. At my former job, I stood up the technology portion of the fuel center that went in there. It was one of the first fuel centers I did on my own. That will always be a point of pride as it went smoothly.

Prior to that however, I went to hear Tomi Adeyemi speak on her experience of being an author. It was when the second book of the Legacy of Orisha series came out. I have an adorable picture of her giving my kid a fist bump.

At the time I was there to just hear an author speak. There was nothing in my mind about me publishing a book, let along a series. But look at where we are. Four books deep. An entire series completed with several more on the horizon.

That isn’t what I’m here to talk about though. So the Franklin Holiday Market was held right next to the place I saw Tomi at. I saw that as a good sign.

You guys. The amount of fun I had at this event was unreal. UN. REAL. Everyone was pleasant. They were excited to have an author there. I was excited to be there. The Elks Lodge was so warm and accommodating. When I was getting set up, I was a little concerned because my network was sparse. That’s how I run my credit card reader. Suddenly one of the hosts for the event popped with the Wi-Fi password. I had no issues the entire night.

I spoke to a young girl that wants to be an author. Her mom told me how she writes on her phone. She looked delighted at the fact that I told her I do that from time to time as well. If my tablet or my PC isn’t available, it’s optimal. I got to speak to other authors that were just doing their shopping. They recommended I talk to the local bookstore to maybe do a reading or something there, which I will.

Here are some of the things I learned this time around.

• Business Cards – I JUST bought brand new business cards. I thought I’d set them in my kit. They were nowhere to be found. I need to keep them thangs on me.
• Don’t be afraid to talk about your product. – You need to have an elevator pitch to talk about your book. It can be longer than thirty seconds, mine is, but the shorter the better!
• Your books aren’t for everyone – A woman scurried away after she read a passage that I would consider light spice. That’s alright. Everything isn’t for everyone. Also ma’am, please don’t ever look up booktok. You may combust.
• Water – The last few events, I’ve forgotten to bring my water bottle. I’m someone that has to stay hydrated. I get muscle spasms if I don’t. I remembered my bottle this time, so I was in a lot better shape the next morning. If I don’t drink enough, I get something akin to a hangover the next day. It’s not fun.
• Always continue to refine – My sticker set up is perfect for the most part. I need something a bit bigger, but the way it is set up, I have easy access to everything. I need to get on the same level for my bookmarks and other things. I’d like to be completely out of cardboard boxes by the middle of next year.

So yeah, new lessons learned. Also next year, I think I’m going to strive to make sure I have an extra day off from my 9-5 after an event. It is always a struggle to go in after only one full day off a week.

So I am done for the year as far as events go. These are lessons I will take with me into the new year. I hope that this year has been a good one for you, that you’ve been prosperous, healthy, and happy. I’ll see you in the new year. Thanks for rocking with me!