I mentioned last week I was attending my first book event in nearly two years over the past weekend. Readers were sparse, but it was nice to talk to the few who attended. I also made contact with local authors who’ve formed a writer’s group, so that’s a plus. They share information on book events they come across, and that’s always helpful. My table was beside D.G. Driver, a writer friend from Nashville who blurbed Sarah. I hadn’t seen her in quite a while, so it was nice to catch up.
Thanksgiving will be a wonderful time with family and friends. Both sons will be here, and the youngest who lives in Austin will be with us a week – yay! Friends (they’re more like family) will be joining us for dinner that day, and since we’re big on games (some of us are super competitive), I’m sure we’ll spend a few hours playing. Hubby always fries the turkey (if you’ve never tried it that way, you’re truly depriving yourself), and the smell is guaranteed to inspire spontaneous drooling.
I finished season two of Locke and Key. I’m not sure how I felt about the ending, but there’d better be another season. A couple weeks ago, I finally watched the series finale of Shameless. The Gallaghers have to be one of my favorite dysfunctional families, and it was an appropriate sendoff for these characters – especially Frank.
Have a great week!
Books and Such 
I find that even if I don´t sell a lot of books at these events, they are always worth it. Especially if you make a couple of good connections. Have a wonderful American Thanksgiving! (is it this weekend?)
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Exactly, Darlene. There’s always a silver lining, whether it’s making connections or buying books from other authors, lol. Thanksgiving is next week – really snuck up on me this year.
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I attended one event and only sold 3 or 4 books. But one was to an elementary school teacher who loved the book and ordered a class set (24) and used it as a lesson. She later invited me to do a presentation to the class, where I brought copies of my other books. It was such a great connection. She moved school two years later and introduced her new students to my books! It was well worth attending that event.
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That’s fantastic, Darlene! What a connection you made that day. So wonderful that the teacher introduced her students to Amanda and her travels. That was a day well spent at the event.
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It sounds like your book event was worthwhile even if a lot of readers didn’t show up. How exciting that you get to see so many loved ones at Thanksgiving!
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We’re excited, Priscilla. With the boys, you never know what their schedules are for the holidays, but the stars aligned this year. Who knows about Christmas.
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Sorry the event didn’t have a lot of people, but I’m glad you reconnected with a friend and found a local group.
Thanksgiving sounds wonderful. I’m glad you have both boys coming home.
The ending of Locke & Key bugged me, too. Not just the cliffhanger (there better be a season three), but Tyler’s decision. I know what motivated it, but I don’t think he’d want that long-term. Hopefully they reverse it pretty quickly.
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Yes! The thing with Tyler didn’t sit well with me, so I’m also hoping for a reversal. I also understand his decision, but it doesn’t seem true to his character if it’s long term.
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I’m happy to see that you’re enjoying things and looking forward to the rest of the month, Teri.
The first season of Locke & Key captivated me. That early episode with the mirror… scared me half to death. However the season ending was the kind of storyline where I’ve come to expect future episodes (of any series that does that) to be repetitious and predictable, so I haven’t started season 2. It sounds like you probably enjoyed it though. Maybe I’ll give season 2 a go.
Hugs on the wing.
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You should give it a try, Teagan. It took me a couple episodes to remember things that happened in season one (it’s been a year maybe since I watched it?), but then I binged the rest in a week. Hugs to you and Crystal!
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I saw on Instagram that D.G. Driver was there and then I saw your post and wondered. That’s so cool!
Wonderful that both boys will be home for Thanksgiving. 🦃🍂🍁 I didn’t like Locke and Key and have to give it another try. I only watched a few episodes. I’m still in the middle of Umbrella Academy so… ☂😈
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I saw that you also followed her. I met her here several years ago at a book event, and she blurbed Sarah for me. She’s also got a new release – the print book is up, but I think she’s having trouble with the ebook. Stay tuned.
You mush try Locke and Key again! I’m really anxious for the next season of Umbrella Academy. Miss those guys.
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Two things standing out here. One. New book by D.G. Excellent. Two. She wrote your blurb. Um…you just saw my post on how I struggle with those, right? Three (okay I suck at math), there’s a season 3 for Umbrella Academy???
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Not the book description, just the couple of lines recommending it on the cover. Season three is scheduled for release next year – sooner the better imo.
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Ah, I get it now.
Next year? Ugh. I’ll just have to watch it through again. 🤷🏻♀️ Such a demented, fantastic show.
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I’m so glad you got to go to an in-person event and how wonderful to connect with the writer’s group! I still haven’t watched Locke and Key but maybe during some of the holidays. How wonderful that you will have family during the holidays. That’s what it’s all about!
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I’d just started with a local branch of SCBWI a few months before the pandemic, but we haven’t met since, so I’m glad to learn about this other writer’s group. It’s always nice to know other authors in the area. We’re really excited to have the boys home, Jan. It will be a wonderful holiday.
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Sounds like a great holiday, Teri.
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No matter if everything else goes wrong, it will be perfect since the boys are here.
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Yes, indeed. I wish I could gather my family around me but situations just don’t allow it. 😁
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It’s a sad truth.
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Good to hear about your event, but I wish there had been more people for you (to chat with and sell to). I’ve found (as of late) that going to places you might not immediately connect with books helps with promotion/sales/meeting new readers. I’ve done a local craft/makers fair/Holiday Expo and was the only author in a sea of candles and baubles and soap. It’s worth a shot! 🙂
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I’m doing a Christmas Market in a few weeks where I’ve made more sales than I would have expected. I’d love to find more local craft fairs, but can’t seem to find any. Maybe there’ s secret underground society somewhere I’m missing out on.
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They totally set up Locke and Key for a third season. Hopefully they will make it. And your event sounds nice. I don’t think a lot of people are getting out and about still but it is always nice to talk to those who do.
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I agree some folks are still hesitant to get out much, but I’m happy to see things beginning to get back to normal. I seem to be the mark of death when I get interested in a show, so it makes me worried for Locke and Key!
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Sounds like you had a good time, and have some fun family time ahead.
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It was fun talking to other authors and meeting some local ones I didn’t know. We’re excited to have family and friends for Thanksgiving. Hope you’re doing well all things considered, Craig.
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Hanging in there, thanks.
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Hi Teri, I haven’t attended a book event for over 2 years. There are rarely many readers at these sorts of events in SA so I usually only sell a few books but they are fun to touch base with other writers. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving on 25 November. We are planning to do some shopping for Christmas on Black Friday.
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I do the majority of my shopping online or at some local shops before it gets too crazy. Unless it involves a bookstore, I don’t enjoy it. My friends don’t get it, lol.
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I am more or less the same although I do like antique shops and shops that sell interesting rocks, shells, and other natural phenomena and items.
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Sounds like you had a great time, despite the low turn-out.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving. (Fried turkey is wonderful!)
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Thanks, Joan! And it’s amazing *wipes drool from mouth in anticipation*
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Glad you had a great time at the author event, and that your sons will both be with you for Thanksgiving.
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We’re excited to have both of them home, Tori. But now I have to clean before they get here, lol.
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We have not had an event for two years now.. and I used to do the Christmas book fairs and sell my print books.. hopefully next year.. Glad you made new connections and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Teri…hugsx
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Thanks, Sally! I really missed doing them and talking to readers. I’m doing a Christmas market in a couple weeks, so I’m hoping it’s better attended. I’ll let you know!
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