I’m tremendously excited for Bookcon this year. Last year, the line stretched farther than I could see. I’d never experienced anything like it before. The enthusiasm for reading and authors energized me like a healthy addiction. I had my first and only book at the time. It’s not the book it is today. Today, First Born has artwork and better formatting. Also, I now have two books in the trilogy and more cool swag to give away with a book purchase. The turnout and positive reception I received last year boosted my confidence and stirred my creativity and passion even more. This year I’m expecting the same, if not more, encouragement as I feel my books are better. For one, the editing, formatting, and artwork make the books fabulous; and for two, having the sequel is a bonus. All of us have grown accustomed to continuing the storyline without waiting. I hate finishing a book only to find I have to wait for the next one. I guess that’s the by-product of Netflix. Of course, the wait can be exciting too. I waited for the fourth book in the Raven’s Cycle, and I waited for the third book in A Court of Thorn and Roses series, as well as many others.

The Bookcon experience from an author’s point of view is like being a rock star. With thousands of readers in awe of anyone that has written a book, whether traditionally published or self-published, whether a famous, popular novel or new, unknown novel, the Bookcon fan will recognize and compliment your effort. The Bookcon fan will happily hand over their hard earned money or their parent’s hard earned money to purchase your book, your baby, the three hundred pages you’ve poured your heart and soul into. It’s an enjoyable experience. It warmed my heart to see so many young people still highly involved in reading. In today’s day and age with iPhones, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Netflix – shall I go on – it's nice to see kids appreciate a good book. I’m all for different types of creative outlets. I’m not opposed to alternate forms of storytelling in the digital world. I believe we can all coexist and compliment one another. Bookcon is proof to me that my form of creative expression still has a purpose is the modern world. I guess I should never have doubted it. I mean storytelling in one form or another has existed since the beginning of time, but it is easy to feel it is diminishing when surrounded by the instant gratification of social media with its one hundred and forty characters or ten-second videos.

For the reader, Bookcon is a candy store like no other, the Disney World of books. Bring your suitcase because you will load up on books of all shapes and sizes. You’ll get swag like you’ve never seen before. Free pens, free bags, free bookmarks, free keychains, and sometimes free books. And lots and lots of signatures. But the most important thing is you’ll meet and chat with other book fans. Friendships are made between readers, and between author and reader. Soon you’ll be texting, emailing, Instagramming each other recommending books or talking about the heartthrobs of the series you both love.

I hope to see you all June 3-4, 2017 in New York City at Bookcon. If you can’t make it this year, then put it on your calendar for next year. Make sure to check in with me on Instagram @firstbornbooks, or Twitter @JanelleGabay or Facebook Author Janelle Gabay page for loads of pictures and videos of my trip to Bookcon this year.

Got to get ready for Bookcon!!!
Bye!

Happy Reading,
Janelle