Well I am glad to say the show at Worthing went really well. Considering, of course, that the snow was just beginning to melt and few people brave enough to emerge into the gale despite the sunshine. Luckily only three authors didn't manage to get there, mainly from Scotland I think. The support team there worked tirelessly outside all day and did pull in quite a few people during the morning but unfortunately attendance fizzled during the afternoon, probably because everyone stayed in to watch TV or snooze after their Sunday lunch.
Some authors had turned up with just a pile of books and I don't believe they sold much. Thankfully, I had some big banners and lots to draw people to my table. Almost all the children I spoke to were intrigued, and most persuaded family to buy them a copy. I was lucky and most grateful to a teacher who bought a copy to share with her class, and another school librarian who bought for her school library. A big thank you to them. I love that my books are getting out there into the world for children to enjoy.
Certainly lessons have been learned and next year's UK Southern Book Show is already in the works, scheduled for May.
Meeting those children certainly brought home to me how difficult it is to sell to the age group I have chosen. If I were writing YA, teenagers have more access to money and the internet. But I picked pre-teens, who still rely on parents or grandparents to approve and provide. So not only do I have to interest the children, I have to persuade today's cash-strapped parents to part with precious pounds.
I am beginning to offer author talks in schools and I am happy to do workshops (actually, I love that). I enjoy going to writing courses myself still, despite writing every day. It's amazing how many different viewpoints a class can find from one small subject. It's imagination in action, totally my thing.
So that's where I am at the moment. Trying to get my books out there in subtle ways. You may see me at a library or scout pack near you or hopefully at a school, doing a workshop. I am hoping my books will pop up at you on Amazon and you may even see my videos on You Tube. All this, of course while working on Book 3!
Plus I have the joy of the Hursley Park Book Fair coming up in June near Winchester. I am resisting the urge to rush Book 3 through for that. I don't think I could handle the stress.
So in the meantime, enjoy your Easter and revel in your chocolate hangover.