So, the summer is over and we're driving into October. What does that mean for me? I'm going to try to write some books.

I've spent my summer months playing with my wife and kids. But the kids are getting much older and I'm more of an annoyance than anything. I've attended several events this year and I'm almost ready for a break. Why do I say almost? I really enjoy the events. I love talking about books and meeting new people. This summer was no exception.

Black Swan Renaissance Faire in August was an interesting event. I met some really nice people and sold a few books. I took this opportunity to streamline my sales tent and build upon my wooden book stand. I also ditched the idea of using a table. Screw that! I want chairs. Come into my tent and have a seat. Chat with me. If you wind up buying a book, EVEN BETTER!
I do need to decide if I will do this fair again next year or attend my town's Old Home Day where I hope sales will be better.

The Strafford Renaissance Faire, sadly, was a bust and I am not sure they will hold it again next year. But, even there I sold four books. I had planned on going to the event for both days but bailed on the second day. The woman that played the queen at the Strafford Renaissance Faire told me during the day that she wanted to buy a book but could not until the second day of the event. She didn't know I wasn't coming back. I gifted her a copy of The Soulweb before I left.
What did I learn at the Strafford RenFaire? I learned that I love my tent streamlined for conversation instead of sales.

I also attended the NH NEA conference in Early October. Now, I did not enjoy this event as a vendor. The teachers are really there to learn new things and connect with other teachers. As a vendor, I was standing in a hallway, lined up with people sharing information about insurance and field trips. I DID get to meet some GREAT people again and I sold eight more books.
But, I want to stress how much I got out of being at this event. I met someone from NH PBS that might be asking me to judge a creative writing contest this winter. Then, an idea struck me for a creative writing workshop that I could share with the teachers at the spring conference and, after that, maybe I might even start visiting schools to help run the workshop. Put me in a classroom and let me share my ideas.
I won't sell any books in the classroom but I can give away my bookmarks!

Anyway, now I'm writing again. I'm re-writing a science fiction story I wrote two years ago. I was never really happy with it and I'm excited to see it how it always should have been.

Does that mean I'm pushing away the sequels to The Soulweb? Ultimately, yes. BUT, once I get this science fiction out of my head the Soulweb Trilogy will be in full force.

Love all of you,
Steven