Good day, my friends!
Well, the season of Fall is now upon us for the third full day now. There is a chill in the air, and the trees are turning their beautiful and festive colors.

This year, I am in a more joyful mood than I usually am this time of year. I usually dread this time of year because it means hard times with CFS/FM are coming with the debilitating fatigue and the excruciating pain, which, I have had a lot of lately. Then again, this is the time for opportunities, such as the local Author Fair at my hometown library on October 6th. I look forward to it more than ever now because CFS is beginning to get more recognition and social support.

In previous years, people would simply walk past my table, glance at the table, look back at me, and snicker; it was a sure sign they didn’t believe it was a real illness. I actually had some rude woman walk up to me, point at me, and say,” Oh! You actually have this, huh?” Umm…really, lady? Would you say that if this was a book on cancer, I thought to myself. Since I wanted to be invited back to the fair the following year, I had to refrain from climbing over the table at her, lol. I simply answered in a polite but firm and a no nonsense manner, yes, I did, and it is real no matter what people think. In the past few years however, people stop not only to look at the title, but to ask questions and state they have heard of it and how it must be a real problem. This gives me a chance to educate them on the latest research which has been done and by whom. I have sold more copies the past few years as well. Yessss!!!

Not only do I reach more people through the fair, but it is social for me as well. It gets me out of the house for a couple of hours, plus I make connections. It’s a great networking opportunity as well as an opportunity to spread the word about the reality of CFS. I, in turn, help others spread the word about their books. It gives me a boost either way.

Plus, the Holidays are coming, and it is a more joyful and benevolent time of year, which creates opportunities for me to create book giveaways. I don’t make money on that, but it piques interest and helps to educate and let those who suffer know they are not alone. It gives me a chance to inspire and offer hope! It doesn’t get much better than that!

Well, that’s about all for now. The link to the fair is below. Have a wonderful week, everybody!

Beckie
https://www.gailborden.info/authors

battlecfs.wordpress.com

youtube.com/watch?v=Y0aEcnleBOE

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