Getting ready for a #sci fi #Conference @SciFiValleyCon !

Since I'm getting ready for this fun event, I thought I'd share my checklist with you. This is what I bring to an event:

• Display - I get lots of compliments on my table, but sometimes I wonder if it's too much - the point is to sell books, not just look pretty... but it does catch their attention. For purely book events I bring less, but for this sci fi con, I'm going all out!
• Banner(s) - and for this event I'm bringing my photo props!
  
• Black Tablecloth
• Book stands or rack, depends on how much room I have.
• Candy dish, Card holder, Jewelry stands
• Figures - dragon, mermaid, etc, depending on room
• Newsletter signup clipboard
• Raffle bag - depends on the crowd
• Swag - Free stuff with my name & books on it. Hopefully they'll look at it one more time before they toss it... (so don't spend much money on this stuff unless it's useful!)

• Bookmarks - a staple, and I put one series on each side to save on cost
• Postcards - I use postcards to advertise future books or anthologies, and I don't print a ton, it doesn't hurt!
• Author cards - a must, connections are imperative!
• Candy - I attach stickers with my name/books when possible. Candy brings traffic to the table
• Pens - useful, have my name on them, not too expensive
• Magnets - new for this event, they were reasonable and they're useful!
• Bracelets, notepads - these are not free! But I display them to get attention and give them away with the books, helps seal the deal sometimes!
• Gift Bags - I put labels on gift bags for people to carry their purchases from me and I also offer bags if someone is heavy laden - free advertising!
• Me and My Books!
• What to wear - I'm always comfortable, but I do like to add a little flair...
• For bookfairs, I dress business casual, plus add a little glitter in the hair or extra eye makeup
• For Cons like this one, I'll be going dragon - with bigger eye makeup, wings, and possibly a tail if I get around to finishing it!
• the BOOKS!
• I inventory my supply early in case I have to order more
• I bring a box and a half of books, not too many but enough. I've never sold out, but I do sell more every time I go somewhere, so that's positive. This is a bigger event, but most folks are coming for the art, comics, and celebrities. I keep it reasonable and light.

Well, that gives you an idea of how I get ready for a book event. If you have any suggestions or questions - I'm all ears! I'd love to hear about an event you've done or are planning for.

I'm only bringing one extra box of books, not all of them!

Wish me luck!

The Fiat 500 Pop!

No kidding! A Pop car!

Visit Fiat to find out more

Before I get into my post, it's Veterans' Day here in the US.

THANK YOU, VETERANS & MILITARY!

Remember freedom isn't free.

An army is made

of individuals, who

sacrifice for us

 

 

It's also Monday, which means it's time to POP over to another stupendous host! Today I'm visiting with my favorite scientist, Dr. Faerie Godmother herself, Rena! I had the privilege of getting a peek at one of her MSs and it's awesome! Space Knights and Super Novas, action, adventure, suspense, and a tough, sassy main character! I loved it! I hope you have a chance to stop by her place and say hello.

 

And I settled on a location for my Detroit Book Signing on Nov 30 - if you live up that way, I'd love to greet you in person!

 

Did you get a lot done this lovely weekend? Isn't November great! Keep going NANO-ers!

Poppasan

You know, those comfy round chairs. I might have taken liberty with the spelling...

Happy, happy Monday!!
My oldest son had his first high school tryouts this weekend for basketball. I was biting my nails, crossing everything, and turning blue, holding my breath! I was going to report whether he made it or not. If he didn't make it, I was going to blame myself, passing on my short genes because he has been working his butt off!

I am so happy to report that he MADE THE TEAM!! I was crying before in anticipation, and crying after in relief. I empathize with his accomplishments and failures so much more than I ever did with my own. Being a parent is the hardest job on the planet, but also the most wonderful, if you do it right.

And to continue the good news:

• I got my application sent out for the Ohioana Book Festival in Columbus (in May 2014) I am so excited and hope that Julie Flanders and I get to see each other there!
• I am also finalizing my book signing in Detroit - November 30. If you live in the area, I hope you can stop by!

Lastly, I am psyched for you all to see my fun little Pop Travel cartoon. My PT blog tour goes kazaam! at Mark Mean's blog today. And since he's such a comic fan, I made one about Pop Travel for him. Hope you have a chance to stop by and see it.

Happy November!! Best month of the year! (And don't forget to post for the Insecure Writer's Support Group on Wednesday! Stop by the new blog for it and facebook page, too!)

Stop the presses! This just in! Over the summer I asked my talented teenage artist neighbor to read Broken Branch Falls and make some sketches, if she'd be interested in me submitting her work for illustrations... I just got her renditions and they are FANTASTIC!!! Some of you might have seen them on facebook already, but I had to share them here too. I'm so excited about them! She really captured the characters!

What are you up to this fine Fall?!

Poppin' Fresh!

Yeah, I got alotta POP jokes!

Today, I am celebrating BIG with Vikki, my super duper crit partner. (Hey Vikki, my goal is to get you a first look at Simulation in August. Writing keeps my mind off sales numbers!)

Anyhoo. My blog tour is doing terrific! Writer-bloggers are the best group of people on the planet! Give me an AMEN!

And I'm also excited to take Pop Travel on the road.
Here is the LIVE book tour schedule:

POP TRAVEL LIVE BOOK TOUR!

July 27, 2013 - Cincinnati - Book Launch Party!
October 12, 2013 - Cincinnati - Books by the Banks Book Expo (hopefully!)
November 15, 2013 - Orlando/Downtown Disney

November 29, 2013 - Detroit area (black Friday!)

March 25, 2014 - Atlanta

Summer 2014 - Dallas/Ft Worth

Dates after the launch party are rough and subject to change. Details coming soon.
If you live near these areas and would like to join me, email me! Let's talk!

PS - Look what my hub gave me to celebrate my first book - an iphone cover of it!