Hey Weirdos!
Don’t worry, I use that term affectionately, being a weirdo myself. This is our safe space.
Okay, here’s what’s on the docket:
Table of Contents
Bummer at the Book Festival
I had an unfortunate experience last weekend at a book festival. It started with a two hour drive in a 20 year old Toyota Corolla with no air conditioning. And that’s not even the bummer part. (Ha!)
That’s not my Corolla, but it’s about the same condition, haha. With the windows down and earbuds in it wasn’t so bad. As in, it was bearable.
Before the show I needed to get a new popup tent and tablecloth. In total, with the cost of everything (a booth spot, gas, booth materials, a book donation for the winner of the bingo game—more on that in a minute) it all came to about $200. The last few shows I’ve done, $200 was the average amount I made. So I thought, Hey, if I do okay at this, worst case scenario I’ll break even on everything I put into getting there.
I did not do okay
I sold 2 books. In 7 hours.
Why? I’d guess it was the aforementioned bingo game. Attendees of the fair were encouraged to grab a bingo card that had the attending authors’ names on them, one in each square of the card. If they filled out the bingo card, they’d be entered to win the big prize: one book from each author in attendance.
With the possibility of winning a book from every author, the folks who came through were discouraged from buying books on the chance they might win them for free. I’m not mad at the organizers. Not at all. I’m more upset with myself for not seeing that red flag before I paid $75 to lock down a spot. Just on that I lost 35 bucks. But that’s on me. And also a known risk that comes with the territory; not every show is going to be a success. No ill will towards the people who put it together whatsoever. I’m sure some of the other authors fared better. And I really should emphasize that the organizers were really nice, and I wish them well personally and professionally. Just probably won’t do it again.
It was the first event in that space for them, so we’ll see if and how they adjust and cross those bridges yadda yadda yadda.
On a fun note:
Help Me Help Ryan Trahan Help Kids at St. Jude
Ryan Trahan is, collectively, my and my son’s favorite YouTuber. Along with his wife, Haley Pham, Ryan is currently doing a 50 States in 50 Days challenge. As he goes, he’s raising money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. He’s already raised almost 3 MILLION dollars, and he’s only about halfway through at the time I’m writing this.
I say all that to say this:
For the next two weeks, I’ll donate $5 from every book sale that comes through my website to this cause. And I’ll match up to $100 (that’s 20 sales) of my personal funds.
Okay, I was gonna donate that anyway. But with your help we can boost that number.
Or you can make your own to donation to Ryan’s St. Jude fundraiser. Either way, yay for St. Jude. If you don’t know about St. Jude Children’s Hospital, here’s the Readers Digest version of what they’re about:
They research and treat child cancer and the families never receive a bill. That’s amazing, and hopefully nudges you to support the cause. Whether its through my books or directly to the fundraiser.
Moving Forward
Over it
I’m over the bummer stuff. Comes with the territory, and now I know. And knowing, as my generation was told, is half the battle. (Go Joe!)
I’m really hoping to make some sales the next few weeks and share my profits with St. Jude’s. I hope you’ll consider buying a book from me, or donating directly to the source. You rock. Hard. Like…hawrd.
Catch Me at GalaxyCon Raleigh (NC)
It’s the original GC spot. It is the biggest one, by far. 4 days of Nerd Heaven!
If you’re in the area, I’d love to see you. (Especially if you dress up!) Click here for the official event website.
That’s All I Got
As usual, thank you for checking in on me. I appreciate truly your support.
-CT
Christopher Tallon is the author of the dark, adventurous novels Switchers and Sleepwalker Angel. Find out more by visiting www.christophertallon.com