Happy Wednesday Scribblers, I hope you are all having a wonderful week. This past weekend I attended Clockwork Alchemy (click here to learn more) in San Mateo, CA. The con was an absolute ball, and I was thrilled to be part of three different panels as well as having space in the author alley. Today I thought I would share some of my thoughts and photos from the event and the panels I was on.
First off, a huge thank you to everyone at Clockwork Alchemy, especially B.J. Sikes (learn more here), for having me and ensuring everything was running smoothly for us authors.
Over the weekend, as I mentioned, I was on three different author panels. All three groups were well attended and facilitated terrific and meaningful conversation. The panels I took part in were:
Own Voice Story Telling
In this panel, we discussed the importance of celebrating, promoting, and encouraging Own Voice Creators. It’s important to remember that Own Voice Creators, are not there to gatekeep, but they are there to remind everyone of the importance of opening up the creative communities to all and not limiting story telling or creating to a small group of people who may not fully understand our diverse community members. We reminded everyone in the panel that representation matters. This panel was absolutely wonderful, and I learned a lot.
Book Marketing and PR
Where to start with this panel, there are so many factors to keep in mind for book marketing and PR. It’s hard to nail this topic down, but the important points from this discussion were to open up yourself to trying new avenues of promotion within the realm of what is cost effective for you. As with all marketing and promotion, what you can comfortably afford should always be front and center in your planning. Some basics are:
Have a Press Kit
Start a Website and Social Media platform
Have a newsletter (however this can be hit or miss, so use your judgement)
Start marketing yourself and your book(s) right away
Book Publishing
What didn’t we cover in this conversation? We chatted about the different types of publishing (indie, traditional, communal, highbred, etc.). Part of our conversation landed on does and don’t and things to avoid (watch out for snake oil salespersons). We offered suggestions on the craft of writing (editing, cover art, basics around starting your brand, and how to deal with unflattering reviews). My fellow panelist and I endeavor to be as encouraging and as straightforward as we could be, within the time allotted. We all agreed that we could have talked for hours on the subject. To end the discussion, we reminded our audience that they are all authors and to start thinking of themselves in that regard.
Also, I shared my YouTube channel with the audience, letting them know I have almost 40 videos posted there, all about writing tips and tricks for authors. All the information is free and available for everyone to view. If you’re interested, find the videos here.
Those were the panels I participated in, all topics that I believe I have a lot to offer my fellow authors. When I wasn’t at my panels, I was staged in the Author Alley meeting and greeting readers as well as chatting up my fellow writers. I had a wonderful time. I managed to get down to the Artists’ Bazaar and caught up with wonderful vendors I know. I may have made a few purchases as well.
For a hit of trivia, for those of you who have read any of my books (especially The Calling series, click here) there is a side character named Fredrick Bisset. Mr. Bisset is the owner of the Los Altos Beaux Vêtements. He is a lovely and wonderfully talented man who makes all his clients look amazing (no matter who they are or what they look like). In short, he’s fantastic. This weekend I was thrilled to chat with the man that this character is based on, Mr. Alan Jeffries, of Fine Gentlemen’s Apparel (find him here). After, perhaps, buying a few pieces, I told him about how he inspired Fredrick and how Fredrick pops up in some form in all my books. We had a good laugh, and he thanked me for the compliment. So, here’s to Mr. Alan Jeffries, the real-life Mr. Fredrick Bisset.
Well, there you go. Clockwork Alchemy was so much fun and a terrific time. I’m hoping to go back next year. In the meantime, if you’re in the area this weekend, April 27th at 5pm. I’ll be at Books on B, in Hayward, CA for the Hayward Lit Hop. It’s always a lot of fun, so I hope you can come out and join us. Until next time, have a great week.