I, like all smart people, belong to a group that focuses on what it’s like to be a librarian. They trade tips on how they deal with library life, the constant threats from domestic terrorists who want this or that book ripped from the shelves, how to create family friendly events on a budget, and, most important to me, how and when to hold fantasy or science fiction conventions.
As I noted on the page yesterday, I haven’t done a “pay for table” sci-fi/fantasy convention in over a year. I’ve exclusively limited myself to libraries and private venues. While my gross take is less, my net is higher since I don’t have table fees, hotel costs, restaurant food, and so on. Also, library cons are full of dedicated readers. “Pay for table” cons have a lot of looky-loos who are just there to meet the celebrity guest.
Since my landlord won’t let me pay rent with celebrity selfies, not even one of Taylor Swift, this is not beneficial to me. My wife prefers them, too, since they tend to be less stressful and more fun.
If your library wants an oversized sci-fi writer based in Chicago who’s won a couple awards to grace your library’s basement, let me know. I’ve got three more cons booked until the end of the year and couldn’t be happier.
I’ve gotten a few leads out of that, so we shall see what we shall see.
This weekend, Hadithi Sambamba Comix will be getting some serious love at the New York Comic Con. Three issues of Legends Parallel and the debut issue of Bob: Sins of the Son will be prominently featured at the Vivid Panel booth. Vivid handles the distribution of numerous titles on the East Coast, and for the NYCC they want to feature the best of the best. It’s an honor to be chosen, and I know the atomic-powered sales bunnies at Vivid will do us proud.
If you read that again, you’ll see that our distributor paid for the table. We’re just along for the ride.
on October 26, I’ll bring my magic tushy to OPPLcon: A Celebration of Pop Culture. Located inside the Orland Park Public Library, this fest will feature a wide variety of artists and authors. Unlike me, this event is family-friendly. Since I’m one of the featured authors, and people can check out my website in advance, forewarned is forearmed.
This year marks the second anniversary of the Thornton Distillary Midwest Lit Fest sponsored by Rock Shop 60430. Last year’s event was a lot of fun. Not only was one of the vendor’s a fan of mine, don’t tell me – my head will swell, but another guy drove in specifically to buy the entire Brittle Riders trilogy. I would like to encourage more people to do that.
PS, just for giggles, I worked with VEED AI to see what a succubus would look like in full flight on her way to battle. While other companies fell pathetically short, one had hre using a parachute instead of wings, VEED knocked it out of the park. Check this out and prepare to be amazed.
Given that we have an amazing tone reel, I’m not sure we need to deep dive into AI for promo materials. But it’s nice to know the option is there
I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can, and thank you for your continued support.
