Writer's Journey - Looking Forward to Balticon

Part of the less than glamorous side of a writer’s journey is selling one’s own books. Some writers are amazing at it. Sometimes surprised at how good they are. I’m delighted for the authors I see at book fairs and con selling every book they have.

I’ve had tables at book fairs and sci fi/fantasy conventions over the years, and before the pandemic had been pulling back on having a table at conventions. There are time being able to attend sessions more freely. Sometimes sales can be great or times, particularly when attendance at a con is low, or the weather is bad at an outdoor fair, not so great.

Now that in-person cons are mostly back rather than entirely virtual, I’ve been waiting for a time to have a table again. Balticon over Memorial Day Weekend is where I’m once more having a table and will be featuring a lot of my books that have come out since the pandemic.

Having a table gives an author a chance to meet potential new readers and fans. It gives me an opportunity to talk about the genre in general or writing with those who may want to get published one day themselves,

In other words, having a table in the Dealer’s Room at Balticon is living part of my writer’s journey — an opportunity to meet with those who like the genres I love and learning better how to market my books through the experience. And, understanding one’s market is an important ingredient in writing what people would like to buy.

There’s also another benefit. I’m not alone in the Dealer’s Room. There are other authors to talk to and network with at the other tables during quieter moments — because there are quiet moments when a lot of people are at panels or other activities. On the flip side, I’m going to be on a number of those panels, and many of those who attend the panels I’m on will come up to me at my table. They’ll ask questions, comment about what I spoke about, and hopefully will choose to buy one of my books.

That said, for those looking for free stories, my novella, Apocalypse Knot, is featured in Award-winning Author Celebrates His Book’s Anniversary.

My novella, Dragon’s Curse, a prequel to the Highmage’s Plight and Hands of the Highmage Series, is featured in Cosmic Destiny: Fantasy & Science Fiction Featuring BIG Characters and Cool Things.

My novella, Last Knight, prequel to Knight of the Broken Table, is featured in Worlds of Wonder.

Highmage’s Plight, book one of the seven book series, is featured in the sale promo Stranger in a Strange Land. If you participate in Kindle Unlimited, you can pick up the entire series for free.

Dare to Believe,

D.H.