Geofest fun

Upon returning from Geofest, I decided to take a nap. That nap time turned into a full night's sleep (at least 8-12 hours, give or take an hour to get up and go to the restroom or readjust my position). I think part of the sleep time was being tired from not sleeping well Friday night and partly due to depression (depressed at how the event went for me).

As events go, this was definitely not one of my better ones but it's all good. Bookmarks were put in several folks' hands and some new contacts were made. No sales this go round. I did something different yesterday - just because I didn't feel like sitting in the room and not having something to do. One of the vendors in the room had a presentation right before lunch, and since it was an area of interest to me and my books in particular, I decided to go sit in on the workshop. I enjoyed it very much and actually walked away with some useful information for my upcoming presentation for teachers at the SCISA teachers' conference in November. The presenter is also a teacher and uses "foldables" in her class all the time. I'm taking the foldable idea and using it as part of my presentation to teachers.

After lunch, I sat in another workshop, put on by sisters, both of whom are teachers, called Fun With Geography - and it was really about keeping the classroom interactive when it comes to geography. Things like "Mystery Cruise" and 20 Questions and "Where Am I?" were introduced and attendees actually participated in the activities.

I'm thinking I need some new signage to show what I'm about but not really sure what it is I need. Sales need to really pick up dramatically for me to continue with the series. I am still hearing the same comments - "that's a great idea" and "wish someone had done something like this when I was growing up" and others on the same lines but they aren't buying books. I've lowered prices for in-person events and yet books aren't selling that well. At this point, I'm open to ideas from my readers to change up something, anything, that will really get folks interested in buying books for classrooms or schools. Any and all suggestions are welcome in the comments section. So what are some of the ideas you all have out there that I can try to implement and change things up a bit? - Mrs. E & the JGDS

SC Book Festival Day 1

I'd like to say we sold out - lol but of course that would be pipe dreams. Realistically, I sold three books (one Trockle, one Lemur Troops and one of State of Quarries with an accompanying study guide to a homeschooler - that because of the make your own chalk eperiment). Shelley, author of Radium Halos, who is splitting a booth with me, had a pretty decent day. If she does this well tomorrow, her costs are almost fully covered - boothwise (she sold seven copies of her book today).

Here are a couple of pictures of the setup of the two tables:





I will try to post more tomorrow of other people I know there - and hopefully will report a better day - until then - see you all in the postings - Mrs. E & the JGDS :)

Book festival bound

If any of you have followed my other blog - http://elysabethsstories.blogspot.com over the past few years, you will know that I have been a volunteer at the SC Book Festival for several years. I've also had several wacky experiences with hotels over the years. This year I'm going in the capacity of an author representing 4RV as an exhibitor. All of 4RV books published to date will be available for purchase, including the newly released "Guardian" by Katie Hines (who will be making her first appearance for book signings tomorrow afternoon about 1 p.m.) and State of Wilderness and State of Quarries. I'm anxiously awaiting State of Reservations to be added to the list of books available, but am trying to be patient.

I'll try to post some updates over the weekend (pictures will be taken and hopefully posted at some point). Have a great one and see you all in the postings - Mrs. E :)

Book Festivals and good books

This weekend, the JGDS is taking a break to attend, or at least volunteer, the SC Book Festival. This is our creator's fourth year doing this festival and she loves it. If you like good books and fun stuff or meeting authors, having them sign your books or just walking around and checking out what all is out there and you happen to be in the Columbia, SC, area, then come by the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and meet folks like Mary Alice Monroe, Cathy Pickens or Gwen Hunter. If you look hard enough, you might even see our creator in one of those red volunteer T-shirts. Be sure to stop by and say hello to her. She will be a room monitor part of the weekend and a greeter the rest (she really does love that greeting position because she meets so many interesting people coming through the doors).

Check it out as there is even a kids' area this year with arts and crafts and readings by children's authors. For more info, go to the Book Festival's website, www.scbookfestival.org, and check out the schedule or who all will be an exhibitor - see you in the postings - and have fun - find a good book to curl up with.