Last day of the state fair.

While we haven't even paid expenses to be at the state fair, we have met many interesting people. I have loved networking and talking to authors and artists. And while I don't recommend the state fair to children's book writers with only a few books, authors who write for older audiences and authors with eight plus books who rented larger spaces seem to be breaking even here. Again this is a wonderful place for readers and networking. It's our last day come see us.

next projects

Being surrounded by writers sure makes you anxious to work on that next project. Anyone who is in a slump with their writing should sign up to be at the authors table at the state fair. I have a million ideas for my books running through my head. I have also been told about a few book fairs that are coming up. This gives me motivation to try to finish one more project before the next show. I know there is a book festival in Florence on Oct. 1rst.

Oregon State Fair Authors Table

This blog is supposed to be about writing, illustrating, and how to market what we do. I was very flattered to be invited and get accepted at the Oregon State Fairs authors table. It is an eleven day event for Oregon writers. We sit at a shared table for long hours, ten in the morning to nine or ten at night.Is it worth it? For me the answer is no. I market to the under five crowd and there are only a few sales in a day. Most days I have sold only one book in a twelve hour shift. Some of this could be blamed on the economy,or my writing ability, but authors who have been here for years set their goals at five books a day.This does not cover expenses. It is fun to talk to the public, and to network with other writers,but this is not an effective way to sell books. While a few authors may get asked to speaking events, there may be better ways to get the word out about your availability. The authors table is a great place for readers! Come by and talk to the writer to get signed copies.Writers who have several books out, for older markets seem to do the best. I do better at the Florence Saturday Market. I am in Salem for two more days, come visit the authors table, or I may not have the gas to get home.