This past Saturday, a library up the street from me was having a local author meet & greet that my husband alerted me to. So Michelle and I hightailed it up there bright and early to browse around and talk to them. This was an opportunity not only to see what kind of stories they’d written, but maybe network with a few. Turns out there’s 2 writing groups in the area: one where they meet, read each other’s work, and give critiques; and another where they address “Okay, you’ve written something. Now what?” (In other words, the marketing of it all.)

All in all, it was a worthy couple hours. First, I hadn’t been to that library yet, and it was nice to have a quick look around. And second, two of the authors there felt really like my kind of people, and I look forward to purchasing their work (and hopefully seeing them again!). One of them even called herself my author aunty, and I kind of love that. I also was given information on a small publishing company that you don’t have to pay up front in order to publish with them, and was told of a brand new local bookstore that does local author book consignments.

I think the best thing to come out of it was a confidence boost. I saw how many local authors there are (just the ones that decided to participate in the event, at least), learned how long it takes them from idea to traditional publishing vs. idea to self publishing, and realized that many of them didn’t start publishing until retirement. I’m already a little ahead of the game, and have so many stories planned out in my head that (as long as I get them out) I should feel a sense of accomplishment.

Lastly, I just learned of a book festival in the area taking place in May. I’m looking forward to checking it out, but I can’t afford to participate just yet. Hopefully, I can next year. I think I’m doing okay.

-K