Making The Best Of It

 One of the many fallouts of the pandemic is the momentary death of live book festivals. Along with other large conferences, these events if held would be nothing short of irresponsible super-spreader events. The local festival in Waukesha, the Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books went virtual last November in an attempt to keep some semblance of a conference. Others have followed suit including the Twin Cities Book Festival in October. 

I didn't realize how much I missed the interactions and networking I have at these events until I didn't have them. I miss presenting at them, I miss talking to my peers and I miss talking to readers. 



Nevertheless, I still need to pursue the promotion and marketing of my books, particularly my newest, Cretin Boy. This means searching far and wide for venues to get it out there. 

One of the better ones I've found is the Deep Valley Book Festival held in the Mankato area of Minnesota. They are typically in-person, but because of COVID are hosting a two-day virtual festival in March. I was invited to speak on two different panels.

I will be a part of this festival as a panelist on two different topics, one on how writers connect with their readers, and another on Guilty Pleasure Reading. For more on the schedule, click here. 

Additionally, as an author with a new book, I will have a 5 minute "new author" video spot and I have a spot on their website. 

It is my hope that this festival will get my books in front of Minnesota readers, as that is where they all take place. No one ever knows the exact ROI or benefits of these festivals, but I do know that they are a must to get the word out. 

So, for now, this will have to do. I'm looking forward to it and am just happy to be a part of it.

Blogging off...

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