Authoring & Other Ventures

Overpriced parking and people dressed as anything under the sun (especially if it includes a corset). Also, Captain America and a number of his high-profile associates. Sounds like a really crazy dream, you might say. I say, Welcome to Comic Con!

I'm lucky to have a friend who volunteers at Comic Con, so I get the inside scoop (and free passes!). I've been to my share of these events. The difference is, I've always gone in the guise of fangirling, never as an author. And certainly not with other authors. 

Chilling behind a table and/or enticing potential readers to pick up your book isn't my usual Comic Con experience. (My usual experience included more hysterical yoo-hooing.) That being said, there's nothing cooler than chatting up Maleficent, finding out she loves fairytale retellings (in retrospect, I should've seen that coming), and passing along a signed copy of Becoming Beauty to her. Yep, I've officially hit the big time!

My marketing guru friend Raylynn Sleight always says that marketing plans need to feature a blend of traditional (i.e. face-to-face, feet-hit-the-pavement, real-life marketing) and social media marketing. In my experience, keeping a balance between the two keeps sales regular and author events fresh and exciting. (Plus sometimes you get to wear really cool tees!)

Really, is there anything cooler than engaging in tete-a-tetes with new readers? I'm going with No. Also, Comic Con is a brilliant place for character studies. Where else will you find lowered inhibitions, people playing out their deepest fantasies, and girls wearing fishnets as pants? Nowhere, man. At least nowhere I'd want to go.

For more on my adventures at Comic Con, follow the links embedded above! I promise to only fangirl a little...

The Fandoms

When I plunged into the cyber world, I wasn't sure what to expect. What kind of freaks inhabited such a place? What kind of emotionally abused shut-in preferred a virtual life to an actual one?

I was unprepared for the rare collection of individuals I would encounter. 

Yes, there were the weirdo stalker types who read my profile and found me a little too interesting, those who only saw me as a big dollar sign (because kindergarten teachers are known for their vast reserves?), and of course there were the lonelies who just wanted to talk and/or vent about their crappy, crappy lives to anyone who would listen. By far, the largest group I've encountered were good people who are in the business of sharing, helping others, and making personal connections. These are the wonderful souls keep me going with kind words of encouragement and fabulous advice.

But, hold the phone! I forgot to mention the group that makes me feel the most at home: The Fandoms. 

Because only rubbing elbows with those who are equally obsessed with books, movies, starlets, fanfic, quirky TV shows, and fairytale madness could bring out the geek girl in me. And I love it! I think we can learn a little something special from each one.

The Sherlockians: Talk about dedication! They wait years for a measly THREE episodes. Granted it's three episodes of awesomeness featuring the best actors ever, but that's neither here nor there. (Cumberbaaaaaaaatch!!!!!!!)

The Whovians: Doo-wee-dooooo! Please don't ask them to explain the show. Terms like time vortex, TARDIS, timey-wimey, and regeneration will pop into the conversation willy nilly. They are certifiably nutty, but they are the coolest, most accepting, tightest group of crazies you'll ever meet.  Allonsy!

The Potterheads: Magic wands, invisibility capes, wizards & witches. Let's throw in some amazing storytelling and movie-making that empower young people. And now there's Pottermore to keep things alive. Just awesome. (Yep, I'm still waiting for my Hogwarts letter...)

The Psych-os: The fandom's name says it all. Those who appreciate the antics of a fake psychic detective and his pharmaceutical salesman sidekick are a little special themselves. That won't stop us from laughing. Or fist bumping. Who wouldn't feel that their life isn't worthwhile after a bout of the Psych-induced giggles?

News Flash: I know so much about them because I'm a member of all four fandoms. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Fangirl and proud! 

And yes, I can rock Geek Chic!

I'd love to hear about your (possibly embarrasing) fandom affiliations and/or obsessions. Belonging to something passionate, interesting, and a little bit nutso is quite freeing. Leave me a comment and tell me all the geekiness.