Tyrean Martinson

Monday, October 11, 2021

Notes from A Restaurant Author Table and the Grit City Comic Show

Last week, I had an author table at a local restaurant and at the one-day Grit City Comic Show.

Both of these events were first-time events for me.

AT THE RESTAURANT AUTHOR TABLE

The author table is an ongoing table at BBQ2U, a local restaurant whose owner supports local authors and artists by giving them space inside his restaurant to show off and sell their wares. He also raises money for various community groups, schools, and Backpacks 4 Kids, a feeding program for school kids in the area. If you are ever in Gig Harbor, Washington, I highly recommend going to BBQ2U for some really good grub and to support the generous-hearted business owner and the community.

What I expected: honestly, I didn't have super high expectations because I've had some really tough times selling books at author tables at book fairs, bookstores, and other community venues. I get nervous and my nervous laugh sometimes comes out and scares people away.

What happened: the owner, the entire work crew, and a couple of authors from The Greater Gig Harbor Literary Society all ensured I felt welcomed, cared for, and supported. They encouraged me and helped me in every way they could. The BBQ crew told customers about my books when I wasn't at the table.

The customers, well, some were super supportive and came by to either talk and buy a book, or at least chat about books, writing, and the authors of Gig Harbor. Some didn't approach but said hello and were friendly. And some ducked their heads and moved by quickly, but I get that. Honestly, I don't always stop at tables where someone is selling something either, so overall, it was a good experience.

Books sold: 10 in six days of sitting at the table.

No, this isn't a huge number, but again, honestly, I have had some really bad events where I sold 0 books so I count all 10 sales as a huge gain. Plus, I have some hope those who came and "looked" might buy a book later or stop by again. You see, the restaurant keeps a shelf of all the authors who have been there, and the books are on sale all the time. I sold two books for another author while I was there because the people I was talking to didn't read fantasy or sci-fi, so they bought historical fiction.

The owner invited me to come back in November or December to try and get some Christmas sales, and also told me the summer months are actually the best months. So, I will go back again and try again. I also appreciate the invite!

The author table at BBQ2U in Gig Harbor, Washington

AT THE GRIT CITY COMIC SHOW
At the Grit City Comic Show, I had a vendor table between a used book and comic book vendor and a huge empty space because two vendors who were supposed to be there didn't come. I wasn't as prepared as I should have been and my husband did a super-heroic job of finding me have a better table cloth (mine was too small).

My husband cleaned out some of his tool boxes and we used them to create an easily moveable kit for my table.

My table before my husband aka superhero searched for, found, and brought back a length of black cloth to use as a long enough table cloth.

Note: I had no backdrop and that's something I will change for next time.

The empty space next to me was a bit of a problem because people were often walking quickly by it, or looking across the aisle at other stuff.

The used book and comic book place next to me actually brought me a little business and the sellers there were friendly and kind. You can see part of their display, which wasn't finish when I took this photo, in my background.

I met three other authors, had a conversation with one and we bought each other's books, and had a good time meeting a handful of other vendors who, again, were friendly, interesting, and fun to talk to.

One thing I loved about my location is that I was near a free gaming table area hosted by Alexandria LitRPG Library at Grit City Comic Show.

Game area across from me.

The cool cosplayers were out!

Sales total: 6 books in 1 day.

Would I have liked to sell more? Yes. But all guests and vendors had to have vaccination cards or proof of a negative test to enter. I think this may have driven the crowd numbers lower.

My only, major negative for the day was the cacophony echoing off the convention center walls and ceiling all day. This is not something I think the show organizers can really do anything about. It's the nature of indoor conventions in large spaces.

I have Meniere's disease and my ears both ring in an annoying way sometimes, and I can be a little hypersensitive to sound. For example: right now I can hear my laptop fan, the fan on my husbands' PC downstairs), my dog's snores, and the dishwasher in the other room and I'm thinking about putting on my headphones to cancel out some of the sound.

So, I have thought of three solutions to that problem for the future:

1. Take more outside breaks throughout the day so I can get away from the sound.

2. Bring noise canceling headphones and wear them for short breaks.

3. Have cloth backdrops for my booth/table area for both a better presentation and sound canceling.

I am also considering the possibility of having a sign that somehow states I have some hearing sensitivity and issues. I want to be there and I want to be friendly, but I know I need to take some breaks.

And, the best idea I have for making future cons and tables far, far better: I need to bring a buddy, or two or three.

Does anyone want to share an author table with me in the nearish future - like 2022?

Let me know. I live in the Pacific Northwest region of the US, so anywhere between Bellingham, WA in the North and Eugene, OR in the South and between Bremerton, WA in the West and Boise, Idaho in the East would be good.

Next time, I also know I would like to:

Have 1-3 table runners.
Have 1-2 cloth backdrops with either signage or soothing images. The table across from me had a forest scene cloth backdrop for one side and the back of their booth area. It was really nice to glance at in a soothing kind of way.
Make and bring some "small" items to sell like jewelry (the Rayatana symbol necklace) and possibly some design/art work I've made on Canva or with my photos and poetry combined. I saw some really cool examples of this.

So, if you've done author tables, what else would you do or bring? Thoughts?

THE NEXUS MOVEABLE BOOK PARTY IS PARTYING ON THIS WEEK WITH THE FOLLOWING POSTS:

10/11 Moveable Book Party Continues!

Guest Post on Pan-Galatic Gargle Blasters at Patricia Josephine's Blog

The Role of Food and Beverage in Fiction Writing, Part 1 at Chrys Fey's Blog

10/12 Moveable Book Party Continues

The Role of Food and Beverage in Fiction Writing, Part 2 at H.R. Sinclair's Blog

10/13 Moveable Book Party Continues!

The Role of Food in Fiction Writing, Part 3 at MJ Fifield's Blog

Two New Books at C. Lee McKenzie's Blog.

10/18 Moveable Book Party Continues

Fave Food and Beverage in Science Fiction with Jemi Fraser

Amaya is supposed to bring peace to the galaxy. Which is tough when she’s being held for crimes against the Neutral Zone. Her imprisonment is on her own ship with her own crew. But close quarters create tension.

Honestly, her role as Rayatana is a mess.

She may never get to use her powers for anything good. Not if her teacher continues to keep secrets, and not if her powers keep harming others. Putting her mother in a coma should put her in prison, but she has a mission. She wants to bring peace to her people. She needs to become the Rayatana.

Nexus: The Rayatana Book 2 is available all online, retail, and e-book platforms. Published by Tyrean Martinson with Wings of Light Publishing, LLC. Young Adult - Science Fiction/Adventure/Sweet Romance. ISBN for Kindle: 978-1-7357695-5-4,ISBN for Paperback: 978-1-7357695-6-1, and ISBN for EPub: 978-1-7357695-7-8.

Book Links:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BMHPQ1X

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09BMHPQ1X

Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09BMHPQ1X

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09BMHPQ1X

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1105272

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/nexus-the-rayatana-book-2/id1586906824

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/nexus-the-rayatana-book-2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4248677708

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/nexus-the-rayatana-series-book-2-by-tyrean-martinson

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

IWSG, the Cling to God Cover Reveal, and the Nexus Book Party Continues!

IWSG

Many thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh and the awesome co-hosts for the October 6 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pitt, J Lenni Dorner, Cathrina Constantine, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Mary Aalgaard!

October 6 question - In your writing, where do you draw the line, with either topics or language?

I will read nearly everything, but when I write I tone down both my language and my romance level for my readers who are primarily young adults. As a tutor and teacher, I have had many students read my blog and read my work. Because of this, I used to be hesitant about hosting book promos for certain types of romance, but I have fewer students these days so I am loosening up a bit on that.

I never mean to write gory violence, but I do write action-violence in my books - fistfights, spaceship battles, laser beam weapons, etc. I try to keep it PG to PG-13.

NEWS

Cling to God Cover Reveal

Cling to God: 365-Day Devotional

Link for ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HBMG3L8

Take advantage of the pre-order and pick up your ebook for only $2.99 The price will go up after launch.

Or, if you’d like to join my review team, I’ll send you a free copy. Just leave your email in the comments.

Blurb:
365 days of inspiration and Bible wisdom to lighten your heart.

365 devotions to bring you peace in uncertain times.

365 ways to Cling to God.

This special book is a year-long journey with inspirational messages and uplifting scripture. It includes short Bible-based teachings that will encourage and refresh. It is faith building and thought provoking with reassuring reminders of God’s love.

A great companion for individual worship or for group Bible study.

The perfect gift book or personal keepsake that will be cherished for years to come.

Start each morning with Cling to God to brighten your day and draw closer to God.

Author Bio:

Lynda R. Young accepted Jesus into her life in her early teens and has been active in her faith ever since. She has written multiple Christian articles and other inspirational non-fiction, given Bible-based talks, and is always looking for other ways to encourage and uplift. She is also an author of fantasy novels, an editor, game developer, artist, and dabbles in photography and all things creative. She lives in Australia with her sweetheart of a husband. You can find her here: Blog, Twitter, Goodreads

http://lyndaryoung.blogspot.com.au
https://twitter.com/LyndaRYoung

I highly recommend Cling to God - I read the original and I've been reading the current version as part of the review team! It's a great book for quiet devotions, and a great gift for people you love. (I'll have more of an official review when it comes out.)

The Nexus Book Party Continues!

Honestly, her role as Rayatana is a mess.

Book Links:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BMHPQ1X

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09BMHPQ1X

Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09BMHPQ1X

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09BMHPQ1X

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1105272

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/nexus-the-rayatana-book-2/id1586906824

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/nexus-the-rayatana-book-2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4248677708

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/nexus-the-rayatana-series-book-2-by-tyrean-martinson

10/6 Moveable Book Party Continues!

Guest Post on Romulan Ale at Alex J. Cavanaugh's Blog

A Guest Post About Klah from Dragonsinger on Lynda Young's Blog

Tara Tyler Shout-Out with Post about a Favorite Sci-Fi Writing Beverage

In-person Book Party at the author table at BBQ2U in Gig Harbor. 11-1, and 5-8.

10/7 In-person Book Party and Youtube

At the author table at BBQ2U in Gig Harbor, 11-1 and 5-8 with Sci-Fi Movie Trivia and Silly Swag at 7.

Youtube Video: Nexus Intro and First Chapter Reading

10/8 The Moveable Book Party Continues!

A Guest Post on Cathrina Constantine's Blog

In-person at BBQ2U's author table, 5:30-8. (Other hours may vary.)

10/9 In-person Book Party

At the author table at BBQ2U in Gig Harbor

Hours may vary on Saturday. Might be there at lunch. Definite times: 5:30-8.