Daniel Dickinson, Author, Adventurer

Last blog post I gave a huge shout out to my friends and family for their support. Today, let’s take a look how my first Book Expo went. Dive into the nitty gritty. First, thank you to all those who donated to get the last few resources I needed. It was VERY much appreciated. I can not thank you enough. Sales were better than expected, especially for my first in-person book event. Holly's (I Made A Thing) had made bookmarks and stickers, both were big hits to hand out. Second, but not least is my hype man, Kathy. She brought people into the tent, talked to them, got them to ask questions about the books, and handed out goodies. It was a good time. A lot of work, but fun. We made some connections, had people ask about eBooks, and took my information with the intent of buying on Kindle. So, there were some meaningful conversations. My name was put out there, and I feel it wasn't for nothing, as I'll mention in a second below. We learned a great deal about the next time. And I did have one person even compliment me on standing in front of the table and greeting them as they walked by, rather than hiding behind the table. So, I feel like I did something right at least. I'd like to find an event in Nov and Dec, and maybe even Jan to go to. With that Facebook group, someone previously mentioned, I may be able to find something. I know I'll be part of the Arizona Authors Association Tucson Book Fest in March, which I know will happen one way or another. Any events before that though.

This event was small, I would estimate about 100-200 people showed up, and because of that, I'd say we talked to about 30-40 people. And for those really interested, we sold 2 Aggression Factors. Which was in my inventory only thanks to everyone who donated. Again, thank you. I can't say that enough. We knew there wouldn't be any gain here, this was all about putting myself out there, getting some conversation going, and hopefully making an impression. I feel we accomplished that. Kathy helped in that a great deal, keeping people engaged until either I was done talking to those I had greeted, or she had a question.

I learned that there definitely needs to be some kind of "grab them as they go by" type of thing... We didn't see too many pass us by without stopping, but there were enough that in a bigger setting, or event, it definitely may be a missed opportunity. Kathy joked about bringing Jewels next time to bring people in and get them talking. Another thing I think happened, in regard to the two fantasy books (Ember of War and Gathering Tide), we were mentioning that they were prequels to novels I have coming out soon. I'm almost certain people were not interested in them, because they KNEW there was a larger series they'd be missing out on. Or would have to wait for. I may have to figure out how to get my novels edited faster, so I can start getting them out.

Again, thank you to everyone who helped. We're not done though, and I still have a box of books to sell. The next hurdle is finding a place to set up and sell books. I’m looking at a few!

My wife and I had discussed a plan, for the future of my writing and getting things out there. However, life, as it always does, keeps tossing up roadblocks. The way forward was less and less likely, and then my friends (and family) showed up in a big way.

Early September I thought I had gotten all of the business license paperwork in place. We were just waiting for the state to return the paperwork with a “congrats, here’s your business name”. However, I messed up the application, delaying it by several weeks. I figured, welp, that’s it, not going to sell books in person come October’s Desert Foothills Book Festival. Then other things came up, that like everything else, were unavoidable. These later issues depleted the earmarked funds I’d need to buy inventory for selling books in person. As well as other stuff, like a credit card reader. While I was sad I wouldn’t get to sell anything in person during this event, it was more or less my fault that delayed the paperwork, so I had no one to be mad at. Further, since we wouldn’t have had the money after life got in the way, it didn’t matter.

But then I got the paperwork back from the state, and TigerEye Press was born. From there, it took me all of a week to get all the rest of the paperwork I’d need: state tax license, IRS registration, etc. There was red tape and more red tape. So, when I was sitting here with all this completed paperwork, I was back to being frustrated because now, with life rearing its ugly head into our business, the funds were not available.

I debated for a while, on what to do. If you know me, you know I hate asking for help or even worse, money. There is a very deep reason I don’t do this, one that I won’t get to here. However, that said, I swallowed my pride and asked for help, hat in hand. I figured, $150 wasn’t much to ask for. It would get the books I needed, and the credit card reader I’d need to take payments while at the event. The credit Card reader was taken care of by my wonderful stepdaughter, she’s been SUPER helpful. She was even printing off all the stickers and bookmarks for the event. She’s been amazing.

My friends came through in spades. And really, I got emotional. Just ask my wonderful wife.

This dream to sell books, and write great stories that, I at least HOPE, people will enjoy… Has been around since I was ten. While in my opinion I don’t believe I’m where I’d like to be (I still have at least one, if not more novels to get to the world), I’m getting closer. One of those things is finding an audience, and to do that, I feel the best option is to get out there in front of everyone and tell them about my books. My friends gave me the ability to do that. They’ve even straight up said, they believe in me. And to hear that has done more than anything else. I can do this.

Thank you all for the love and support. Every bit of support helps me move forward and helps me reach the next goal.